The buildup to England’s Six Nations opener against Ireland is already underway, with Steve Borthwick naming his squad two days early, sparking the usual discussion about the contrast between the two teams. Ireland’s cohesion is often cited as the envy of the rugby world, while England’s squad, drawn from nine different clubs, is seen as still working to gel. The challenge is clear: Ireland, with their long-standing stability, present a formidable opponent, while England’s relative inexperience requires quick adaptation and bonding.
Maro Itoje, England’s newly appointed captain, has taken the initiative to encourage his teammates to open up and connect with one another. Borthwick emphasized the importance of getting to know each other during this short time together, highlighting the differences between England’s squad, which has not been together for long, and Ireland’s much more settled group.
To aid in building this cohesion, Borthwick has made a few key selections. Marcus Smith, who started the November Test against Japan, retains his position at fly-half, offering continuity in the backline. Alex Mitchell’s return was expected, while the inclusion of Luke Cowan-Dickie and Freddie Steward reflects injury concerns elsewhere. However, the most intriguing choices are the selections of Ben Curry and Cadan Murley.
Ben Curry’s inclusion alongside his twin brother in the back row is a strategic move to foster cohesion, as the two have an innate understanding of each other’s play. Murley’s selection is equally significant, as he is a close friend of Marcus Smith at Harlequins. Their off-field bond translates into a telepathic understanding on the field, a crucial asset for England, especially with Smith’s instinctive and sometimes unpredictable style of play. Murley’s ability to read Smith’s movements and anticipate his next move will be vital, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Murley spoke about their partnership, recalling how they would watch games together, analyzing plays and discussing tactics. Their deep understanding of each other’s play styles is something that could make a significant difference in the upcoming match against Ireland. Murley’s confidence in their connection is clear, and he believes that this synergy will help him contribute effectively to the team’s performance.
However, Borthwick’s bench selections have raised some questions. England’s defensive frailties were evident in the autumn, particularly in the final quarter of matches. Despite the issues with defensive consistency, Borthwick has opted not to include experienced players like George Ford or Elliot Daly, who have 172 Test caps between them, on the bench. This decision suggests that Borthwick is prioritizing development and experience for his younger players, even if that means taking some risks.
Borthwick acknowledged that the team’s lack of experience could be a challenge, but he remains optimistic about the potential for growth. He is aware of the formidable challenge posed by Ireland, a team with over 1,000 caps in total, but believes that the experiences gained from playing against such a strong opponent will be invaluable for England’s development.
Ultimately, Borthwick is focused on accelerating the learning process for his players, ensuring they gain the necessary experience to become stronger and more cohesive as a unit. While Ireland are favorites going into the match, England’s squad, though inexperienced, is one that Borthwick believes can grow and develop through these challenging encounters. The selection of players like Murley and Smith, with their strong off-field connection, could be key to England’s success in overcoming their rivals.
