A NEW ENGLAND? | BORTHWICK THE BOLD??! | SIX NATIONS 2025

[@mattlamy]

As the dad of 17-year-old identical twin flankers - who are not overly-big but high-tempo jackalers - I'm going to be living this match more than any England match ever before! Go on Curry boys!

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

WOW enjoy but not too much ☘

[@erhardtjoubert3455]

Bomb squad bench... I like it. I really think England are in with a sniff here. I can tell you one thing Tim, I've always watched a 6N game or 2 but never had any real excitement for a competition my country plays no part in. Your channel has motivated me to set some time asside this weekend to cheer for England. 🇿🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Swing low.

[@kev63inuk]

Hope England can do you proud my friend.

[@Jack-qv5ru]

It’s an incredible tournament hope you enjoy it!

[@DAGATHire]

since you don't have a dog in the fight so to speak, who are you supporting in the 6 ns

[@erhardtjoubert3455]

@@DAGATHire I love Wales... so I have a feeling Im going to be in for a rough ride. But I like Scotland as well, so will be supporting Scotland mostly but silently hoping Wales regain some form. But England winning at the Aviva kinda blows it open from the start...

[@MrAnamchara]

To me it’s a bomb squad if that front row coming off the bench can win the upper hand in the scrum . That big carrying back row won’t have the punch it promises otherwise . I think it’s a great step in the right direction. Thank you for your support of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 😊

[@kagishomokoena2120]

BOK fan here: I know England fans questioned the selection of Slade last time because of limited game time but i have to be honest he is one of my favourite England players when he is on song 🐊Looking forward to a great game!

[@DoddyIshamel]

I swear I saw this video last year. 😂

[@jharwood9795]

Hahaha English rugby has been in Groundhog day since 2021.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Hahaha. It's the hope that kills you!

[@DoddyIshamel]

@EggchasersRugby welcome to being Scottish

[@peacelove1854]

When they outplayed and beat Ireland?

[@DoddyIshamel]

@peacelove1854 would be weird to see a start of the six nations video at the end of the six nations so no.....

[@WilliamFrance-v3r]

Cadan Murley, I can tell you, is a very popular pick amongst the Quins fans. We're all over the moon for him. And personally, having been a Quins Season Ticket holder in my third year, having the pleasure to see some of his ridiculous finishes and moments has been some of my best memories.,That try against Saints in 2022 (also the two tries at Big Game 16 ;-) ), tries in big occasions like against Glasgow Warriors in our 2023 last 16 match, against Toulouse in the same year and countless other examples proves to me he's one to step up in Big Games. Hope he can fulfil that prophecy on Saturday

[@mpumelelo8590]

As a Bok fan, I’m happy for Mitchel. One of my favourite 9’s if not at the top. Very underrated in my opinion. His reading of the game and tactical kicking pinned us down at that Semifinal game and almost won England the game.

[@EdLo3]

100%, England with Mitchell in the team is so much more dangerous and is a game-breaker on his own.

[@darthmaul408]

When I saw the 23, the first thing I noticed was the bench. That could really give some impact. I think you’ve nailed this Tim.

[@stefangrossman382]

Agreed! Having Cunningham-South and Willis come in for the last 25-30 minutes in the back row should be massive.

[@darthmaul408]

@ it really could work. I hope it does. My only worry is that Borthwick has picked a team to try and stop Ireland playing and then gambling on overrunning them in the final 30 minutes.

[@adamgibbons210]

Also note Ireland's bench 😂

[@Tyson8887]

Absolutely love how you look at the team sheet and you give me a insight into how England might play and the game could pan out . Brilliant anylasis, keep them coming !! Definitely going to subscribe and like !!

[@henrybullock4514]

With Furbank out we lack another distributor in that backline. With Slade playing a lot of 10 for Exeter I really hope we see him step in at first receiver a lot more to help out Smith. Also if we can get Marcus playing out the back of Slade in wider positions then he can start implementing his game we so often see for Quins.

[@Daniboi971]

Another kicker you mean - Steve

[@BootsontheTable]

Like you i was excited about this team and like you felt my hopes growing. Then you shared the combined team... and I can't argue with you there!

[@Waldemar-10811]

Never thought the words 'bold selection' and Steve Borthwick would go hand in hand. A lot to be excited about but I do worry that the lack of carriers and go forward will hamper our attack until the bench comes on. I also would be very surprised if a dysfunctional midfield suddenly starts working just because it's been picked again (I do hope I'm wrong). Absolutely delighted for Murley.

[@hemley100]

Literally been waiting for this to drop since yesterday! 😅

[@ianeveratt7273]

I think this team and especially the potential from the bench is the best squad to have a chance against Ireland. I only hope if we lose we don't move away from this squad, it fills me with real hope.

[@marco-dn7kd]

Exciting group ! Even before its announcement I was optimistic for England as well considering the November games.

[@owenfarmer4197]

Like the look of it, like your interpretation. Lets see what happens Like you say we need six good teams in the six nations but I’d love England to be the best

[@patrickblanchard4575]

Malheureusement pour l'Angleterre, il commence le tournoi par l'Irlande!!. Bon courage!!!

[@DrugsBunny973]

Attention aux Anglais...ils sont capables de les taper!.🎉

[@gillessturbois8914]

@@DrugsBunny973et une victoire contre les irlandais pourrait lancer un tournoi très positif … et pourquoi pas une victoire … c’est peut être leur tournoi …

[@MontgomerySloan]

Nous rosbif avoir un faible lueur de espoir I wish I spoke another language, apologies for the grammatical horror above! Good luck to you boys and your team for the tournament. Ze French are quality ATM

[@lawLess-fs1qx]

Outstanding Tim. Sir BORTHWICK THE BOLD cracked me up. high risk strategy handing Ireland Lineout Dominance.

[@SMacCuUladh]

And announcing it early, allowing Easterby to emphasise putting pressure on the kicker. Hansen, Lowe and Keenan are all excellent under the high ball, we might end up stealing a few line-outs off your boys.

[@SMacCuUladh]

Irish man here, I think it's 55-45 in our favour before kick off but anything can happen and that's why we love the 6N. If we get beaten I won't be overly surprised. But I hope it's you guys with the Delhi belly on Sunday, rather than us!

[@chrispack3131]

That’s why we love the game of Rugby, anyone can win on the day! Good luck mate

[@DAGATHire]

why the hell do you qualify your comment by stating where you are from! it does not make your opinion special. In fact everyone who does that always follows the comment with some back handed placating crappy comment.

[@robhallie]

​@@DAGATHirebecause that's what fans do buddy. We signal which side we follow. From another Irish man

[@DAGATHire]

@@robhallie Nope. that's not what fans do, its what some fans do and then follow the declaration of where they are from with a crap self deprecating nonsenses comment or down right undersell their own team's abilities with completely false humility. Every single time a comment is preceded by a declaration of nationality that's the crap you get. False humility and kissassary

[@dazzac007]

I'm staying optimistic, it's clear we're building with this young lot of players and are starting to in Borthwicks voice " better and better each week" 😄 come on England!!

[@fraserposford144]

It's a bold selection and I rate it. Slade aside, most of this team is in form and look capable of playing an expansive, physical and nuanced gameplan. Very interesting regarding the forwards selections on the bench and the starting line up. Looks like England will go at the Irish breakdown at the start then really attack the lineout in the second half. This game will be a big question of depth off the bench as both teams struggled with that in the Autumn.

[@AbeHopwood]

I like slade and don't mind him in the team. Main reason for this is I genuinely don't see who else we'd pick for centre. It's definitely not england strongest position by a long shot

[@fraserposford144]

@AbeHopwood agreed. England's weakest position is arguably inside centre. Slade is decent enough but at some point we need to try other options. Hopefully the summer tour will be a chance to try some new talent.

[@alanb9443]

I honestly think this is a very specific selection for ireland. NZ got ground against them by really attacking the breakdown hence the double curry and their line out has been really poor lately. I think in future games we’ll see a rebalanced back row with chessum or Cunningham south at 6.

[@jmurphy9657]

I like the thinking, but worry that we're sacrificing too much in the lineout and the scrum with "smaller" backrow forwards. Ireland could stack McCarthy, Ryan, Bierne and Doris and have double the genuine lineout options to England.

[@robertscriven602]

​@@jmurphy9657 a d totally bully us off ruck ball with their much bigger men 😢

[@alanb9443]

You can limit that by doing 4/5 man line outs where you can only operate 2 jumpers max anyway. Ireland can call 7 man for their line outs so they get easier ball, but I think they’re banking on disrupting the breakdown later in the phase play. I also think the bench might be abit of an emergency button. Things not working being on chessum and Willis beef up the back row at half time and play like England normally do.

[@jmurphy9657]

@@alanb9443 yeah that's fair, and keeping ball in play to mitigate the lineout too. Hoping the team is fit enough, as they haven't seen up to maintaining the intensity recently.

[@aidenfry]

Totally agree

[@Ernesto_Sergio]

Thanks Tim! While I don’t think England will win against Ireland, I’d be very happy with an 80 minute performance (with some problem solving on the pitch when plan A doesn’t work).

[@Oakeybloke]

Agreed, let's see a performance, wherever the chips end up landing!

[@stefangrossman382]

While I understand the importance of the Six Nations, their primary goal should still be the 2027 World Cup. Borthwick seems to be looking at that in his selections, developing younger players. Which is why I hope Fin Smith gets a few starts at #10.

[@JohnRidley12]

I was genuinely getting worried for you when this video didn't come out yesterday! Glad you are okay!

[@kev63inuk]

Me as well I thought Tim had done a Felix jones on us. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Zavala1]

My only issue is that it looks like a front-running side. In an ideal world, everything that Ireland tries in attack is met by instant korma from the Currys, chopping people and turning the ball over. We get the scoreboard ticking over and bring on the big bench from 50min to seal the game. What is more likely is that Ireland build a lead and then England have to make changes to chase the game. England's lack of cohesion and experience results in a comfortable win for Ireland. I'm optimistic but really think we'll miss the starpower of Feyi-Waboso to keep us in the hunt. Finally, I think Slade is listed as 12. Maybe the change in defensive system doesn't require Slade at 13 now?

[@EggchasersRugby]

"Instant Korma" - magnificent!

[@TimMoss-uz5ps]

@@EggchasersRugbydelicious

[@fposhaughnessy]

'instant korma' take a bow mate

[@erhardtjoubert3455]

@@Zavala1 we are familiar with that kind of curry where I'm from ;)

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Ohhhh we love a Korma 🤪

[@jospike1470]

Hi Tim. great to hear you talking rugby.....I hope that your team don't let your optimism down.

[@Alex-qc1mt]

It needs to hurt the England starters that they are considered inferior. We play the underdog well and it's about taking that emotional driver - and crucially - staying disciplined, that will decide matters. Itoje and Genge need to get Ben O'Keefe onside and change the narrative at breakdown. Without changing the mindset, we start a score behind already. Think Tom Willis will be a starter quite quickly into the tournament, as we simply don't have the carriers to make the hard yards.

[@edwardevans9162]

Very excited about this England team

[@someenglishrandom]

Here's the video I've been looking for!

[@Gilescowdemdem]

The bench is absolutely fire, so happy they went 6:2, however, I did not expect 2 currys to start. Intrigued to see how this game plan plays out with a clear intention to attack the breakdown and slow Irish ball.

[@amantedellopera1681]

You better hope you dont lose any backs with a 6/2 split,ireland will eat yee up

[@adamrussell6442]

Most excited I've been about an England squad since 2020.

[@99RML]

Borthwick definitely channeling Rassie with the bench selection and announcing the team on a Tuesday. I have a few quibbles with the 23 but it's not far off the best we can put out. More interesting I think is what's gone on in training and moving on from the failed blitz defence from the autumn. Whatever El-Abd's system is, it needs to be his own, not an imitation of Felix Jones'.

[@geoffpatton5076]

Like the analysis…it is the hope that gets you. Only selection I would change is Slade for Lozowski.

[@jameskitley7191]

Not watched it yet but thanks for another great video! Very happy for Murley and I hope Willis goes well. Shame we can't have two sets of brothers in the squad...

[@ryanberelowitz7464]

I see what you're saying about the bench being reminiscent of SA but I think this is actually the reverse of Rassie would do (and has done against Ireland). He would have started with the big boys and then had the breakdown threats coming on in the 2nd half. Interesting change in dynamic

[@AbeHopwood]

Borthwick has started with the big boys. England lacks in a lot but one thing they've got good is the second and back row. Having the ability to start both curry's and Ben Earl, then sub them off for CCS, chessum AND willis is very good. It's similar to SA I the sense that doesn't matter who's in the back row, it's going to be strong either way...... or at least Its usually like that so hopefully things don't change

[@ryanberelowitz7464]

@AbeHopwood I mean Curry Curry earl is smaller than CCS, Willis, Chessum

[@diceman2914]

I like this team a lot. Cowan-dickie and both Curry's will get around the pitch and jackall/disrupt play. Mitchell back. Lawrence in his preferred position. Steward in the best form he's been. Murley to give more carry and running threat. Insane back row bench. Our lineout could struggle, our front row bench is young, and we'll rely on Slade to play make without furbank, but I'm with you being optimistic.

[@will2917]

Thanks for the video and all the updates 🙂 I think Borthwick has been naming his teams early for a year now. Only other take is that selections in the past have often been exciting but will the style adopted live up to the players specific talents.

[@piersdixon5945]

Great vid 👍 Just an fyi, Borthwick named his team on a Tuesday all through the autumn series too

[@jaqryan]

Sixmas 😂😂😂. Ever since I went to my first game in 1980 I’ve always thought I was the most excited fan of the 6Ns…nice to have some company Tim🕺🏽 Twindaloo 😛 the boy’s on fire 🔥

[@mitcheljeavons2182]

To add to the jackal threat, LCD can get into it as well at times so that's a lot of breakdown competing.

[@andrewharris1837]

That a very positive spin Tom but I cant see starting 15 winning lineouts,scrums,the ruck. Goin fwd back line ok but defensively Lawrence,Slade & Steward shown up many times to be short of cohesion & tackling skills. Bench looks great but in my mind should be starting😮

[@tinlegs1959]

All very good points and with a bench like that even better; I'm optimistic I have to say. The only negative thing in my mind is moving 10 to 15, keep Marcus at 10 where he can run the game. However, the Curry twins at 6 & 7 with Earl at 8; I'm expecting some major hits and a lot of Irish players getting very annoyed. This could the change we need as you say.

[@Munkey92]

England are always good when they play a structured game, set piece to set-piece and clearing deep into opponents half from their 22.

[@geoffhogan4831]

Not often l would root for England as a Saffa, but Tim your enthusiasm has rubbed off. Go England!!!

[@mikerichards9196]

Hmm, here we are again! 😂 Having said that, i agree there's lots to like about this selection; it's definitely a team i could get behind (speaking as an englishman who identifies as Welsh for complicated reasons). Unfortunately, as you say, ireland at home wouldn't be my choice of first game, but whatever happens in Dublin, England should be on the rise just in time for the World Cup

[@zuzanalarge1183]

Overall a bold selection and I like it. Borthwick seems to be learning lessons from some really poor selection decisions in the Autumn. My two concerns - 1) Getting schooled at line-out. I hope somehow we can get parity. 🤞 2) Just can’t get excited about Slade at 12. We need another running threat (who can also distribute a bit). Every other player in the back line would benefit. We don’t need a second 10 on the pitch.

[@mikegray8776]

So Slade at 12, and Tom Curry rushed back before hitting top form again, and only TWO lineout jumpers vs Ireland’s FOUR - all that gives you confidence?? Wow, Tim !

[@mhoppy6639]

My thoughts exactly. Slade is just not good enough in that position. Curry’s legs have gone and he’s been picked on sentiment and favoured status. I’m sure SB has got loads of analysis that says otherwise but I haven’t seen curry do well for us for a long while.

[@mattjones3361]

My game plan if I'm irish, run at the midfield, kick to corners, win lineout, driving maul for the try. Can't be that simple,can it?😂

[@robertscriven602]

I'm worried how long Tom Curry will last.... Don't like the 3 7's starting, I worry that we'll get bullied at ruck and scrum and at line out. 2 7's and a big guy i get, but not 3. If you're going down that route at least pick a big 8, early, one curry and Willis... or a real 6.5 like Kenningham.

[@mattjones3361]

@robertscriven602 I think the plan is, and I could be way off! But it's about ruck speed and jackelling, no doubt the curry's and earl can get in there fast and spoil, cowen dickie is also a much better jackeller than george, and itoje is also great around the breakdown. He may be taking a gamble that the irish linout has been stumbling, so sacrificing our own, at least till the changes are made. It's a bold move, we'll probably kick to contest rather than give it to big number 8s, or use genge and earl as the main, big carries, again until the changes are made. Tbh I don't hate it, I like the different approach, it's probably just specific to ireland, my main worry is still the scrum and the midfield.

[@mikegray8776]

@@robertscriven602 Exactly my thought. Against Doris and Beirne (likely), Tom Willis should have been THE first forward selection after Itoje!! A fit Underhill would always be my second, but failing that Ben Curry or Ben Earl, and then flip a coin for Ted Hill or CCS at 6. The lack of height in the lineout, and the lack of grunt in the scrum REALLY bother me! And as for the centres - Aki & Ringrose will be licking their lips.

[@mercedessl8718]

Tim, yes i wondered why you hadn’t posted a video. I agree the bench is so important and that’s why I’m so pleased Ford didn’t make the cut.

[@AbeHopwood]

Still not convinced with fin tbh. I hope I'm wrong and he plays well. I really hope I'm wrong because I like fin Smith.

[@mercedessl8718]

@ sb seems to feel a 33 year Old Ford is worth a place in the squad yet he’s been dire, for England, for a number of years. It culminated for me with him supposedly an impact sub for the November games being anything but an impact player. In one game he wasn’t used because sb knew he would struggle.

[@glentweedie602]

Have just checked with the weather office & the guy reckons it'll be perfect weather for pigs to fly 🤣🤣🤣 So if England pitch up good & proper, as the teamsheet suggests ........ Its going to be the game to watch, for sure.

[@jacquesvanzyl8284]

😂😂😂😂.... come on Tim. Hang in there... you can do it. Will make the time and watch it!!! Good luck gents!!!🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@blackdugben]

Bias as I agree with you... great, accurate video. I think Slade and Lawrence will be interchangeable throughout the match, with both being experienced leaders an addded bonus.

[@rugbyfan9225]

Aside from everything else Tim, that picture of Rassie Erasmus' head superimposed onto Borthwick's neck is gonna give me nightmares for weeks!

[@robcrocker348]

I like the look of this England team, again I say, DON'T count England off

[@IverKnackerov]

Everyone has a plan....and then they get punched - but he's doing the right sort of things and now it's up to the players to play with the necessary fight and discipline

[@nicakill00]

Very excited about this game!! From your comments this is exactly the lord of the rings 2: - for 60mins: the army of the urukai (Ireland) will try to eat the fortress (England 15s) - last 20mins: Gandalf the red (Chessum) and the Rohirim soldiers (the bench) will save England for the glory of the King! That would be an epic scenario. Bonne chance!!

[@stevemaughan356]

love and share the hope! However… it’s Ireland in Ireland and we are notorious slow starters to any tournament. I’m with you we are missing a little speed and star power but we could surprise people, hopefully Ireland. Because we have France next and maybe that’s why Bothers was smiley happy go lucky. Not so much confident as much as he worries that in two weeks he’s n the block again and the doom and gloom sets in… I’m going with hope and will get behind this team and roll the dice… If we can improve defensively we will be in with a chance…🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@donalnotdonald]

A big problem has been the use of the bench, from memory in November there was several head scratching decisions to leave subs unplayed or throwing the likes of Ford on when Smith was going very well so I fully expect Borthwick et al to shite the bed when it comes to rolling the bench 😄

[@adamvanderriet9669]

I'm a Saffa, but I'll be cheering on England this 6N in honour of Tim 🔥🍻🤘

[@etheruan]

3 7s in the backrow suggests to me they are doubling down on the blitz

[@Ruan-xh6ns]

Ireland can go 100 minutes with their pace and manouvers. England's defence usually burn out at the 70th minute. Very curious to see how this bench will come into play. GO IRELAND!!!! ❤️😁

[@rob.1]

England have always had the squad flexibility to target other teams' strengths. Nice to see it deployed like this. Will be totally different for the French.

[@iansinclair7581]

Ever the optimist Tim.

[@chrispack3131]

I wish I could be as optimistic as you mate! I’ve seen it before England hyped up just to see them to fall fat on their faces.As long as we give 100% then that’s all I can ask for.

[@dougclark9921]

Yep I like this squad.

[@DirkCoetzee1982]

It´s not Borthwick being bold, it´s about countries following what Rassie revolusionised by realising how critical the bench has become in the last 40min. All countries will be following this evolution.

[@EdLo3]

Rather than a 'New England' I would go with 'An Evolving England'. Borthwick is constantly tweaking and improving this team. I still feel we have missing pieces in the centre and our front row is a work in progress; Joe Heyes needs to have a massive game off the bench but overall this is a much improved squad and selection from the Autumn. Alex Mitchell is the key! If he has a good game, England's backline looks like a different animal. So much quicker ball and of course Mitchell can score tries on his own. The best, most dynamic 9 we've had for the last 20 years and will only get better.

[@aedano3277]

I’m just wondering how the team is gonna function with only 1 vice captain

[@HeroclashKoopa]

My main concerns with this 6-2 split is we have no cover for the backs. What's the plan for an injury move Freddie to the wing Marcus and FB? Personaly would have rather had Roebuck at 23 over fin smith given you can move slade to 10 at a push or just do a 5-3

[@davidanderson5517]

Have to go with Ireland. To date we haven’t seen that England have turned any corners under SB. If they have it will definitely make for an even better tournament. 😊

[@henryburton6529]

Simon Easterby said out of all the players in 6N twindaloo is who he’d choose. I mean he’s just trying to not say DuPont but still

[@mattjones3361]

Pretty much the same take. We're going to try and attack and spoil the breakdown, a bit like the ABs did, looks like we're maybe conceding the irish line out, although it hasnt been firing lately, id expect it to be sorted. Our own line we can go to 5 man, 2 jumpers aside, so should be ok. Think ireland will win the scrums, so thats potentially 3 out of 4 set plays, the irish will win, gaining penalties, kicking to the corners for attacking lineouts, could be a problem. Still not sorted our midfield, doesnt work for me, neither attack nor defence, so probably going to use the backrowers more and kick to contest. Think we'll need everything to go right and a bit of marcus magic, to get a win here, maybe the bench can do it for us, but the smart money has to be on the irish.

[@henrybullock4514]

If we can blitz effectively, attack the breakdown and keep the game tight around 50-60 minutes then I think we’ve got a real shot. That bench is ridiculous with all those huge ball carriers and some half backs to speed the game up and challenge the line. I am worried about the lineout though and whether our game plan is a little bit too negative up until the 50/60.

[@lebowski_dude]

I'm a bit worried about the lack of carrying in the starting pack - Ben Earl will have to get through a lot of work. Slade at 12 also worries me - I don't think he's the player he was a few years ago and he's mainly been playing 10 for Exeter recently. Great to see Murley and Willis in the team, but it's a shame to see Ted Hill miss out again.

[@jngf100]

Interesting to see Conan feature on the combined bench rather than Willis - I guess they have very different styles

[@rawndoug4102]

I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Freddie steward moves to the wing and slade goes off for Finn smith

[@waynegriffith9124]

I'm Welsh but after some close games last year I think England will surprise a few people. And win v Ireland

[@kyle_22a11]

that starting loose trio is very light weight

[@TimMoss-uz5ps]

By design yes . Have you seen the bench

[@benbrackenbury7138]

Great as always Tim. I’m still not convinced with Smith yet. Great player but his game seems to be too loose for test rugby and from what I’ve seen I don’t see this changing. Does the defense suffer as a result of the looseness of his game? Do or can the rest of the players keep up with him? Can he control a game plan and put it together without going rogue, but do this consistently over a tournament? I don’t know the answers but time will tell. As of yet I’m yet to be convinced he will be the man at 10 if England are to be a consistent winning team like the 2003 or the 2016 - 2019.

[@barrypain4188]

Would personally still rather have Tom Willis at 8. Nothing against Ben Earle, but TW is a better option and arguably, the in form player of the two. That's from a Saracens fan

[@Simwil33]

My only concern is Randall on the bench as a sub. We've seen it before, if at the final 20mins England want to kick and control then Randall isnt the best 9 off the bench. I imagine Mitchell will play the full 80

[@CharlieMain-q9y]

Irish line out did not go well in the autumn and we have picked a side with only 2 jumpers .

[@christopherdarby1043]

Me. Steve Borthwick. Announcing my team selection? On a Tuesday? With my reputation? Has nobody thought of the consequences?

[@agray2587]

Cadan Murley is on deboooooo!

[@dgoodall]

Obvious solution is to put Steward in the line-out: 6’5 and great hands in the air. (Not entirely a serious suggestion, but I would love to see it!)

[@hafidkouloun6405]

He would slip once he lands!!

[@itsdeclan7733]

Interesting that the Racing 92 flanker Junior Kpoku is eligible to line out for the England U20s this weekend.

[@patrickchilds2987]

There are 9 players in this year's u20 6 nations squad that played in last years rwc u20 final including 5 in the pack including Henry Pollock It's extraordinary.

[@patrickcoote8441]

It does look like they will replicate the NZ game plan, making the ruck a mess while not overcommitting to keep lots of players on their feet, keeping the ball in play but kicking for territory. Contesting kicks and look to go wide early or attack on the blind side. They will need to be accurate in their handling and kicking to pull it off. Also Ireland will expect it.

[@arabicred]

Do you know what this selection says to me? Borthwick is treating it as an experimental game because expectations are fairly low. If they lose, meh that's expected by most, if they get some joy and a look at some fresh combinations and they work, that will bode well for the rest of the comp.

[@wesleyfoley5116]

I thought you were on hols or something when there was no video last night 😂

[@JamesNorris-v3o]

FYI Tim, you said it’ll be a debut for Tom Willis - he’s capped already

[@limbothytimothy]

Quick, mobile backrowers in to play a faster style of rugby off turnover I think. Then some absolute wallopers and grunty players off the bench. Say what you will about English rugby but apart from centres we are slowly but surely building depth.

[@robertscriven602]

Centres will be ok in a couple of years, there's lots of good youngsters coming through.

[@robslade9281]

Tim.. you raised my hopes for an England win then dashed them as soon as your combined 15 came up.... Don't you know how my nerves are this time of year!...

[@halovar]

I actually like England for this year's 6N. They were way better in 2024 than people give them credit for and if they click they can do some serious damage. I am actually placing a bet for Ireland to not win this year's 6N

[@colinkavanagh1708]

I don't think it will change anything on the Irish team selection - possibly Conan at 6 and Bernie at 2nd Row (at Ryans expense) but doubt it, I think because Ireland is such as settled team I expect most people can predict 12-13 starters, I think Kelleher will start at 2 with Sheehan on bench, Bedlam in for Furlong and Predergast at 10, I see both Lowe and Hansen on wings and can't see any surprises anywhere else but on the bench .

[@stuartmaher8178]

Someone order Joe Mc Carthy some Curry? He looks hungry.

[@kev63inuk]

Interesting that the blitz may look very different from now on. Still don’t get it why you announce the team so early. Looking forward to a real dog fight this Saturday with some real dogs coming off the bench for England.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@seanhaigh6192]

Irish fan here, I think England have more than good chance, I think they have the energy and desire, never mind the skills!

[@RichardLeppington-l8p]

Still not sure about 12. I would prefer a regular inside centre like Ojomo.

[@jonwright4719]

Tim, your team has Slade at 13 and Lawrence at 12 but Slade says in i/v he's in as the 2nd play maker ? and lots of reporting is showing him at 12 with Lawrence at 13 ? The England squad announcement shows the same- is this going to change the dynamic of the midfield ? I never played in the backs so I know nothing- but loving the squad.

[@hafidkouloun6405]

Borthwick the Bold 😆 Are you sure no pun intended?!

[@nevanoshaughnessy2311]

As an Irishman ... I'm 'a tad' worried about this game. We were not at our best in Nov., with abnormally high number of errors, lineout in a mess, more penalties than the norm. On Sat a number of our backs have had little game time through injury and Leinster have not been as 'hot' as the last few years. If Eng show up, I think they will win!

[@Cpchurch87]

To be fair, Leinster were fine against the Prem number one and two and Munster arguably could have beaten Saints and they beat Sarries. Tigers got pumped by a Toulouse team Leinster were inches from beating in May. I think we'll be very different to how we were in Nov. That was a weird window. Players coming in off very little game time and no real form. The players are playing a lot better, off the back of some good HC results especially against English teams

[@nevanoshaughnessy2311]

@@Cpchurch87 Bath were giving Leinster a serious fright until their prop got red. Leinster only pulled away after that. I hope you are right about them being better than in Nov coz that was worrying!

[@Cpchurch87]

@@nevanoshaughnessy2311 they started well, but Leinster were pulling away before the red and had already gotten their BP try. I think the red put a shine on the scoreline but didn't change the result at all. Aside from the try just at half time, which they'll be furious at, once Bath scored their second you saw Leinster just went up a notch as needed and from then on it never really looked in doubt. Pleasing to see a low penalty count too and 19/21 lineouts secured. Munster also had a lower penalty count than Saints. I see a lot of positives coming in to this game.

[@amantedellopera1681]

How have leinster not been as hot,theyve won 14 games on the trott,maybe not as flashy but theyve not lost

[@amantedellopera1681]

​@@nevanoshaughnessy2311dont be daft,leinster were not losing that game regardless,if the prop stayed on hed only keep giving away penos and get carded anyway.plus we had ringrose on wing and osbourne a 15 / centre on the other and it showed,leinster are far better team than you seem to think

[@tim73639]

Murley is Nowellesque isn't he? Industrious, comes looking for work, 'nuggety'... Cautiously optimistic for the weekend