BRING ON THE SOUTH! | ENGLAND SQUAD FOR NOVEMBER TESTS

Steve Borthwick has named his 36 man squad for the visit of the Southern Hemisphere giants who come to Twickenham in November in what look like being huge encounters! I go through the squad position by position and pick my first choice side. Let me know what you think.

[@dweeblet86]

It's the first time following rugby outside a world cup. Thank you Tim for the pre-game analyses. It helps a ton for a rugby newbie

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Woop Woop. Time to get into the REAL rugby: Grudge Matches 😎

[@richardho5955]

A very good England side, Tim…as a Hampshire born boy with a kiwi granddad, growing up and living in South Africa….go Bokke! 🏉🇿🇦💪 🇦🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇳🇿👍👏

[@garthmanuel5701]

dam, thats a mix of colliding allegiances

[@robinboyes8749]

It's gonna be a cracking series no matter which team you support. I'm awaiting Rassie's squad to be announced. AND, IT"S TWICKENHAM - FULL STOP !!!!!

[@craigmorgan4676]

Only 1 team to support...NO1 team in the WORLD Boks!👌💯👌🤝🇬🇧🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@pumkineater7219]

Nice! Looking forward to South Africa playing!

[@Trenchwarsoldier-x5v]

We will probably see a lot of juniors end of year tour! Most boks in the current squad will possibly not make it to the next WC! South Africans are finally accepting not winning every single test, it took fans 3 decades but it does make sense as last WC should have already brought in youth

[@phenomenalone1737]

England vs Springboks feels like the Eggchasers derby😂

[@NickHiltermann]

Can't wait to see the matchup between Itoje and Eben. Itoje always seems to raise his game against Ysterbeth!

[@jeffrandall6410]

I see the play on Ysterbeth, u have to clarify with Tim 😁

[@NickHiltermann]

@@jeffrandall6410 Tim is a Safa now. Hy weet wat ons weet! 🤣

[@user-is9of]

Surely joe mc carthy and menonchello have to be in the mix for breakthrough player of the year. Great video Tim keep it up!

[@tvpc3194]

martin cleaned big joe when the played

[@user-is9of]

@tvpc3194 well in the cc games they played big Joe was a beast also Joe's first start against France was better than Martin played all 6 nations.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@tvpc3194 joe was on a winning 6 nations team and beat the WC in their own back yard. Let’s see England won two games in their last 6 one against Ireland last minute and they beat tier 2 nation japan. McCarthy was also a member of Leinster squad that reached Heineken final. What is it Martin done I mean he had lots of chances against Scotland France 2x NZ and failed to deliver. 1 swallow doesn’t make a summer 😂

[@wouterroos2359]

From SA, I am grad to see the rebuilding under Borthwick (hope I nailed the spelling). I obviously hope we win, but more than anything I hope to see an absolute ripper of a game!

[@glentweedie602]

🤣🤣 You are like a tail wagging puppy presenting today's Vid, Tim. Looks like you're happy/content with the team selection. November is going to be like Christmas for all us rugby fans. Week 1 & 3 at Twickenham is going to rock.

[@marcobucceri8530]

So much to look forward to! Thanks for this podcast

[@vanessamay3689]

I’m pleased to see Baxter coming on again. Young and inspiring with heart. ❤️

[@MsMatkins]

Ruan Nortje probably deserves a look in as well for Breakthrough Player of the Year after an excellent campaign in TRC

[@Tar-ZA-n]

Wallace Sititi? Is Fassi eligible or does it have to be your debut test season?

[@Forest9528]

100% The guy was like the 7th or 8th lock in line for SA and after this TRC he's got a very strong argument for being the 4th if not 3rd choice (he's great but RG and Mosters are definatly still ahead of him. Eben speaks for himself)

[@phiphedude7684]

Is he above Sacha?

[@Forest9528]

@phiphedude7684 if sacha hadent been injured then he 100% wins breakout player

[@alexiachamberlin8019]

The Bulls need Nortje for the URC games

[@garythoresen4547]

First! Looking forward to the vid, we'll done on constantly rolling out good content!

[@glennaston2412]

With the talent some of the guys coming through in the club game I really hope Borthwick starts bringing them into the squad sooner rather than later to get them exposure to the international set up prior to the next World Cup. I’m really hopeful that the English pack will be a real force in the next couple of years 🤞

[@mariovangreunen1310]

"Iom Nuh Doin Iht" love you Tim😅

[@Sale_england_rugby_fan]

Ben curry what a season he had he deserved a spot

[@Mr-Flibble]

I'll be at the match on the 16th & I'm looking forward to seeing the Springboks vs England live again. The last time I saw them live was the Infamous match at Twickenham in November 2002.

[@Swali_B]

Hey, I'm not too familiar with the majority of the English squad, but I'm here and eager to learn. Could you please have each players name above them (or wherever it's convenient) when you put up their pictures and discuss them. I felt a little lost as you were talking, but I couldn't tell which of the guys shown was the one you were speaking about at any given time. Thanks for sharing your passion for the game with all of us. Your excitement is infectious. Keep on keepin' on🤙🏼

[@leninlawrence5481]

TIM! Great video as always! Will you please consider running a competition among the subscribers ? Whereby we predict team wins/score for November tests. All Blacks v. Eng, Aus v. Eng, SA v. Eng and Japan v. Eng 😊 Greetings from 🇿🇦🍺👍

[@adriaanjagers9919]

Viva to the south 💪😘

[@Jbmotorsonline]

The front row battles are going to be excellent. I think England has a good player in Fin Baxter. This experience is going to be invaluable for him against NZ and SA if he gets the nod. I also hope that Curry will get to play against SA. Go SA!!!!!!!

[@roleinc7204]

Personally, I'm expecting big things from England. I have been a fan of their grit shown all throughout the World Cup where noone was giving them a chance in hell and they proved their doubters wrong game after game. They have been getting better and better. The rematch with SA will be huge, but I can't wait to see the venge match with my ABs.

[@kidMclean]

As a South African I think England is going to come at us like they did in the world cup. Its going to be epic! I'm super excited 😅

[@zkavess7294]

Yes! I had the piss taken out of me for suggesting Loz as an outside shot a while ago. Bloke's a solid, versatile option - can see why he's in. It's a testament to Mitchell that I'm most worried about him being missing, and I didn't really rate him when he came in to replace JVP. He has brought massive balance to his game.

[@Geezweez788]

Springboks will be enjoying an English breakfast at Buckingham palace after mowing Twickenham field with the English rugby team.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

The Allianz*

[@christobarnard2052]

Start smelling those roses Tim because the boks are going to eat and spit it before breakfast.

[@simoncrawley9525]

Nice looking team.

[@ayyub_ali8293]

gotta love a bit of eggchasers

[@peterp9918]

Curious as to why Ted Hill continues to be overlooked. Worried about scrum half as Spencer has never done it at international level although he has probably earned a shot. Personally would like to see a natural no. 8 starting with Earl at 7 and feel that CCS is more suited to impact sub at the moment. My other concern is the impact the recent backroom upheaval will have on last years green shoots of revival. Can't wait for November

[@JoshuaBrunell]

Could see Freeman being used at 13 so that Lawrence keeps consistency at 12. Would say we have better back up in the wing positions with Roebuck and Sleightholme able to come in than at centre.

[@springboks87]

I think England is really on the right track here. I think the Boks vs England match is going to be a helluva game! Got any spare tickets, asking for a friend… 😂 🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@kooora021]

Yaz’ our captured me mama on this recap😅 I laughed, got angry, laughed! Ai, sikwi movie straight! Yifilimu

[@wot4922]

I have no idea what you've written but you seem to be very excited😂

[@barthettema3727]

You can’t disagree with it Tim you chose it 😂

[@interestedbystander196]

Breakthrough player of the year: that Etzebeth chap seems to have something about him. Might go on to big things...

[@Cper2000]

Looking forward to this

[@DavidShort-q1d]

Tim like you iam very cofident about England this Autumn N.Zealand where in some ways very lucky to win the summer series [B.Barretts exceptional play as a sub 2nd test for example] Im also happy that our young talent finally seems to be getting starts in the premiership and chances at international level As i feel we have what will be quite a few WORLD CLASS players [by 2027] in development As for players i feel are unlucky not to be called up G. IIbiteyo and the two young props A.O.Fordjour and A.Fashoghan Sping to mind G.Ibiteyo has been in devastating form for 2 yrs and the two props need to be integrated in to the international set up asap in my opinion As for breakthrough player of the year i think the Italian center/wing Menochello is going to take that honour

[@henryburton6529]

Missing the first choice 9 and 10 will make it tough.

[@mrb1380]

I am hoping Borthwick is just going for continuity for this campaign and then maybe bring in some potential for the six nations. We have promising tight heads and inside centers and some point soon Borthwick needs to take a look.

[@jakemiddleton5266]

Agreed the centres are worrying. I'd be tempted to play Lawrence at 13, give him a chance there, as Bath seem to have no interest in making him a 12 and defending is harder at 13. He is the only centre in that squad who really knows the defensive system, so should do better there than most. That also gives our 12, likely to be inexperienced, Lawrence and Smith either side of him - both of whom have more caps in the backs than most in the squad. But, my biggest worry is style of play. Currently, I think Borthwick wants to use the blitz to nullify attacks, slow ball and force kicks. Then we can use our set-piece to get in good field positions and smash them with big forward runs. The problem is, I don't think it is enough against top teams. Didn't work in the semi-final, for most of the 6 nations, or down in NZ. Look at that SA forward depth, we just cannot beat that 6/10 which you would want at a minimum. Hell, even 2/10 might be a bit optimistic. Instead, lets use that aggressive blitz to create messy situations. England have 2 7s on the pitch, and the potential to bring on Dombrandt who is the best 8 in England at linking with the backs and at winning turnovers. I would be about turnovers and counter attack. Maximise the use of broken play. In organised attack, care less about getting over the gainline, and more about multiple phases which give Furbank or Smith space to find an edge, or get one of our backs a mismatch. If they get concerned with spreading out wide in defence, that gives Marcus and Randall more license to have a snipe, or gives CCS, Genge and Earl 1v1s. Being turnover focused also helps the attack - NZ broke England down at times over phases, it is an exhausting system. Winning turnovers stops that weakness being exposed. My only other note from the NZ tour - if you are changing your 9, don't also change your 10. Adds too much inconsistency. Marcus Smith starting, with Finn as backup, and hopefully Finn then getting a full game against Japan. A full game would do more for him that a messy backfoot last 10 minutes against SA or NZ.

[@ashleysoudah]

wallis sititti awesome player...would put him as breakthrough player of year

[@wjs7506]

Langdon over LcD & Ted Hill over Roots. The only two errors for me. Finally, I love Cole but the journey needs to end, seems a waste not to blood one of the young boys

[@henryburton6529]

I agree but it's no good if the whole team loses due to having no scrum. It'd be better experience for the rest of the team outside TH prop to play a game with a half decent scrum and not test out new TH - especially if there isnt one available.

[@Dihedrals]

I agree with your other picks 100% however Tim summed it up perfectly, not bleeding scrum penalties comes first which Cole is world class at (go back to the World Cup semi) anything else is a bonus. There is new talent coming through but they’re to young at the moment.

[@nickc4033]

Concerned that two of the young talented tightheads (Asher Opuku-Fordjour & Afolabi Fasogbon) aren't included... Cole is now ancient, and the others haven't shone in previous outings - time to test the U20s stars...

[@industrysyndrome]

Swiiiing loooow... Sweet chariot ...

[@ciaranbrk]

I really wish we got south africa vs Ireland again.

[@davidwalker2402]

Im sure SA are fed up getting beat by Ireland at this stage 😂

[@karatekid-nq6ct]

​@@davidwalker2402Nowhere near. If we're gonna reference the past it's important to include all history. We've still got way more wins against Ireland historically lmao. They need to win a singular world cup, I bet you're tired of hearing THAT 😂

[@davidwalker2402]

@@karatekid-nq6ct nah you win a World Cup every 4 years beating 3 tier 1 teams you need be top of your game all the time to be No 1 for 65 weeks and almost two years SA cant seem to manage that. I think you’ll find before professional rugby SA were a team of full time players Ireland all par timers . And now SA with a pool of players 6 times the size of the Irish should be expected to win every WC not Ireland.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@davidwalker2402 Don't you mean, SA were a team of South African players and Ireland had to buy in their talent? Love what you are doing at the moment with your own development but let's not lie about the last 2 or so decades where Ireland had a LOT of purchased talent.

[@expressoevangelism80]

As you say Tim. I just has to be TWICKENHAM. Albeit we are undefeated at the Alliance Stadium so far.

[@BenRelle]

There'll be plenty who say that Opuku-Fordjour and Fasogbon should be involved in the front row. While a upcoming set top-of-the-range props can't come quickly enough for England, they're U20 and haven't played enough pro rugby yet, so the old dogs are going to have to soldier on a bit more I'm afraid. Really surprised Ted Hill isn't getting a look in, just seems like a real point of difference with how quickly he covers the ground. I think Barbeary is getting overlooked as he's not athletic enough at the moment - it's really in his hands though.

[@simontaylor2525]

Minging at half back and centre. Everywhere else looks strong.

[@henryburton6529]

I like your team Tim, my changes: Baxter over Genge, JVP over randall, Lawrence 12, Lozowski 13, maybe Pearson over Fisilau but I havent seen enough of fisilau to be sure

[@ZO150ZO]

me here too - that stadium is TWICHENHAM 🍻🥂

[@mickeencrua]

Really????

[@sakabula2357]

Agree....TWICKENHAM.

[@jaygeeist]

As Bok supporters, we look forward to a great game between England and South Africa. But Tim, I do believe you might be getting a bit too far ahead of yourself in thinking that England are THAT good. I reckon they should be able to beat Australia pretty comfortably. As for England winning against the All Blacks and Springboks, you should know only too well that you are being rather optimistic. Not impossible, of course. But a trifle unlikely, don't you think?

[@jospike1470]

Good afternoon Tim. For how long have Alliance got the naming rights? Is it just Alliance or is it Alliance Twickenham?

[@jakehyland5317]

Not including Ted Hill is absolutely criminal I’m afraid at this point. Argument for maybe Miles Reed and Alfie Barbeary too… Difficult to see if this squad will actually carry through as this is an early training squad.

[@CharlieMain-q9y]

Ollie Chessum would be the starter at 6 for me with CCS to come storming off the bench and make an impact

[@emgee_eegme]

Freddie Steward is extremely lucky to be in on the squad. I've seen milk turn quicker. Just no place for him at Test level, just far too slow.

[@nathannewportgay2963]

I think Tom Willis will get tapped ahead of Fisilau and Lozowski ahead of Dingwall due to his defensive game better suits the defensive system England have

[@davidridersmith5434]

Where are the young new props? Surely we need to be aiming for world class in all positions..

[@vuyaniman9440]

Side note; how are these fixtures decided. England toured NZ in July and they are playing again. Couldn’t they done that for Ireland vs South Africa. Surely we the Boks wouldn’t mind not playing Wales. Not sure why we play Wales so much, like every year.

[@marksony6123]

*Ox Nche has entered the chat

[@ezrolly898]

I'm happy we playing England. I sure wish we could take on France and Ireland as well

[@ContendformyFaith]

Played Ierland in July. FRANCE could have been the rematch

[@davidwalker2402]

I’m sure you had enough of getting beat by Ireland 😂

[@ContendformyFaith]

@davidwalker2402 Well we beat them quite a few times before they actually became a competitive team.So...And I don't mind watching the Boks play anybody and I'm sure they don't mind playing anybody either. Was merely stating a fact that's all..., God bless

[@davidwalker2402]

@@ContendformyFaith yeah in the last 20 years 8-7 Ireland last 10 years 6-3 Ireland considering they have only been playing professionally it has been pretty competitive. Maybe see you in Ireland 2025.

[@ContendformyFaith]

@@davidwalker2402 Why not.Cheers

[@davidwalker2402]

I think if England don’t win 3 of these games it’s a major backward step. You’re talking with a lot of confidence.

[@toma411]

We're favourites vs Aus, but surely not by the margin your confidence seems to suggest? Or have I underestimated the severity of their recent results?

[@vinniep237]

would love to see tommy freeman at 13

[@chaz3000]

Hands aren't good enough for international level - also defence is a whole different kettle of fish at international playing 13

[@vinniep237]

@@chaz3000 he has spent a good amount of time there for saints

[@chaz3000]

@@vinniep237 as I mentioned - completely different kettle of fish at international level

[@vinniep237]

@@chaz3000 unreal ball carrier, strong defender, underrated kicking game, great hands. He's going to be england's 13 very soon.

[@flyboy970]

What a shame in a Lions Year the Oz game is essentially a forgone conclusion.

[@davidwalker2402]

I love your confidence, but if England get beat by Australia then it’s a major setback for this team. I really now see the cockiness coming back hope it doesn’t blow up in your face 😂

[@tobyhart]

Tim Horton hears a who

[@lmarislmarislmaris4271]

Marker on his 34th return from retirement.

[@muchopomposo.6394]

It'll always be Twickenham...

[@andreemurray7039]

The ticket price's are way high pity was looking forward to the games

[@GhostUser-eq6ho]

Exactly it's becoming a ripoff at this point

[@francoisvaneck8516]

@eggchasersrugby I know Borthwick does not rate Freddie Steward, but man, was he a menace in the backfield defending high balls. How is his form at the moment?

[@Mostlycars888]

Furbank is a lot better than him & Furbank getting injured, so Freddie had to play in the 2nd test was the main reason why Eng lost that test imo

[@henrymilleruk100]

The unexpected downside of seeing so many young guns do well in the prem so far means I’ve gone from content with the squad to feeling a little bit deflated! Quick edit: time for the baby faced assassin to be in ahead of Joe. He’s had a broken foot and not played since last NZ test.

[@GrantKanaar]

So has Owen Farrell retired from test rugby now or still taking an extended break whilst moving to play club rugby in France?

[@henrydamant2642]

Cameron Hanekom for breakthrough player of the year ?

[@daveharris1800]

Who you shouting for Tim.. The Springlish?

[@ianburton9030]

Your front row players are a decent size for players 15 - 20 yrs ago. Now, against SA, NZ and even Aust they are tiny and will be completely destroyed. Put it in your notebook for future reference...

[@darthmaul408]

No Opoku-Fourjour is the big miss here for me. Oh well.

[@ChrisAfrica]

what would be regarded as a succesful incoming tour result for Eng?

[@JohnRidley12]

Could someone explain the omission of Ted Hill? I was so certain Borthwick would love him (plays six, can jump, freak athlete). Other than that, I'd love to see Freeman move into the centers, but he needs to it for Saints first. Does this squad get repicked (is that the word) for the tests or is this it?

[@nickc4033]

Freeman plays for Northampton, not Saracens

[@JohnRidley12]

@@nickc4033 that's an odd blip, meant saints in my head but my hands betrayed me.

[@SA_PASF]

Has Scott sinclair retired or he is no longer good enough for England. Owen ferrel is still on a sabbatical??

[@barrypain4188]

Has he missed a trick by not including the younger up and coming props?

[@petrusvanderMerwe-o9k]

unsure front row an issue

[@henrysweeny]

4/4 wins loading…

[@roryblake3232]

lol

[@davidwalker2402]

Well having lost 4 of the last 6 games only beating japan and a last minute score against Ireland looks like the cockiness is back 😂

[@Antonym12198]

I wish he took opoku fajour instead of Stuart

[@NickWarne-bx3kv]

I just don’t rate Will Stuart, he just doesn’t seem to cut it at international level.

[@WillemHorne]

BOKKE

[@_peepyopee]

I'll be back when the Wallabies beat England. England to go 1-4

[@W3SV]

No Felix, No Chance

[@jeffrandall6410]

I hope Rassie tell the Bokke not to speak afrikaans lol

[@jimmyneil2460]

No Farrell

[@marktucker7976]

What the hell does Ted Hill have to do ridiculous

[@MrFubber]

Given Furbank's versatility I wonder if we might see him at 12 at some point. Him outside Smith giving Ford/Farrell vibes.

[@chaz3000]

Such a bad shout - He is nearly a world-class 15. But not built for a 12 at all

[@Alex-mj5dv]

⁠@@chaz3000er Matt Giteau spent a lot of time at 12… as did BOD. Furbank a sturdier hitter than both. Ball-playing 12’s can still be very useful. Though I know everyone still expects a monster at inside.

[@MrFubber]

@@chaz3000 I don't disagree with that but England have not solved the 12 problem for 20 years. I am not advocating it; I am just wondering whether that is something England might look at in the short term given the paucity of options.

[@willman5148]

Joe Marler needs to retire!! Surely England has someone better? Its coming home 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@barthettema3727]

No Danny Care????? He’s still playing isn’t he

[@chaz3000]

retired from international rugby

[@SNOK1986]

I hardly recognise any of those English players. I need to brush up on the English players!

[@N1ghtCrawler1]

Hope to be at the 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿Eng v SA 🇿🇦game should be a cracker! Go Boks!

[@jonathanwilson3254]

What has happened to the rugby section on the Daily Telegraph? It used to have good coverage. It seems that rugby has become a victim of wokeism at the Telegraph.

[@chaz3000]

Dingwall is painfully average - not an international player. I would put Daly at 13 and wait for Slade to come back fit. Also am I the only one who thinks that feyi-woboso is dangerously overated. He can break a tackle or two and is great in the air but that is it - Not exceptionally fast, not that steppy, poor handling teckers and little to no rugby IQ. Watson (when back fit), Wade, Radwan and Arundel (when back from France) start ahead of him in my opinion. That being said I'm happy with the development of Furbank - he looks the whole package at full-back at the minute.

[@roryblake3232]

too bad it wasn't scheduled, OZ, Japan, NZ then Boks

[@samoday2992]

Yep not smart as we wont be game sharp at all while the SH will be finely tuned after the recent games .

[@wot4922]

​@@samoday2992the opposite is true for the July tests.

[@samoday2992]

@@wot4922 july tests are at the end of the NH season . The national teams from the NH have not played for close to 6 months .

[@vinniep237]

alex mitchell and spencer are miles ahead of overhyped van poortvliet

[@barnigranero5882]

I never like the timing of these matches considering that the sourthern hemisphere teams come into it with match practice and the northern hemisphere teams come into it cold.

[@KirstyP_ZA]

Same as SA facing Wales and Ireland at the start of the SH season, surely?

[@davidwalker2402]

Nah all the northern players are back playing and fresh.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@KirstyP_ZAIreland hadn’t played for almost 4 months when they went to SA , none of these players play unless they are 100% fit.

[@lmarislmarislmaris4271]

Sacha is head & shoulders ahead, Ruan Nortje too.