ENGLAND SELECTION REACTION v JAPAN | Autumn International 2024

[@paulclark2345]

Curry, why? Slade, why? Genge, why? Cowan-Dickie, why? Isiekwe, why?

[@Bpt8825]

It’s actually crazy you have the likes of Iseikwe in the 23 whilst Ted Hill is twiddling his thumbs

[@MrThrib]

I've got a fantastic idea. Let's try Slade. It hasn't worked the ninety-nine times before, but this time, this time I just really think it will be great.

[@jamesxife123]

Agreed. It’s like Daly too, people try argue for him to be played but he hasn’t proven his worth across any of his tests.

[@bolton121]

This selection reeks of a man who's scared for his job

[@andrewharris1837]

Did England coaches not watch their A team beating Australia A😮

[@jamesxife123]

Picking both Slade and Curry is diabolical. It’s the fact he’s picking a Curry who was literally knocked out 2 weeks ago over a fully fit Ted Hill. Awful from Borthwick and I’ll be hoping for us to lose just so he’s gone before the 6 nations.

[@warrenwalker7613]

Let’s be honest our head coach and coaching team are holding us back.We need a more charismatic head coach who can develop new talent,we are far too rigid in selection

[@paulclark2345]

Baxter for Genge, Iyogun for Baxter on the bench. Any of the A team locks for one of Itoje or Martin. T Hill for Curry. Isiekwe dropped. Randall in for JVP. Slade dropped, Freeman in. Roebuck starts on wing. Ibitoye on bench. So what if it’s tighter than we would like - much better team for fans to get behind and see progression than replaying players who have proved in the last three weeks (and before) that they no longer have it or in some cases never did. As with all things BOREthwick, a missed opportunity!! 😡

[@simonmount9929]

ted hill's absence yet again is indeed totally bizarre, not to say insane.

[@andrewluff9782]

JVP? A long way from an international 9?

[@Gilan4983]

Zero ambition in this selection. If we get a 1 point win over Japan Borthwick will consider it a World cup

[@barrysheridan9186]

Dear oh dear, what on earth is SB doing. This was the perfect chance to play those knocking on the door.

[@DavidShort-q1d]

My England Vs Japan would be 1] F.BAXTER - E.GENGE 2] T.DAN - G.OGRE 3] W.STUART - A.OPAKU-FORDJOUR 4] G.MARTIN - A.COLES 5] R.TUIMA 6] T.HILL - C.C.SOUTH 7] S.UNDERHILL 8] B.EARL - T.WILLIS 9] H.RANDELL - W.PORTER 10] M.SMITH 11] G.IBITOYE 12] O.LAWRANCE 13] T.FREEMAN 14] O.SLIGHTHOLM 15] G.FURBANK - J.CARPENTER

[@lebowski_dude]

Yeah, pretty disappointed with this selection. Ted Hill is an obvious omission, but quite a few guys really stood out in the A game. Guy Pepper looked fantastic - fast, strong, high work rate. Fasogbon looks to be an absolute beast of a prop. Oscar Beard offers a bit more pace in the centre and Tom Willis tackled his heart out. Good to see Opoku-Fordjour there. I really don't know why Isiekwe is on the bench - we've seen enough of him to know that he doesn't have world-class potential. I think this is a real missed opportunity to have a look at a few players before the Six Nations.

[@lebowski_dude]

Forgot about Ibitoye - with IFW injured surely this would be the perfect game to give him a run. Looks dangerous every time he gets the ball and is also a winger who looks for work.

[@Northy1980]

Guy Pepper didn’t even play in the A game last week…. But I agree he is excellent

[@nigel4425]

For me, this is more damning for Borthwick than losing against the SH teams. It shows that the guy not only does not learn lessons, but is too scared, to stupid, to use this game to the benefit of the team. I give up on the guy, I was happy to see him go through to the 6N, but what is the point?

[@hh481]

I'm sorry Borthwick has to go. All we have learnt is that he doesnt have a tactical clue, he cant manage a team without the staff that have left, his combinations dont work. The fact that he hasnt rolled the dice and trusted the players in the squad who havent played but could add a new dimension is insane. I dont care if we win, it doesnt change that England have regressed under borthwick

[@mrmrH21]

Shocking. I can’t believe I am looking at that team. Refreshed Google I don’t know how many times today. I must be an optimist!

[@JonathanMacey-j6d]

Very frustrating! Spot on, and we go through another cycle of leaning nothing other than current crop don't cut it

[@waynemoore9951]

For Borthwick see Southgate. Bland, safe selections despite everybody seeing the potential in other players. Absolutely ludicrous if he is still England manager for the six nations.

[@andrews1289]

Hardly surprising. I think we've got Eddie Mk2 in Borthwick, he's maybe better with the players but something isn’t right. Pointless fixture, even more so now a few fringe players aren't getting a look. Putting JvP in last week was nuts after such a long layoff but he's clearly a SB favorite. Centre partnership is still an issue. Hard to tell how much is a system issue but I just don't see what Slade is offering to keep others out.

[@JonathanMacey-j6d]

Spot on

[@ianeveratt7273]

The only reason I can think Borthwick as picked Curry is there was pressure for him not to do so and he doesn’t like being told what to do. As you say this was also a great opportunity to try some different players but I think he is frightened of losing and has the 2018 Japan game on his mind. Apart from Opoku-Fordjour and Fin Smith a missed opportunity for sure

[@Drew32511]

I think if Borthwick had come away with a couple of wins this would be a drastically different team but he can't risk putting out a perceived "B"team and losing to Japan especially against the guy he replaced. Just a real shame for some of these players who are buried down the pecking order how long before some of them turn their sights to France knowing they aren't going to get picked for their country?

[@christopherhindle1174]

Total agreement with you. What a wasted opportunity!

[@AnthonyIsturis]

Fully agree on analysis. Look at Ireland giving younger players an opportunity against Fiji.

[@curly19650]

Well done! You made into the last minute before mentioning Ted Hill.

[@rugbyanalyst]

...my name is Rich, and I'm a recovering Ted Hilloholic

[@pjcbelter23]

Borthwick is under pressure and doubling-down on his selection and tactical errors.

[@SuperThompo]

Selection is an issue, and this is Borthers big problem, loyalty to questionable players. How is JVP playing after last week’s disaster. Surely we need more, and need to try more at centre? Same goes for prop, no!? It frustrating frankly.

[@nickkitchen8944]

Such a missed opportunity. I understand not making wholesale changes, but to not try out 3-5 players in place of either thoroughly established players, or players nearing the end of their international careers is a waste. Borthwick simply has to explore some of his options. Very poor of him not to have done so.

[@kevla57]

He will never change honestly if the kick and clap to Japan they could loose

[@Gilescowdemdem]

I was intially a bit disappointed but was reminded the 6 nations is round the corner and we start with ireland away. This team desperately needs momentum so i get not making wholesale changes. Also important to point out theres one, maybe two, guys over the age of 30. The average age of this team is less rhan 26. That's a young squad!

[@johnhanson5943]

Oh dear. Again. I fear we’re stuck with SB for at least another year.

[@Bradley-b4d]

A poor autumn results for Borthwick and his team of rookie coaches they will beat Japan but this won't hide the big cracks in this England team you can't only blame the coaches the players who are paid very well for representing England much share some of blame. For theses performances. I don't think we have enough quality players like the experts say we have. Next year's six nations will be big wack up call for England 🌹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏉🏉🧐

[@MartinJG100]

There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Same old same old.

[@nigelmckay5915]

So another year of 4th or 5 in the six nations

[@Solicitor1957]

That’s it for me. I’ve lost patience with the man. Ridiculous selections. Our bench has been poor. We need to blood new players with potential. Let’s give others a try ffs!

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

Similar to Robertson's choices for Italy - just smacks of someone who wants a good result to paper over some poor results. This is why no-one rates Borthwick, he is so conservative and cowardly in his selections. Picking a team to protect his job and not get the best out of England for the future.

[@Smithy-i8y]

The only answer to all your questions, the answer is this coach and his staff are useless and don’t have a clue. It’s all a bit Andy Robinson for me. You aren’t being harsh, you have been honest.

[@nikpawlowski3610]

Keep it simple. Borthwick not good enough. He’s mundane by nature, and it shows in the team!

[@BGrovesyy]

Lessons are important yes but needs to be balanced with ensuring sufficient game time with a core group so a chop and change never really on the cards

[@rorymkirk]

Borthwick has set such a low bar of selection expectation that I’m actually reasonably happy with this. Several missed opps as you say, but I’ll take that back three and hope Fin gets at least 20 minutes.

[@JoeyJoeJoex]

Last chance saloon and his starting 15 selection reflects that - it’s safe and it’ll win us the game. It must be comprehensive though and it must be dominant. Anything less and this autumn is a complete and total regression, the blame of which should lie directly on Borthwick’s shoulders.

[@judeandrew696]

If we had won any of the games I could see the point in experimenting. This team needs to win and win well albeit against the last team that they beat.

[@Jjaaccoobb..]

Snorethwick 💤

[@amcarthur5003]

The reason we keep losing is not a problem with depth, it’s a problem with quality. Like the selections of not but Borthwick has his favourites and picking them again should lead to growth and therefore more quality. If he’d picked a fresh set then we’d have more depth but that’s not the issue that needs solving. I like the team

[@domknill]

Bore-thwick is a man bereft of charisma and imagination. I don’t think his sidekicks are any better. What do we gain from seeing this team yet again?If I were a young English player I’d be off to France like Henry Arundell - this is a closed shop.

[@PaulHolder]

Any game other than knock out games are chances to try new players and new tactics but they so rarely do it. It's like they think the world will end if they don't win one of these essentially 'friendly' matches...and then they go a lose most of their matches anyway 🤦‍♂

[@Rhummie1]

Of course they should have experimented but this is exactly the problem with the current coaching staff; they are kick and safety first.

[@endo9913]

A selection designed to get a W only. I wouldn’t mind if it was our strongest selection but I don’t think it is. Very little to be learned from this. 6N will heap even more pressure on Borthwick so no experimentation then either.

[@crystallineentity]

Eddie was a mad mind game bully, but Borthers is SOOOOOOOOOOOO conservative with his picks

[@peckhamite]

A conservative selection Should Curry even be playing given his recent head injuries. A missed opportunity to try Freeman in the centre and Ibitoye or Murley in the squad and give Martin or Itoje a rest. Hill and Willis on the bench. And I hope Mitchell recovers soon!

[@Northy1980]

Frustration is justified, I think the majority of fans feel the same. The odd blinkered fan with club bias’ may try denying it, but there are too many players being picked due to former glories. LCD, Curry, Itoje, George et al. I’d rather give others a chance to prove they’re not good enough rather than never find out? Clark, Batley, Coles….plenty of options at lock. Hill, Evans, Willis, Pearson…..plenty of options in the back row Wimbush, Rigg, Northmore, Ma’asi-White, Anyanwu, Butt…..plenty of options at centre. But nah…..let’s stick in the past 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Simon65946]

Totally agree. I can't understand his rationale. Not much thinking going on for two grand a week.

[@torotorres96]

I just can't wait for Mark Mapletoft and the rest of the A coaching staff to take over.

[@PatrickSamphire]

"Solid" is what Borthwick likes. He would rather have a stolid, solid player than one who takes risks. It's hard to really make progress like that. Ah, well. Borthwick isn't going to change his psychology.

[@marktill1197]

If you asked all the best coaches in the world what team in the top tiers of international rugby are best to try new players , answer overwhelmingly Japan

[@paulantonycook4317]

I am disappointed not to see new faces in the Japan game and it seems that this group of players is going to be taken through to the next World Cup. This Japan game is the perfect opportunity to give new players international experience. Will new players be introduced into the Six Nations? Highly improbable as Steve Borthwick and his coaches will be under pressure to win games and clearly one doesn't experiment in a highly competitive tournament so maybe new faces may be seen in the summer? The coaches of other international teams are regularly bringing in new faces and this is the way to create strength in depth which England do not have at the moment and without strength in depth it is very difficult to get to the final of a World Cup. So when will some of the current exciting young players be given their opportunity to gain experience? Next year's summer tour? Deep disappointment on my part at this team selection.......

[@rob.1]

Do you think you could go back over all of the players you called for in every video, only for them to be flops? I'm pretty sure the list will be quite long.

[@rob.1]

This game is a lose lose. He's gone for the least losing lose.

[@gingervirus2988]

9...... errrr Ben Spencer, ummm no, I mean Jack VP or is it Harry Randall? I do wish Borthwick would stop messing around with the scrum-half; that’s not where the problem fundamentally lies. Sort out defence on the fringes and at 12 & 13. At the moment it looks too much like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic rather than addressing tactical basics. The team is not playing as a team but in fragments; the individuals all have skill-sets but little thought of linking and coordination is apparent. Having said all that JVP had a bit of a shocker against SA but hiring or firing every week does nothing for morale or results

[@oj4249]

Teddy must come to the Stormers. Wasted in the England setup imo. Table mountain >>>

[@justinstephenson9360]

At least Dombrandt has been dropped - after many chances to prove he is an international standard 8, all of which he failed to take. JVP is, at best, maybe the 5th best English scrum half so why he is anywhere near the side is a mystery. Now should have been a great time to try out some of the young England front row, maybe with just George being kept as a guiding experienced hand for them. Instead we have LCD as back up hooker - we know what we get from him - Genge and Stuart starting and again we know what we get there. The back line up follows pretty much the same pattern with Borthwick unwilling to take any chances even though it has been clear that Slade is no longer the answer at 13 - great player but it does look as father time and injuries have caught up with him. What exactly is the point of the England A team - so many put in great performances against Australia A, yet none of those performances even merit a place on the bench for the full England sde

[@IverKnackerov]

The players are the problem, not the coach. We don’t have world class talent in the premiership. There are no premiership players that would get into a South African or NZ 23. So why stress over selection.

[@harryhughes3740]

Sick to death of crap selection decisions. The best teams are constantly looking for young talent to blood and build depth. The talent pool in England is huge yet Borewick wants to stick with the same players who are putting in average performances in the hope that they all of a sudden become world class. Not how it works unfortunately.

[@diggermcfly5604]

England will win this game and Borthwick will keep his job..then England finish 4th in the 6 Nations and he is fired .. utterly pointless selection.

[@Sunshinez732]

I disagree. England needs a solid and uncompromising win now. No chances taken. Three losses in a row on home soil, Borthwick would be a fool not to put his best forward to leave nothing to chance.

[@rogermassey8844]

Unfortunately these are not necessarily his best players. There has to come a time when underperformance is called out. Blind loyalty does not ensure improvement. Competition for places is required.

[@andreemurray7039]

The coaching team are crap we won't beat teir 1 teams

[@anthonyslade7872]

Like most England rugby fans I'm the eternal optimist but after more than 50 years of more disappointment than joy, I'm losing all confidence in the RFU getting the right man for the job. Steve is a good Premiership head coach and an okay number two at international level. However, his lack of vision is obvious for all to see, especially the coaches of all the major teams England play against. The blitz defence was an interesting project but without Felix Jones onboard it's a total mess! Joe Schmidt exposed it's flaws as did the Boks. The Wallabies replacement scrum half exposed appalling defence around the ruck and caused mayhem, as did the Boks scrum half! How many times were England turned over at the breakdown?😡 We have so much talent that seems to be being ignored and if they are not given a chance in games like this then they will eventually take the hint and take contracts in France like so many others have! Sorry Steve old chap but either learn to roll the dice for the Sake of England Rugby's future or step aside!

[@waynemoore9951]

Absolute joke, keeps picking players in Genge, George and Slade who've been terrible, missed tackle after misses tackle

[@jimt9261]

I'm rapidly losing faith in Borthwick. He's turning out to be continuity Eddie, sticking with the same old same old, and not giving new players a chance soon enough. If he doesn't roll the dice in a game like this, he never will, and definitely not in the 6N.

[@jonathanward10]

I think your views on selection and SB reflect the vast majority of England fans views. But why is it that the one person who thinks differently to all of us is the bloody England Coach. SB simply isn’t good enough for the job! If this Japan game doesn’t go well he needs to go.

[@janhbhugo5085]

Missed opportunity to build , demonstrates lack of foresight ! Time for change !

[@mikedellar5653]

What did you really expect? There nothing like a bit of planning for the future, and this is nothing like …………..

[@chrise7058]

Freeman overrated for me and not a centre! I like Will Muir of Bath as a winger. Played for the A team so on the radar. If fit I would have Daly. He is class and a very clever player who doesn't play the game by numbers.

[@mikegray8776]

In my view, Rich, you aren’t nearly frustrated enough. This is an absurd selection - with so many great aspiring players, this was the chance to put them through their paces. Willis - Ibitoye - Hill - Fasogbon - Porter - Freeman at centre - Lozowski or Northmore. Instead we will learn nothing playing Genge, JVP, Curry, Slade (ffs), Freeman at wing. For the first time in my life, I almost hope we lose - and that will surely see the end of Bore-wick after 2 years of achieving ZERO …… and get in a coach who can at least work WITH other top coaches !!!!!!

[@davidrowe8747]

Some of the non-selections of fringe players like Ted Hill must be very de-motivating for them. Much too conservative selections.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Lots of negativity from the English fans. I understand why, but I don't agree with it. Sometimes there are more important things than depth, or even strategy. Methinks what Borthwick is doing here is to try and get his frontline team to just score a win. Of all the great truths in rugby - and in sport - winning is a habit, it is a culture. For my money, he wants his young charges to experience breaking the drought. Yeah, England has lost a few on the trot, but all but one of them had been a one score game. The media likes to say that _they can't get over the line_ when instead they should be saying _England has been getting close to the line._ Before even thinking about tactics and handling and scrum dominance, think about just winning a test match and start making a habit out of it. You guys will be fine. There will be other chances to test your depth, but for now, lets just get your lads over the line, eh?

[@StevenmrtTurner]

We could have won all three games if we had a better game plan These players are good but still lost

[@jeffreygavlinski4483]

With regards to Ted Hill, he is going to suffer from the contracts that have been offered to the 17 players. Given that TC has one of these contracts, he is going to play when healthy. With regards to other players being left out, I don't understand why they are picked only to sit in the stands and watch. Stupid.

[@peterweston189]

Uninspiring. My concern. Is that you end up with promising players deciding to go and play in France, like Mercer. If they are not going to be rewarded, why wouldn't they cash in?

[@davidwalker2402]

I think the way bortwick and England want to play then Fin Smith is the right 10 for them. M Smith has shown what he does wont win games , every game he plays 10 they lose , thats not a coincidence . Maybe he comes on as 10 as he did in the Ireland game. England will win against japan and they will again be saying everything is ok , 😂

[@olliematthews9159]

This selection shows no ambition and no imagination so how on earth can we expect are attacking play to develop! We are doomed until Borthwick goes!

[@simonhague2674]

Total lack of ambition combined with doing the same thing and expecting something different...

[@skifast1356]

Total rubbish selection - Borthwick has to go,he's losing the plot.Perhaps RFU contracts are having an influence.Frustrating.

[@carbonblade1]

Yawn yawn Slade who brings nothing and JVP again…at least Ford and Dombrandt not there I suppose…

[@martinluke9470]

SB scared of losing. He should be used to it by now.

[@rickylee3161]

Same old same old. We have no depth and yet none of fringe players will feature. Doing the same thing and expect different results? We may have different result but this team will learn very little.

[@sisyphusonlunch5541]

So this team selection means we'll definitely be heading into the Nations with Slade / Lawrence at centre Tom Curry et al - cosmic. SB wastes every opportunity to try something new which might improve the side. In this case particularly, I think he's just trying to justify his failed selections - Genge, Slade, George, Curry, JVP and Cowan Dickie should all be brickicking it about their international futures after their horrible performances this Autem... but they're not, they just get an easy game to look good and justify their continued selection.

[@jonathanward10]

JVP has never played a great game for England and he certainly didn’t last week vs SA! Harry Randall must be spitting feathers this game would have suited him down to the ground! SB too conservative, too dull in his selections and attitude. England deserves better… is it any wonder Felix Jones et al all left!

[@des4852]

This becomes a nothing match, if we win so what, if we lose where do we go for 6 nations

[@clayton8944]

Disappointing , Genge/Stuart hasn't worked at all ( Stuart appears to be improving ) , are England going to wait till they supposedly reach their peak . Baxter/Okoku-Fordjour both looseheads on the bench , why no Fasogbon , George is 34 , Cowan-Dickie 31 , no Oghre or Blamire , Isiekwe over the likes of Tizard ? , why no Willis , Hill or Pearson we know what the likes of Earl , Underhill and a broken Curry ( who still isn't 100% recovered ) can do . If it was stronger opposition olde King Cole would have been selected . Porter for me over V Poortvliet , at least F.Smith has got the nod over Ford at last , really do not think Lawrence and Slade 31 works , so why are England not selecting a prospect like Anyanwu or S.Atkinson at Inside Centre . Why Stewart was ever selected amazed me , would have liked to have seen Hodge given a chance against Japan , and Roebuck or Elliot over Freeman . Like Cole , Ford would have still been selected if it was up against stronger opposition . Probably going to keep selecting the same starting lineup in the six nations ☹

[@chrisweavers903]

Borthwick - is NOT the man - virtually no real change from Jones

[@StopTheRot]

Genuinely disappointing selection. Although, I can see Borthwick wanting to smash Jones.

[@scentrailstation1780]

Borthwick is useless but we knew that already so we will learn nothing new in this game. Beating Japan with this team means and proves nothing.

[@oliverallan81]

Fed up with Borthwicks faux corporate speak and boring safe selections. What on earth is Tom Curry doing playing against japan - we know what he can do. And where is ted hill and cadan murley. Another wasted opportunity

[@briandamiral7377]

He really hasn't got the foresight to try out other players, t8me h3 went

[@TerrenceReynolds-v1m]

Harry Randall is the best scum half so play hlm, trouble is england never play the best and that is they keep losing

[@mcc5901]

Terrible selection. It looks as if Eddie Jones’ legacy lingers on. There is a need for much change in such positions as 15, the wings, no. 9 and the front row. The Japan game is the perfect moment to trial new talent but alas Borthwick has not done that and I feel he has sealed his fate for the upcoming Six Nations.

[@buderimosteopath641]

Borewick is too inflexible and is clearly out of his depth. A line out coach and nothing more.

[@andrewtomlinson18]

SB to join the 57 old farts

[@nwils6944]

Get him sacked. Absolutely clueless.