MY ENGLAND SELECTION v JAPAN | Time to unleash the talent?

MY ENGLAND SELECTION v JAPAN | Time to unleash the talent?
MY STARTING LINEUP
Predict starting XV for Eng, Scot, Ire or Wales to win 6 Nations tickets!
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[@justinstephenson9360]

If you are picking Dombrandt, even on the bench, something is wrong. Pollock was excellent in the A game and has to be given a chance. In fact I would prefer CCS be given a chance at 8 over Dombrandt - Dombrandt is a really club player but at international level, despite numerous chances, he has failed to deliver. Northmore as 23 I agree with, but Beard is pushing for that slot. I suspect Sleighthome may get the nod over Ibitoya but happy for either to play

[@georgemansfield1996]

I don't think they'll pick Pollock quite yet...He''s been unreal for Saints so far and will likely become a first choice player shortly...then he'll be in the spotlight for England. Another Saint, Pearson is a unit and decent ball in hand, I'd say he's more likely to get a shot anytime soon. He's more of a traditional 6, Pollock more of a 7.

[@Andy-Capp]

We are supposed to be building for the next World Cup. How does Dan Cole and George Ford fit in with that.

[@squidandchips]

Rich didn't pick either for the matchday 23....

[@mcc5901]

No one should care about the result, we should only focus on blooding new talent and finding a new form in attack. This is a golden opportunity to experiment

[@Revellien]

100% on the centre change. Ibitoye is a good shout but a bit harsh on Sleighthomle. Really like Hill - good shout.

[@joemartin4751]

A very good team. Ibitoye definitely deserves his chance. The other guy worthy of consideration is Pollock. I was very wary of the hype around him last year, but having watched him this season, genuinely think he’s a superb player in the making, and perfectly suited to this weekend’s game.

[@andrewpiearcey3440]

Great vid, I like your team but would tweak a few things. I would try out Porter on the bench as SH. I wouldnt have Dombrandt in the squad and go for CCS as an eight replacement. Is it too early for Pollock, he has serious wheels for a forward? Beard was also excellent at 13 but Lawrence, for me has done enough to keep his centre position.

[@ClarkRay-rb5pb]

I agree re Dombrandt, he’s a great player at Quins but looks some way off being effective at International level.

[@TimboStash]

You're dreaming if you think he'll make that many changes, especially straight from the A team. He's been coaching the squad for the last month and he'll pick mostly from them - he needs a win!

[@PaulHolder]

People might suggest Ibitoye has defensive slips but he does so much so well and defensive flaws haven't stopped Freddie Sreward racking up the caps. Most importantly Ibitoye provides entertainment which is probably what International Rugby needs more than anything at the moment.

[@Coldfeet5295]

I hope we see players like Ted hill, nothmore, murley given a chance to show up. This autumn series just highlights how important Mitchell is and that he's the best scrumhalf England has by a long distance.

[@mrb1380]

No on Dombrant. He starts or not at all and Im not sure he fits England's style. Swap him our for Cunningham South.

[@lebowski_dude]

Agree with the squad. I'd be tempted to start Fin Smith and see how he manages a game for 50 / 60 minutes. Not sure about Dombrandt on the bench though - I think he's had his chances and someone like Fisilau might be better for a fast paced game.

[@nigel4425]

I like the look of that selection - 2 things... Dombrandt - I am a Quins fan (full disclosure) but I think he is running out of chances to prove he can do the England thing. He did some good stuff when he had Care and Marcus, but needs to prove he can play nicely with others. Furbank - I am still not convinced he is the full answer at 15. I agree with you he is well suited to the Japan game, but against bigger sides he gets found out too often for my tastes. Unfortunately Freddie is proving that he isn't the real deal either - best in the world under a high ball but shambolic in defence, maybe give Northmore a start, or even Freeman as an 'out there' selection to see if he fits.

[@sisyphusonlunch5541]

I think Slightholme might feel a bit hard done by to be dropped after scoring 3 in 2. Would love to see Ibitoye though! Hey Rich, did you hear that England are going to try to get Junior Kopoku back to England by offering him an enhanced player contract? They should offer the same deal to Dom Young to get him into Union - launch him from fullback, all 6ft 7 of him - you get a devastating line breaker with the high ball ability of Steward but with less falling over. While your at it you might as well get Herbie Farnworth too and make him play 12.

[@JackHomberger]

Great shout on Dom Young. Could be a genuine solution however i don't know if the current setup would suit the league-union transition and allow him to flourish like Sua'ali'i has done with australia.

[@rugbyanalyst]

I didn't hear that about Kpoku, if so that's great news. I'v

[@nickc4033]

Feyi-Waboso is out due to concussion symptoms, so Sleightholme may well get another start

[@cosmojames7710]

His defence in the NRL is currently a well documented weakness, and I’d rather have a playmaker at 15 otherwise all the onus is on the 10 given we don’t have any distributors in the centre. Furbank definitely needs more game time, as he is the most rounded player. I think Josh Hodge and Joe Carpenter are on the up to offer more competition at 15.

[@waynemoore9951]

Dombrant, I'm sorry he's a no. Pearson or Pollock? What did roebuck do wrong when he got on?

[@sillymoomoomoo]

I suspect Borthwick will keep Ford on the bench and George starting, hope I'm wrong, suspect I'm not. Isn't Feyi-Waboso injured still?

[@jngf100]

Rugby Analyst - like the look of your back row - would be interested to know your thoughts on playing Ben Earl at inside centre? - I actually think he’d be better suited to that role than no.8 ( especially as England need a player who can punch roles in the defensive line with hard heavy carrying in the latter role imo ) 17

[@rugbyanalyst]

My thoughts are the Earl has all the perfect physical attributes for a centre. However he has played in the forwards all his professional life and they'd need Saracens to agree to play him there sometimes (which isn't happening). Farrell played 12 for country but not club but he'd played there plenty before and was a back. I can see him getting the odds 10mins there as a change up but think it's a nice idea that won't happen. Sam Simmonds could have been the best 12 in England if he'd played there for club also!

[@peckhamite]

I like the selection But Borthwick will not select half of those and Feyi Webosa is injured. Murley on the bench

[@ChristopherSmith-o5x]

This is a good opportunity to try young players . What is the point of grinding out a close win with the old players. They are probably terrified to experiment because it is Eddie Jones who could end up having the last laugh.

[@stephencourt5784]

For me 1.Baxter 2.Dan 3.Staurt 4.Itoje 5.Martin 6.Hill 7.Ben Curry 8.Cunningham South 9.Randall 10.Fin Smith 11.Sleighthome 12.Lawrence 13.Freeman 14.Roebuck 15.Furbnak 16.Cowen dickie 17.Asher 18.Davison 19.Tom Curry 20.Underhill 21.Spencer 22.Marcus 23.Northmore

[@Antonym12198]

Switch ccs for dombrant because he’s a good impact sub

[@simonbarnes8303]

I’d like to see that team although I’d play Fin Smith and put Marcus Smith on the bench.

[@darthmaul408]

I really like your team Rich. Continuity with a sprinkling of new players. The list starts are Hill and Ibitoye for me. Perfectly suited to this game and like you said, if not now then when? Also a great shout to get Northmore on the bench. I’d actually argue that he could start at 12/13 and have Freeman on the bench to cover wing and centre. Lastly, it’s great that you’ve recognised Will Stuart. Going into these games the talking point was England’s scrum. Over the autumn the defensive system and the psychology of winning tight games is now the main talking point, but that’s partly because of Stuart’s impressive performances. Well played sir.

[@covdog1311]

Agreed except I would look Pearson or Pollock on the bench with Earl

[@andrews1289]

This fixture doesn't really interest me. We beat Japan heavily and perform well is the best case scenario but what do we learn? I see Borthwick has added Caden Murley and Tom Curry at the expense of Daly and Ewels. I agree with your selection but clearly Borthwick does not.

[@forret]

Dombrandt isn’t mobile enough to replace any of the starting back rowers. Pepper or Pearson way better

[@ianeveratt7273]

I'd give Pollock ago

[@robertwhalley882]

Borthwick is generally a conservative man and will be desperate for a win over anything else, so I dont expect a lot of changes other than to put fresh legs in after 3 tough games. I expect Davison, Coles and Hill might see involvement on the bench and possibly Northmore for Slade and Furbank back in.

[@Abi-dank]

That back line looks decent!

[@nickkitchen8944]

It's a no to Dombrandt for me, and a lot of others on here. I also wouldn't start Ibitoye, as he's not a good or diligent enough defender to get selected in a 6 Nations game. Sleightholm for Ibitoye, Fisilau for Dombrandt are the certain changes for me. I really like your selections of Willis at 8 and Freeman at 13. If you're playing Lawrence and Freeman in the centre, Furbank is a must at 15 for his secondary playmaking.

[@rufiotgl]

Sleightholme and Pollock would replace IFB (as hes probably going to be injured again and we know how good he is) and Dombrandt (who is a great player, but Pollock deserves a cap).

[@leecheetham5889]

What about Pollock?

[@davidrowe8747]

England always have a great reluctance to try new players, even against lower-tier teams - as you say, if not now, then when? In the meantime, other countries will blood new players in difficult games - look at Rassie playing musical chairs over the autumn series, and Schmidt blooding Suaaiili against England - in his first EVER professional union game! Too cautious. Yes, I know we want to beat Japan - and we should - but it's a "nothing to lose" game, so give a game to some of the poor sods who have been training for the past 5 weeks!

[@davidrowe8747]

Oh, forgot to say - Dombrandt? No! Lots of better options currently in the squad, or who played in the "A" game.

[@kevinwillis6707]

It's because england coaches pick out of fear of losing their job rather than what's best for the team, they are scared to experiment. If the likes of Slade and dombrandt aren't up to it now, they aren't going to be so at the next world cup, barely scraping through to the semis against weak opponents was probably the worst thing long term as borthwick will probably plod on until after the next one before getting the boot. In all honesty the best thing would be for england to lose 4 matches at the six nations, then maybe the rfu would cave under pressure and sack him.

[@comboverhere767]

Does the rfu not convert rugby league players anymore. And Burgess for manager

[@whitebear5405]

I think swap out Dombrandt for Cunningham South. Good team though.

[@KyleStevens-xc7mt]

That is a great team would love 2 see that

[@Bradley-b4d]

Well Englands confidence is very low at moment they should win but it's not looking good for Borthwick in next year's six nations moral must be low after losing so many test matches as proud Englishman i don't like to see England sink so low 🏉🏉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌹🧐

[@neilgraham12]

Dombrant and Earl makes no sense. Hill 100%. I'd also start Ford and Smith at 15.

[@simonhague2674]

I don't see the point of picking Spencer at 31 on the bench against Japan, I think we gain more playing Porter who combines with M. Smith... For me, Dombrandt doesn't come off the bench well but CCS does for Quins... I'd replace Dombrandt & Earl on the bench with CCS & either Pollock or Pearson. Finally, with Furbank at 15, you have cover for 10, so I would replace F. Smith on the bench with either Roebuck or Carpenter and if Lawrence doesn't deliver anything in the first 20 mins, I'd pull him off and replace him with Northmore

[@NotApplicable678]

How about dropping Borthwick?

[@barrysheridan9186]

SB needs to let go off those near the end of their careers and pick for the future instead of clinging onto players who have won their places on past performance. Sentiment does not bring the rewards of success.

[@nathanlewis3034]

My 23 XV: 1. Fin Baxter 2. Theo Dan 3. Dan Cole 4. Itoje (c) 5. Nick Isiekwe 6. Ted Hill 7. Sam Underhill 8. Alex Dombrandt 9. JVP 10. Fin Smith 11. Tom Roebuck 12. Alex Lozowski 13. Ollie Lawrence 14. Ollie Slightholme 15. Freddie Steward 16. J George 17. AOF 18. Trevor Davison 19. Alex Coles 20. Ben Curry 21. Ben Spencer 22. George Ford 23. Tommy Freeman

[@hafidkouloun6405]

I agree with you on this selection! I think Borthwick will have to make some calls about some senior squad members who aren't up to it. Too old, too tired or not enough hungry or overrated as simple as that! Just imagine if the RFU change their rule of selection you would have two important players plying their trade in France: Jack Willis and Henry Aundell! Willis ahead of Dombrandt and Arundell and Sleightholme ahead of Furbank. By the end of 2025 I would like England to look like the following: Opoku-Fordjour (Baxter), Dan (Oghre), Stuart (Heyes), Hill, Martin, J Willis (CCS), Underhill, T Willis, Mitchell (JVP), M Smith (F Smith), Sleightholme (Ibitoye), Earl, Lawrence, Feyi-Waboso (Roebuck) and Arundell!

[@jeff77200]

Michael Cheika for England coach if they can grab him if we have a rubbish 6 nations.... I really want Steve Brothwick to turn a corner and start thinking differently regarding selection and decision making when we're under the pump and need to switch to a different game plan...But there's enough senior players in the squad that need to start making their voices heard as well....

[@burniemaurins2382]

Dombrandt just isn't an international player, he's been given a shot and not stepped up

[@aluncurtis6124]

South Africa have played 50 different players this year. Everyone says they have the luxury of depth but maybe they don't mind sacrificing a game or two of it bloods new talent. Borthwick needs to throw caution to the wind and take a chance on new blood.

[@jeffreygavlinski4483]

Dombrandt on the bench? For what reason does he justify his place?

[@stevemoore4012]

We need proper speed. Borthwick relies too much on systems + pre-determined moves from ball-players, hence Slade who continually gives an average performance . For this game why not try an out-and-out speed-team? Yes Lawrence @ 12 & Freeman @13. We know what FW can do so rest his head for one more game & stick Ibitoye on one wing & Radwan on the other... Both of these speed merchants can break & score from any position so surely it's worth a punt? Personally I feel, for long term benefit, Borthwick should go now & somebody with flair & a daring mindset brought in. What's the worst that could happen? - we would lose games. So no change there anyway......

[@carbonblade1]

Great looking team…how about Henry Pollock?

[@rugbyanalyst]

I had him in but second guessed myself.

[@ianeveratt7273]

In reference to sacking Borthwick, I'd try and replace him with Cheika buy him out of his contract before anyone else gets him. He has a proven track international track record

[@philwebbphotography3630]

You have made a great team selection, better than the team Borthwick keeps putting out for sure

[@markexley]

Sleightholm should be in. Pace and strength.

[@squidandchips]

He might be... Feyi-Waboso is still out according to some media.

[@jharwood9795]

Do you honestly think Will Stuart is a good test match tighthead? Sure he's been better than usual, but his usual was awful! He has 44 caps now - no longer a kid.

[@rugbyanalyst]

Grasping at straws maybe

[@barnigranero5882]

Randall isn't even in the squad for me and never getting back in again either. The same for Freeman and Furbank. They can't defend well enough for international rugby. Also George isn't a captain and I wouldn't pick him anyway.

[@mikedellar5653]

In your dreams

[@davidbibey3013]

Where is Caden ?

[@Gilescowdemdem]

I normally hate these kind of big rotational selections but putting the first team out against Japan won't prove anything, let's see what some of the back ups guys can do instead.

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

You probably put more analysis into this lineup than England will...

[@humanafterall2076]

Time to unleash the talent? Three games ago was that time Now you’re in damage limitation

[@Sanchez567]

Ibitoye is never getting near an England team while Borthwick is coach, he’s the anti Borthwick player. Poor in the fundamentals but unreal in attack.

[@LeonRamkumar]

I think England have a good chance of beating Japan this weekend. Just need to be more clinical.

[@tobymcflurry258]

love this team mate, unfortunately dont think borthwick has the balls

[@nojosm]

This team will never be picked by SB, would love to see it in action though !

[@CharlieMain-q9y]

Great team but I would rest George as well So Langdon instead of George / Dingwall at 12 with Lawrence - Perhaps also Mark Mapletoft into the senior coaching set up as well

[@kevla57]

He will just play the same team just the bench will start

[@gavstott1]

No, the time to unleash the talent was a month ago

[@Zeeshan-ep1og]

If you wanted to try some new players isn't it better to do so against strong teams

[@steve-vc3wl]

love the squad you picked, but, some things in life are certain, Steve Borthwick will only make a 2 changes, which will be a shame, he is a total failure and uninspiring as a head coach

[@AAA-ld3ww]

'Borthwick brain' says no chance of mixing it up and risk losing this one! (Although, not mixing it up won't even guarantee victory). 'Development for the good of English rugby brain' agrees with you entirely, plus it would leave those Borthwick 'old besties', who should move over for this one, with a thirst for victory for the coming Six nations because, as we all know, they are the ones going to be picked again!😬😤🙄

[@skifast1356]

Great selection but far too sensible, boring Borthwick wouldn’t be this creative or take a risk.Surely Slade et al will be dropped.Randall needs a proper outing.At present Mickey Mouse would be good option for England’s coaches.

[@richardclarke82008]

No chance you are gonna see that team for this game

[@clayton8944]

Captain not starting ? Dan to start when he's not even the top hooker in the league , should be on form so Oghre or maybe Blamire should be in with a chance . Itoje/Martin haven't done it this autumn why not start new blood like Tizard/Munga/Batley to name a few . Why are we persevering with Lawrence at 12 when he is the best 13 in England ? and why Freeman at 13 , why not just select a proper 12 like Anyanwu who is playing well in the premiership . Don't understand selecting Spencer on the bench should be looking to the future now ( Porter ) not during/after the Six Nations . As for Dombradt , why ? when we have an inform Harding . Wasn't Baxter part of the problem when England made those changes against the Boks ? , the babyfaced assassin should be replaced with Iyogun or Opoku-Fordjour imo .

[@kevinwillis6707]

Dombrandt is nowhere good enough, not a bad squad otherwise, id have tom pearson in there

[@xabiruli]

Sleightholm is a world class winger, he should be an England must start. Got something special about scoring

[@jonathanward10]

Pretty much agree with your selections especially Randall & Furbank! Stewart has the turning circle of an oil tanker which led to 2 tries vs SA, Sleightholme also missed a tackle or 2. Like your winger choices , sleightholme is good but doesn’t offer as much as Waboso and iboyje (spelt wrong I’m sure!). Moving Freeman into to centre is overdue and keep Smith at fly -half and let’s rip into Japanese. Will Borthwick be conservative? Probably and that’s the problem with English rugby conservatism! If SB picks Ford at fly half 😡 (and it wouldn’t surprise me!) he should be immediately sacked!

[@jimwocha4949]

Nah. Just pick the same team that has lost the last three matches. Simples!🤣

[@LMR041082]

First!

[@Replika54]

Wild that you would drop CCS entirely off the team. People scream about blooding the youngsters but you've dropped the youngest player and one of our brightest stars. I think Manny is still injured. Voting for a man's career screams amateur hour.

[@rugbyanalyst]

CCS is not dropped, he has played loads. so just giving other a chance

[@Replika54]

@rugbyanalyst I would select CCS over Dombrant.

[@CraigMinnie]

I don't understand what you guys are raving about Cunningham south. He made a couple of big hits against nz was in the right position to score 2 tries against Aus but was poor in the rest of the game.And on Saturday he was non existent , Underhill and Earl did all the looseforward work .Jack Willis , Tom Willis and the Currie brothers are far better looseforwards .

[@clayton8944]

I would drop him aswell , probably wouldn't even select him over players like T.Willis , T.Hill or F.Harding

[@mikedellar5653]

CCS has done nothing in an England shirt

[@rossleahy2150]

FFS you are only playing Japan

[@carbonblade1]

@@rossleahy2150 and your point is???

[@johncahalane7327]

Yes it's Japan who remember run England close in the World Cup last year, remember England had a stroke of luck at a vital moment! Better be up for it because Japan 🇯🇵 smell blood and will hit hard, run hard, and will come to Twickenham with no fear, England to win but it could be hard no matter what team is picked

[@icklejop]

Randall is simply too small at International level, it was painfully obvious the last match, sometimes a scrum half has to get stuck in a rucks. Dan is also too small at scrum time, you don't need a fly half at 2 if they lose set piece. Dombrandt simply isn't an International, for whatever reason, should be nowhere near the squad in my opinion. Cole has no impact whatsoever any more and Ford hasn't had game time. Borthwick is making the same old mistakes time and again. He needs to look at his own stats and act accordingly, not giving jobs to his mates from a poor French side.