My England XV to face Japan!

England are back in action this weekend as they face Japan in Tokyo.
Who will Steve Borthwick select? Marcus Smith or Fin Smith at fly half? How many Northampton Saints players should start?

[@nicholascoles152]

Finn Smith needs some England game time, and I think it makes sense a lot of sense to play him alongside his Saints colleague, Mitchell.

[@justogetarep]

Itoje only has limited game time he can play left this season. If they want him to play in NZ I dont think he can play in Japan. I believe he has 90 mins left

[@tangfastic7075]

Its just a red blur. Why choose that text font?

[@JohnRidley12]

Dude, I love your vids. But that font choice/color/spacing. Why?

[@DoddyIshamel]

Oh god that text/background choice

[@fraserposford144]

My matchday 23 with a focus on game time for newer players- 1. Baxter 2. George 3. Stuart 4. Coles 5. Martin 6. B.Curry 7. Earl 8. Cunningham-South 9. Randall 10. Marcus Smith 11. Sleightholme 12. Lawrence 13. Slade 14. Feyi-Waboso 15. Furbank 16. Dan 17. Rodd 18. Heyes 19. Ewels 20. T.Curry 21. Spencer 22. Fin Smith 23. Freeman

[@fraserposford144]

To be honest, I'm not too fussed about the result in any of these games, I just want to see some of the young talent being given a chance to play. With regards to the front row, I'm saving Cole and Marler for the All Blacks, let's see what Fin Baxter can do at international level, he's had a hell of a season for Quins and deserves a first cap.

[@user-rv4go7ry3v]

Must have the basis of the starting AB 15 starting together in Japan although minus Cole/Marler/Itoje/Earl. Reunite Curry and Underhill. Marshall and M.Smith need game time before ABs. Start Steward at 15; AB kicking game is tough and they will rag-doll Furbank; they are used to defending B.Barrett/McKenzie type 15s. Furbank not near that level. Furbank countered Fords conservatism but start Marcus Smith and Steward to balance the risk and FSmith off the bench with MSmith to 15 is an option for greater attack later in the game. Slade at 12 (again a playmaker to negate loss of Furbank) with MSmith works well; reunite them too. Freeman 13. SleiBoso wings. Agree with Woodward re 11/12/13/14 selections. If Itoje / Earl / Cole / Marler replacements perform brilliantly then the replacements start in NZ and we have great experience on the bench.

[@AlfredTheGreatestEver]

I dont know about the calendar for the autumn, but I'd love to see a full strength saints side take on a full strength test side.

[@nickuplands]

I would rest Underhill and give Tom Curry at least 60 mins to give him some much needed game time. I would also save Itoje's allowed minutes until NZ. Other than that, looks like a solid selection for this game

[@bolton121]

I really think he'll want to see Northmore. I think he's our natural 23 in this squad as he covers 11 to 14. I'd also be really surprised if we don't see Baxter get some minutes

[@daniele1569]

It is a good team. Would be nice to see Freeman at centre where his long term future is. I would start Marcus at 10 (don't remember if I criticised you about it before - I know I criticised someone - hope I was nice). I would start Cole at 3 with Stuart on the bench. I wouldn't play Maro for this - I would save him for the ABs.

[@andrewpiearcey3440]

It is tricky to balance the need to look at new players at this level and the need to win the match. Winning has to come first but it is pointless just playing the 23 that will face NZ in the following weeks. I think, however that Borthwick will play the players in their current positions rather than introduce another variable. So I think Freeman would go to the wing. I would probably give Baxter a go in the front row to give him some time and also have Northmore in the centres for the same reason. i dont know if he can slot in at 12 as I think he is another 13. I think Martin and Coles should start as second row to give Itoje a bit of a rest. Earl would probably start but he is a nailed on starter for the NZ so mayhaps that is your room for Dombrandt. Fringe players not in the Japan team may never get to play and hence it becomes a wasted opportunity for learning about them.

[@kevinwright9351]

I think you will be wrong with at least six choices. This is the warm up game for NZ so I dont see SB taking any chances and just giving people games for the sake of it. And I love your videos but you really should get a more professional background, and change ttta awful font, its close to unreadable

[@06alepea1]

I think there are far too many changes from the 1st choice team within that 23, especially the backs.

[@CharlieMain-q9y]

With respect to Japan , we should be experimenting against them and play some of the fringe players . In addition it will be very humid and we dont want the likes of Earl / Otoje / Marler / Coles / George / UInderhill worn out before we reach NZ and not be competitive . I understand that it would be aweful to lose against an Eddie Jones team but feel we have some excellent fringe players who need to play rather than just make up the tour party

[@fraserposford144]

Agreed. The media will make a big song and dance over a loss to Japan but these tours are about growth, we're not gonna have a world beating team in 2027 if we don't get these new guys in now.

[@andrewharris1837]

Cant read text😮