Borthwick can only aim to ensure that the assets Lawes added – line-out jumping, breakdown spoiling, dominant tackling, tip-passes on the gain-line – are taken on by others. One does not simply pluck out a like-for-like replacement for Courtney Lawes. Given Joe Marler, Jamie George and Dan Cole look likely to feature for significant periods, England need plenty of mobility elsewhere. But a win is vital and Borthwick will not want to compromise the set-piece solidity that characterised England’s 2023. Traditionally, games against Italy have been an opportunity to experiment. Chandler Cunningham-South, another tackle-breaker with intriguing potential, would be a curveball. Tom Pearson has been developing his line-out skills and could shift across from openside, though he has only started at blindside flanker twice in his professional career. Seven of England’s 13 tries in the 2023 Six Nations originated from lineouts and their success rate of 92 per cent on their own throw was the cleanest in the tournament.Īlex Coles can offer England versatility as a 'hybrid' forward in the back row - Getty Images/David RogersĮthan Roots offers flinty carrying to complement Ben Earl and is a prominent jumper for Exeter Chiefs. Coles could join Itoje and Ollie Chessum in the starting line-up if Borthwick wants to retain one ‘hybrid’ forward to strengthen the line-out. Options in the back five have been cut down further because of injury and illness, with George Martin and Nick Isiekwe out of the opener in Italy. Those five are out of the picture for various reasons, though Maro Itoje (4) and Alex Coles (1) are part of the current squad. Lewis Ludlam (9), Tom Curry (5), Mark Wilson (4), Lewis Ludlow (2) and Sam Simmonds (1) also appeared there. Lawes, presently in career-best form, started 21 of England’s 47 Tests between the start of 2020 and end of 2023 at blindside flanker. And of his high-profile absentees, Courtney Lawes will probably require the most work to replace. To give that attack a chance, Borthwick knows he must assemble a balanced and belligerent pack. Andrew Strawbridge’s impact on England’s attack will be just as fascinating, as that of Felix Jones on defence. Ireland were top by that metric, with 7.8. Everyone averaged more than England’s measly mark of 3.2, according to Stats Perform. Their mark of line-breaks per game, though, was bottom of the pile. England managed 13 tries during last year’s Six Nations, a tally that bettered only those of Wales (11) and Italy (nine). His first year as head coach, he has stressed, formed a foundation from which to build. Steve Borthwick wants to add layers of nuance to England’s game and it would be pretty safe to assume that attacking incision is close to the top of the list. England: How do they rebalance a Lawesless pack? Here is a tactical question for each side ahead of this tournament. Ireland and France will be considered front-runners for the Six Nations - Custom imageĮvery four years, the Six Nations after a World Cup carries a sense of renewal and added excitement, as well as intrigue about how each side will play.
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