England is set to confront the Wallabies with a tactical mix of aerial and ground strategies as head coach Steve Borthwick unveils a team featuring George Ford at fly-half and Freddie Steward at fullback. The bench is notably bolstered by two British & Irish Lions players, signaling a robust approach for the opening November Test at Twickenham, scheduled for Sunday at 2:10 am AEDT.
In a strategic twist, Borthwick, who honed his coaching skills under the innovative Eddie Jones, opted for a six-forward bench, hinting at potential backline experiments involving his back-rowers. This decision is underscored by the selection of Fin Smith over the versatile Marcus Smith as bench cover for Ford, suggesting imminent tactical shifts.
Strategic Selections and Tactical Flexibility
The inclusion of Fraser Dingwall alongside Northampton teammate Tommy Freeman in the midfield allows Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Roebuck to start on the wings. This selection underscores Borthwick’s emphasis on versatility and adaptability, critical components as England prepares for the 2027 World Cup.
The tight-five, led by captain Maro Itoje, remains a formidable force, complemented by Guy Pepper, a standout from the Argentina tour, who joins Sam Underhill and Ben Earl in a balanced back-row. Borthwick’s decision to reward Ford’s stellar summer performance against the Pumas over Marcus Smith highlights a commitment to form and leadership.
“Right now with our three fly-halves we could be saying that either of the three is a great player,” Borthwick told BBC Sport. “George in the summer was excellent and his performances and leadership were excellent, we are aiming to continue that this weekend.”
Bench Strength and Positional Experimentation
The bench features six Lions tourists, including Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Will Stuart, all poised to make a significant impact against the Wallabies. Borthwick’s strategy mirrors Eddie Jones’ previous innovations, exploring player versatility across positions, a necessity with only 33 players expected to travel to the World Cup.
Borthwick elaborated on the potential of players like Ben Earl and Henry Pollock to adapt to multiple roles, emphasizing the importance of versatility for future competitions. This approach is not without its critics, but Borthwick stands by his comprehensive preparation.
“I know some will criticise me for different things and the depth I go into, regarding my preparation, but it’s been thorough. If I was an England supporter I would want the head coach to be thorough. I’m thorough.”
Wallabies’ Challenge and Tactical Anticipation
The Wallabies, under Joe Schmidt’s guidance, present a formidable challenge, having spent four months building cohesive combinations. Borthwick acknowledges the Wallabies’ fitness and tactical prowess, particularly their adept use of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in aerial contests.
“Suaalii’s kick-off work last year was very good,” Borthwick noted. “It has been a focus for us. Someone who can jump as high as that and has that athleticism if the kick is on the money, stopping him winning the ball is a challenging thing to do.”
England’s preparation focuses on countering the Wallabies’ contestable kicking game, a strategy that has proven effective in past encounters. Borthwick’s team, though limited to four preparatory sessions, aims to maximize efficiency and simplicity in their game plan.
The match promises to be a test of tactical acumen and adaptability, with England’s strategic selections poised to exploit the Wallabies’ vulnerabilities. As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Borthwick’s focus on versatility and depth could prove pivotal in England’s quest for international success.
England vs Wallabies at Twickenham, London. Kick-off: 2:10am, Sunday (AEDT)
England (1-15): Fin Baxter, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (c), Ollie Chessum, Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, George Ford, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck, Freddie Steward
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith
