Pleasingly uncontroversial. Happy for Harry Randall to be on the bench giving that high tempo off the bench. Interesting that after the world cup it was hard to name how many players were nailed on to start but now the team looks like it is starting to take shape.
My goodness me! Martin, CCS, Underhill and Ben Earl all starting (with Tom Curry to come on)!. That's quite frightening even for Eddie Jones :-) Slightly surprised that Roots isn't on the bench to keep up the physicality instead of Ewels but Borthwick will want a solid set piece for 80 minutes. And Ewels has been in good form for Bath at lineout and around the park. Thrilled for Harry Randall to show his worth off the bench who will really challenge Japan's fitness in the closing stages. Equally, hope to see Fin Smith get a good 20-30 minutes under his belt. He will be biting at Marcus's heels for a start against the ABs. Really interested to see Roebuck come on as well. How does he fit into Borthwick's game plan? Finally we are seeing the fruits of Borthwick's labours, he has well and truly unearthed some great talent! If England click it will be a long afternoon for Japan. Although Japan will look to run England off the park with our big forward pack. But overall, WHAT. A. TEAM!
@@EggchasersRugby oh yes! Although we'll need all the legs in the world in the Japan heat. Randall can cause some havoc as well if we can get dominance upfront. He could usurp Spencer as second choice if he goes well.
Awesome team. Surprised by Rodd but it makes sense considering how little time Baxter has had in camp. Rodd probably has better fitness around the park as well. Itoje, i think, can opt out of the player welfare program, which is odd, but probably means he plays every game. Sleightholme needs time learning the defensive system so, again, not too much of a surprise and stoked to see Roebuck come off the bench. Really excited by the back line versatiltiy and that back row sbould scare any team. Go on lads!
Agree Giles on sleightholme needing time in camp , particularly with the Felix way of defending , though Borthwick is on record saying he’s excited by how well he feels sleightholme compliments this new system.
@@kev63inuk Yeh, feels like it's a shoot out between him and Roebuck for the bench spot against NZ. Happy with both but Sleightholme arguably feels like a bigger impact player if he can settle quickly
Was going to get up early Saturday and watch my country as always , but good point Tim on Borthwick announcing this team to drum up more interest. Already told my missus no coffee in bed for her this Saturday way before this team announcement. 🏴🌹
Waiting for the comments about why the form number 8 in world rugby, Earl, should be played on the flank so somebody not selected, Mercer or Barberry, play 8 instead! Just applaud the team selection. There’s only one eyebrow raised for me, no Finn Baxter. (Is he injured?) I would have thought this was the ideal time to start having a good look at him. I’m also not delighted to see Ewels near the team instead of Coles. But other than that, no problems with the team. It’s about momentum and nobody wants a loss to Japan to start a tour so go with a strong 15!
Baxter probably needs more time in camp whilst Rodd has experience with the system so it isn't a huge surprise. Could maybe argue Rodds mobility is a better fit for the style SB wants to play. I'd normally raise an eyebrow at Ewels but he's been immense for Bath all season so can't complain this time round. Coles has plenty of time to claim his spot long term
I hope this is a sign of things to come and a new direction for England. At the back of my mind, I wonder what the squad would read like if Farrell, Daly, Ford, Vunipola were all available for selection?
Think Borthwicks chose rodd because he probably is the most like genge could argue Obano but he isn’t in the squad. I think we’ve seen Baxter as a marler re-gen does his meat and veg well e.g strong set piece and tackles well, where as rodd is more like genge, get about the park carry hard and hit breakdowns
Be interesting to see how Bevan Rodd goes. I can also see Cunningham-South swapping with Tom Curry for the first test. Otherwise, I would've swapped Coles for Ewels, but that's close enough to not matter much.
Marcus Smith is one of the finest fly-halves in world rugby. As a South African I was relieved that he wasn't in the WC Semi-final. Smith on the field in the last 20 min would have been a handful and who England needed to win. That was a monster mistake by Steve Borthwick in my opinion. GOOD LUCK AGAINST NZ!
Really love this. Great to get ahead of leaks and name the squad early. Going for a full strength team, continuing the continuity and keeping on shifting towards more quick paced attack. It’s smart and practical but also progressive. Maintaining form players and experienced players. Ewels may be a suprise but really is there to call lineout. Marcus equally simply has more international experience than Fin and this is a squad that doesn’t yet have the luxury of playing games purely to blood new caps. Very very excited. Big Steve fan.
This is a public announcement for English teams.....(as the English are the only nation that seems to do this) If you announce your teams 15-9 then 1-8 I will support the other team.
Not really surprised we gone full strength. Borthwick looking at youngsters to train with the team before giving them game time. Even Ben Spencer , though not young has to train and learn this Felix jones way of defending before he gets game time. Remember Randall who’s on the bench was in the six nations squad and turned up early with this tour looming . Fin Baxter we all thought may start against Japan , but Steve’s told him get training lad and learn a few of our ways.
@@Jack-qv5ruMitchell still no 1 but he does have that tendency to have terrible games when the opposition pack has the ascendancy. Spencer more consistent. We lack great scrum half options but Mitchell still has the chance to grow.
It may not be personal for Borthwick but it definitely will be for Eddie, I would predict some out there game plan from him just to make sure it isn’t a 25 point thumping for his ego.
i recall Bevan Rudd scrumidged really well against SA in 2021 ( may have been 2022 but we won with a try by Raffi Quirk ) - he won a number of penalties against the boks which is no mean feat ( may have been referees mistakes but he won them )
21 I think. We had a specific tactic to disrupt them and the ref bought it. Rodd a better scrummager now. Hes perfectly solid at club level. Need to see how he gets on at international level now!
Speaking off getting people interested in the game, does anyone know where I can watch it here in the UK? I've had a bit of a dig online and all I can find is streaming it from a website. Has a full England international really not been picked up by any of the stations? I'm not expecting prime time billing but I thought maybe it might get picked up by BBC3 or the like?
Yeah, although I can't work out if the RFU is nuts for not realising if they want to grow the game people need to be able to watch the national team or whether I'm just really old for still thinking people watch things on TV. 🤣
Good team. Be good to see them against Japan. ABs announced next Monday - 32 man squad (18+14 split) - super rugby final this weekend likely to include half the squad, maybe 60%. England strategy against Japan will be interesting as don’t think time to change.
Massively agree with this in principle, I like the continuity from the 6N. I do completely agree re Slade but I think people forget how good marchant was autumn 2022-world cup before he went off to France. Even with the dire 6N and warm ups of 2023 him, I think Lawrence and Chessum (bar one game) were our only shining lights
Plenty of power and pace in that 23; should be too much for Japan, and very excited to see how they go in NZ. Hoping for some cracking Test Matches. Good luck to Ireland too in SA.
It’s not frightening that there are so many good young England players. Zombies are frightening. Ghosts are frightening. Good England places is an amazing place for England to be. Wish commentators would stop misusing the word Frightening.
Tim, I agree with your comments about Prem being different to International. That said, do you really think Marcus Smith’s (manic) play style suits international rugby and England in particular?
I think Rodd will surprise some people. He's bigger than he looks and very mobile. He's no Ellis Genge but I think he will raise eyebrows around the park. The question is, can he sure up the scrum? He needs game-time. Fin Baxter will have his time but he desperately needs time in camp before Borthers throws him in.
Japan have named their team too. A lot of new players including a fullback still playing at Waseda University. If England can handle the heat, they should smash this team. If they can handle 31 degrees 70% humidity in the sun.
I wouldn't be surprised if Borthwick feels Randall and Marcus Smith together on the pitch at the same time would lead to a defensive weakness in that important area next to the scrum - two relatively small and slight players that aren't quite the locked barn door that we would want there. It's a shame, because if both fellers were 10% bigger, they'd be an unstoppable partnership that could run the show for years.
Even though it's not personal for sb i think for some of the England players will have something to prove to Eddie like ben who Eddie completely ignored if i remember so i think some of the England players will be pretty fired up
We can get swayed by club form. Backs Marcus Smith 😂 Separate note, with Roebuck on the bench, does that mean the potential replacement move is Freeman to centre if needed?
Is Tim serious about the broadcaster? I mean what chance does England have in f promoting rugby when other countries are broadcasting their university and school rugby?
The only other comment is that we don’t have a natural #8 on the bench. Arguably, Earl is not an 8 (although he’s done a job) and then no 8 on the bench…?
A full England side against serious opposition (given the location) and Japan still looked like serious opposition in the World Cup. Can't believe this game is not televised.
If anyone trying to find a way to watch England v japan i think it's free to make a rugby pass account I just signed up for free i think we can watch for free
Courtney Laws was a world class lock, not a 6, it will be good to see underhill or the kiwi play there with curry and earl thats a class set of loosies
Eddie will have some surprises up his sleeve and will get the best out of Japan for sure but England on paper look like they have too much fire power and for once, pace!. Eddie will be hoping that ring rust and the piping hot conditions will be in his favour but England are pretty well conditioned. Really hope that Marcus Smith has a great game. We have been waiting for a defining performance from him. Ford is still No.1 when fit but Marcus has so much to offer. Fin will of course have something to say about that when he comes on. Very excited by this team!
It may just be due to the fact that the team was constantly getting leaked during the World Cup and 6 nations and Borthwick is looking to eliminate the loose lips
You may have the most balanced take on the England Fly Half position. You never 'pick a side' or revert to hyperbole, Are you sure you are English? Interested to see Bevan Rodd go. I hope scrum goes well. Not becuase I think he's week there (He rarely has issues there even against big THs) but you know if he gives away one penalty the narrative will start. I love Sleighthome, he's like a fast, skillful, Mike Brown. But he's effectivly competing with IFW for a spot.
Thank you for your explanation regarding Sleightholme. Spelling? Albeit Japan have a spirited team, like you, I think England will break them down and the game could be liberally sprayed with tries from all over the place. The only problem is, we won’t be able to see them. Doh⁉️ We’ll believe what you tell us, and just hope it proves good training for the next big game. Thank you.
About England ‘blooding’ new players… if I read things correctly, there are only 2 players in the starting backline with more than 20 caps(Slade and Smith). So maybe giving the other 5 more international experience is a good idea.
Would like to have seen Finn Smith starting alongside his Saints teammate Mitchell .. but I have to admit it’s Marcus Smiths time on this tour to prove he’s the first choice number 10 going forward for England… 🏴
I think against NZ Northwick will try and up the power, and I think we’ll see Cole’s and Martin in second row and Itoje at 6. Coles might need abit more rest from the final.
No idea what to expect from the game, but it is one helluva exciting team selection for England. I’m warming to Borthwick: he might just know his onions after all.
Randall is interesting - I remember Jonny May saying he was told either he starts or he wasn’t in the RWC squad because of the roles SB wanted filled; I wonder if he sees Spencer as someone who starts or isn’t there
i'm a japanese fan and i have to agree with you. England gonna win with a significant margin. Japan squad has a lot of uncapped players and most of the player also lack in depth. The fact that some senior player also unavailable beause of injury and other reasons also didn't help either. This match gonna be huge learning lesson for them and as a japanese fan i really really hope that Eddie won't fuck them in the ass like he did to australia.
Slades defence on the edge is suspect. Gets caught for alot of metres. Itoji should be benched. We need to try different locking pairs and he runs out of minutes in his 30 game season cap halfway through the first NZ test. Bevan rodd not good enough and Finn should have been given the nod. So happy to see Underhill still in the squad and Curry on the bench... What a combo to play with.
Why is Rodd not good enough. No coincidence that Sale went on that run at the end of the season. Arguably our best player in that run. He’s not as destructive in the scrum as Baxter but there’s more rugby than that as long as he can hold his own. Best at the breakdown. Best ball handler. Most mobile. Bet he tops the numbers for all the stats Borthwick is looking at.
Marcus Smith has earnt the right to fail this tour. If he doesn't that'll be brilliant. If he does that'll be telling. Randall I'm not sure on. My impression was his kicking was fairly inconsistent but if he's been picked I'll assume he's training well and has proved himself to SB (similar to Mitchell coming back in pre WC). I'm made up for Roebuck. He looks made for test rugby and the way we're going to play.
Some issues/concerns re: selection of Itoje (limited minutes available); Baxter & Randall only on bench; Mitchell over Spencer; Tom Curry even playing from bench... Wish them well, and like the backline (10-15), but not sure about the overall selection in the context of the 3 match tour...
I'm assuming the Itoje minutes is just being ignored (fine by me...he knows his body and medical staff know better than arbitrary rules). This says to me it's about winning all three with strongest team available. No experimentation or rotation required.
I don't even think Itoje needs to have an amazing game with the team around him. Martin, CCS, Earl, Underhill, what a supporting cast! I hope Itoje goes well but he is backed-up by some serious talent. These days he's in as an experienced head. If we can get an 70-80% Itoje, that is enough.
Glad Marcus is playing Japan but think Fin should start against NZ. Marcus can produce those moments of magic, but I feel like we need a more old school 10 who knows the 9, like Fin.
Madness. Putting that amount of pressure on the shoulders of someone who’s still learning what test rugby is all about can ruin players before they’ve had a chance to really grow into it.
@@feliscorax I agree, however marcus like to make runs at the defence, this can lead to gaps which wouldn’t be present with fin in at 10. NZ will punish any gap, playing marcus against NZ could lead to leaking points
@@thatbritishmodelguy We’re playing New Zealand in New Zealand. The points are going to leak regardless of who we put there. Fin isn’t ready. Ideally, it should have been Ford, but we’re working with the materials we’ve got.
The Smith conundrum... I would have rather seen Finn Smith Start with Marcus coming off the bench. The question is then whether you also need to change the 9's?
Finn Smiths performance in the Prem final i think is proof hes still got learning to do so the bench is fine for him, Marcus deserves his start
Agreed
Pleasingly uncontroversial. Happy for Harry Randall to be on the bench giving that high tempo off the bench. Interesting that after the world cup it was hard to name how many players were nailed on to start but now the team looks like it is starting to take shape.
My goodness me! Martin, CCS, Underhill and Ben Earl all starting (with Tom Curry to come on)!. That's quite frightening even for Eddie Jones :-) Slightly surprised that Roots isn't on the bench to keep up the physicality instead of Ewels but Borthwick will want a solid set piece for 80 minutes. And Ewels has been in good form for Bath at lineout and around the park. Thrilled for Harry Randall to show his worth off the bench who will really challenge Japan's fitness in the closing stages. Equally, hope to see Fin Smith get a good 20-30 minutes under his belt. He will be biting at Marcus's heels for a start against the ABs. Really interested to see Roebuck come on as well. How does he fit into Borthwick's game plan? Finally we are seeing the fruits of Borthwick's labours, he has well and truly unearthed some great talent! If England click it will be a long afternoon for Japan. Although Japan will look to run England off the park with our big forward pack. But overall, WHAT. A. TEAM!
Agreed. That pack is violent! And when they're tired...Tom Curry!
@@EggchasersRugby oh yes! Although we'll need all the legs in the world in the Japan heat. Randall can cause some havoc as well if we can get dominance upfront. He could usurp Spencer as second choice if he goes well.
@@EdLo3let's not get carried away now england, here we go again 😂😂😂.
A violent pack with fast backs - how can you not love it
I would add I’d have preferred they take Ted Hill at least as back up to Cunningham South
100%
Martin v SA one of the best performances I’ve seen.
He's an England great in the making, if he remains fit
Yes I remember thinking that while watching
Some hard hitters in that pack
First Gatland now Borthwick following Rassie’s tradition of naming the team early 🔥. “This is what’s coming, try and beat that”
Awesome team. Surprised by Rodd but it makes sense considering how little time Baxter has had in camp. Rodd probably has better fitness around the park as well. Itoje, i think, can opt out of the player welfare program, which is odd, but probably means he plays every game. Sleightholme needs time learning the defensive system so, again, not too much of a surprise and stoked to see Roebuck come off the bench. Really excited by the back line versatiltiy and that back row sbould scare any team. Go on lads!
Agree Giles on sleightholme needing time in camp , particularly with the Felix way of defending , though Borthwick is on record saying he’s excited by how well he feels sleightholme compliments this new system.
@@kev63inuk Yeh, feels like it's a shoot out between him and Roebuck for the bench spot against NZ. Happy with both but Sleightholme arguably feels like a bigger impact player if he can settle quickly
Borthwick tryuing to mess ith Eddies head by putting the line up numbers in the most un natural way.
haha.
If England have to play mind games against japan I worry for them tier 1 v tier 2 in any sport this is nothing but a training session…
Was going to get up early Saturday and watch my country as always , but good point Tim on Borthwick announcing this team to drum up more interest. Already told my missus no coffee in bed for her this Saturday way before this team announcement. 🏴🌹
She can sleep late. Coffee at half time
Whisky at halftime when Japan lead
I'm only here for the "day-boo"
Waiting for the comments about why the form number 8 in world rugby, Earl, should be played on the flank so somebody not selected, Mercer or Barberry, play 8 instead!
Just applaud the team selection.
There’s only one eyebrow raised for me, no Finn Baxter. (Is he injured?) I would have thought this was the ideal time to start having a good look at him.
I’m also not delighted to see Ewels near the team instead of Coles.
But other than that, no problems with the team. It’s about momentum and nobody wants a loss to Japan to start a tour so go with a strong 15!
Baxter probably needs more time in camp whilst Rodd has experience with the system so it isn't a huge surprise. Could maybe argue Rodds mobility is a better fit for the style SB wants to play. I'd normally raise an eyebrow at Ewels but he's been immense for Bath all season so can't complain this time round. Coles has plenty of time to claim his spot long term
In fairness, a lot of kiwis want to move Savea to 7.
Why would people say that?
@@speak_your_truth.
Because that’s a common narrative
@@Smithy-i8y so why are you perpetuating it?
Releasing Team sheets early is great theater and builds more anticipation for the game. Hope more teams do it going forward.
I would have at least had Spencer on the bench if not starting…? Puzzle that one. Other than that, I don’t have an issue with this team.
I hope this is a sign of things to come and a new direction for England. At the back of my mind, I wonder what the squad would read like if Farrell, Daly, Ford, Vunipola were all available for selection?
Think Borthwicks chose rodd because he probably is the most like genge could argue Obano but he isn’t in the squad. I think we’ve seen Baxter as a marler re-gen does his meat and veg well e.g strong set piece and tackles well, where as rodd is more like genge, get about the park carry hard and hit breakdowns
Agree on Rodd (and Obano!)
Rodd also the best link player.
Be interesting to see how Bevan Rodd goes. I can also see Cunningham-South swapping with Tom Curry for the first test. Otherwise, I would've swapped Coles for Ewels, but that's close enough to not matter much.
Marcus Smith is one of the finest fly-halves in world rugby. As a South African I was relieved that he wasn't in the WC Semi-final. Smith on the field in the last 20 min would have been a handful and who England needed to win. That was a monster mistake by Steve Borthwick in my opinion. GOOD LUCK AGAINST NZ!
Another South African here...and I totally endorse this post.
Marcus has that game breaking ability which our structured defense does not enjoy.
Ben Spencer is very unlucky
Really love this. Great to get ahead of leaks and name the squad early. Going for a full strength team, continuing the continuity and keeping on shifting towards more quick paced attack. It’s smart and practical but also progressive. Maintaining form players and experienced players. Ewels may be a suprise but really is there to call lineout. Marcus equally simply has more international experience than Fin and this is a squad that doesn’t yet have the luxury of playing games purely to blood new caps. Very very excited. Big Steve fan.
Ben Spencer outplayed Mitchell in the prem final
This is a public announcement for English teams.....(as the English are the only nation that seems to do this)
If you announce your teams 15-9 then 1-8 I will support the other team.
Hahaha
Not really surprised we gone full strength. Borthwick looking at youngsters to train with the team before giving them game time. Even Ben Spencer , though not young has to train and learn this Felix jones way of defending before he gets game time. Remember Randall who’s on the bench was in the six nations squad and turned up early with this tour looming . Fin Baxter we all thought may start against Japan , but Steve’s told him get training lad and learn a few of our ways.
Perfectly put
So funny that Spencer is now considered the best 9 on here after bossing Mitchell in 1 match when his pack was in the ascendancy 😂
Agreed Mitchell has been awesome all season
@@Jack-qv5ruMitchell still no 1 but he does have that tendency to have terrible games when the opposition pack has the ascendancy. Spencer more consistent. We lack great scrum half options but Mitchell still has the chance to grow.
It may not be personal for Borthwick but it definitely will be for Eddie, I would predict some out there game plan from him just to make sure it isn’t a 25 point thumping for his ego.
Personally, I would have put Baxter over Marler in this squad but otherwise, looks pretty good...
i recall Bevan Rudd scrumidged really well against SA in 2021 ( may have been 2022 but we won with a try by Raffi Quirk ) - he won a number of penalties against the boks which is no mean feat ( may have been referees mistakes but he won them )
21 I think. We had a specific tactic to disrupt them and the ref bought it. Rodd a better scrummager now. Hes perfectly solid at club level. Need to see how he gets on at international level now!
Speaking off getting people interested in the game, does anyone know where I can watch it here in the UK? I've had a bit of a dig online and all I can find is streaming it from a website. Has a full England international really not been picked up by any of the stations? I'm not expecting prime time billing but I thought maybe it might get picked up by BBC3 or the like?
Only online. No TV broadcaster, which is pretty astounding if you ask me
Yeah, although I can't work out if the RFU is nuts for not realising if they want to grow the game people need to be able to watch the national team or whether I'm just really old for still thinking people watch things on TV. 🤣
Good team. Be good to see them against Japan. ABs announced next Monday - 32 man squad (18+14 split) - super rugby final this weekend likely to include half the squad, maybe 60%. England strategy against Japan will be interesting as don’t think time to change.
Massively agree with this in principle, I like the continuity from the 6N. I do completely agree re Slade but I think people forget how good marchant was autumn 2022-world cup before he went off to France. Even with the dire 6N and warm ups of 2023 him, I think Lawrence and Chessum (bar one game) were our only shining lights
Plenty of power and pace in that 23; should be too much for Japan, and very excited to see how they go in NZ. Hoping for some cracking Test Matches. Good luck to Ireland too in SA.
It’s not frightening that there are so many good young England players. Zombies are frightening. Ghosts are frightening. Good England places is an amazing place for England to be.
Wish commentators would stop misusing the word Frightening.
Tim, I agree with your comments about Prem being different to International. That said, do you really think Marcus Smith’s (manic) play style suits international rugby and England in particular?
Completely agree with the selection.
Only one I’m not sure about is Bevan Rodd but the scrum is a mystery for me so I’ll defer to Borthwick
I think Rodd will surprise some people. He's bigger than he looks and very mobile. He's no Ellis Genge but I think he will raise eyebrows around the park. The question is, can he sure up the scrum? He needs game-time. Fin Baxter will have his time but he desperately needs time in camp before Borthers throws him in.
Rodd has overall better stats than Baxter this season hence why the pick and he has international experience already
18 months ago people were calling that Marcus Smith had to start over Ford/Farrell now it HAS to be Finn Smith. Guess they’re just never satisfied.
Japan have named their team too. A lot of new players including a fullback still playing at Waseda University. If England can handle the heat, they should smash this team. If they can handle 31 degrees 70% humidity in the sun.
At 9 Mitchell needs to work on passing under pressure. Too many go to first receiver too high or too low. Cracking 9, but bread and butter....
I wouldn't be surprised if Borthwick feels Randall and Marcus Smith together on the pitch at the same time would lead to a defensive weakness in that important area next to the scrum - two relatively small and slight players that aren't quite the locked barn door that we would want there.
It's a shame, because if both fellers were 10% bigger, they'd be an unstoppable partnership that could run the show for years.
England to tie the series 1-1 in NZ. World Rugby wants the "decider" at Twickers on the EOYT
Even though it's not personal for sb i think for some of the England players will have something to prove to Eddie like ben who Eddie completely ignored if i remember so i think some of the England players will be pretty fired up
I think that's a pretty good selection from Borthwick and I agree with winning by 25 points
We can get swayed by club form. Backs Marcus Smith 😂
Separate note, with Roebuck on the bench, does that mean the potential replacement move is Freeman to centre if needed?
Is Tim serious about the broadcaster? I mean what chance does England have in f promoting rugby when other countries are broadcasting their university and school rugby?
I take your 25 and raise you 30. Cheers Tim
If only he picked all the players that Eddie snubbed.. O wait they're all playing in France 😅
Sink or swim time for Marcus, he’s yet to step up to international level and surpass his club performance.
Any chance Slade has had his spot boosted for his goal kicking? One of the top kickers since the WC for England
The only other comment is that we don’t have a natural #8 on the bench. Arguably, Earl is not an 8 (although he’s done a job) and then no 8 on the bench…?
A full England side against serious opposition (given the location) and Japan still looked like serious opposition in the World Cup. Can't believe this game is not televised.
You can talk it up all you like but this is a tier 1 v tier 2 its a training game for England if its not I worry for the rest of the tour.
If Steve plays Marcus at 10 against the All Blacks, they are going to run hard at him all game.
If anyone trying to find a way to watch England v japan i think it's free to make a rugby pass account I just signed up for free i think we can watch for free
The Japan v England match is showing live on Rugby Pass TV.
England is gonna smash them no question. Need to Get stuck in up front. From a SA
Take Marler and Cole out average age…they won’t be in RWC 2027
CCS is 21 going on 32 by the looks of him. He’s a fun player to watch
Courtney Laws was a world class lock, not a 6, it will be good to see underhill or the kiwi play there with curry and earl thats a class set of loosies
Steve wants to get a good dry run to prep for. NZ. Eng will win 1 game in NZ.
England will smash Japan - master v apprentice is not a accurate representation
Eddie will have some surprises up his sleeve and will get the best out of Japan for sure but England on paper look like they have too much fire power and for once, pace!. Eddie will be hoping that ring rust and the piping hot conditions will be in his favour but England are pretty well conditioned. Really hope that Marcus Smith has a great game. We have been waiting for a defining performance from him. Ford is still No.1 when fit but Marcus has so much to offer. Fin will of course have something to say about that when he comes on. Very excited by this team!
nothing for the u20s world cup? it starts next week!
Will any body notice this game even happens this weekend?
Borthwick trying to emulate Rassie with these team announcements. 😂
Not sure that’s Borthwicks way Elijah , but you never know .
Quite a bold move for the (normally) very straight Borthwick
I'm not sure why he's done it but 100% its nothing to do with Rassie Erasmus
Borthwick doesn't work that way.
@@EggchasersRugby Gatland too.
It may just be due to the fact that the team was constantly getting leaked during the World Cup and 6 nations and Borthwick is looking to eliminate the loose lips
You may have the most balanced take on the England Fly Half position. You never 'pick a side' or revert to hyperbole, Are you sure you are English?
Interested to see Bevan Rodd go. I hope scrum goes well. Not becuase I think he's week there (He rarely has issues there even against big THs) but you know if he gives away one penalty the narrative will start.
I love Sleighthome, he's like a fast, skillful, Mike Brown. But he's effectivly competing with IFW for a spot.
Ha. Thanks.
Agree totally on Sleightholme
Thank you for your explanation regarding Sleightholme. Spelling?
Albeit Japan have a spirited team, like you, I think England will break them down and the game could be liberally sprayed with tries from all over the place.
The only problem is, we won’t be able to see them. Doh⁉️ We’ll believe what you tell us, and just hope it proves good training for the next big game.
Thank you.
About England ‘blooding’ new players… if I read things correctly, there are only 2 players in the starting backline with more than 20 caps(Slade and Smith). So maybe giving the other 5 more international experience is a good idea.
Would like to have seen Finn Smith starting alongside his Saints teammate Mitchell .. but I have to admit it’s Marcus Smiths time on this tour to prove he’s the first choice number 10 going forward for England… 🏴
Well according to Rugbypass Japan is 'destined' to become a rugby superpower. 🤷♂️
Is Steve Borthwick trying to Bazball England Rugby? If he is I will be glad to see it. I'd take the odd defeat to win more and with great style
For me would have left Marler Cole George to come on later in the game (bomb squad) Randle too quick for Borthwick so unlucky
I think against NZ Northwick will try and up the power, and I think we’ll see Cole’s and Martin in second row and Itoje at 6. Coles might need abit more rest from the final.
No idea what to expect from the game, but it is one helluva exciting team selection for England. I’m warming to Borthwick: he might just know his onions after all.
Strong team. Going to be an exciting match. Big fan of League One & looking forward to see where Japanese rugby is at.
Randall is interesting - I remember Jonny May saying he was told either he starts or he wasn’t in the RWC squad because of the roles SB wanted filled; I wonder if he sees Spencer as someone who starts or isn’t there
Hope you're right about building on the attacking play, I'm beginning to feel better about Borthwick
i'm a japanese fan and i have to agree with you. England gonna win with a significant margin. Japan squad has a lot of uncapped players and most of the player also lack in depth. The fact that some senior player also unavailable beause of injury and other reasons also didn't help either. This match gonna be huge learning lesson for them and as a japanese fan i really really hope that Eddie won't fuck them in the ass like he did to australia.
Hopefully Martin takes McCarthy out of his pocket before the game starts.
Squad gonna be stronger then this. Coach dont unleash everthing he got. Theres way more talent to select. Way stronger squad to come
It was live on tv in the Netherlands cool to see
Shows Japan the respect they deserve. Pleased Borthwick has done it this way.
Love your analysis, Tim. Spot on. Totally agree about Randall.
Harry Randall long overdue recall
What’s the average age and caps if you take out Cole and Marler?
Slades defence on the edge is suspect. Gets caught for alot of metres. Itoji should be benched. We need to try different locking pairs and he runs out of minutes in his 30 game season cap halfway through the first NZ test. Bevan rodd not good enough and Finn should have been given the nod. So happy to see Underhill still in the squad and Curry on the bench... What a combo to play with.
Why is Rodd not good enough. No coincidence that Sale went on that run at the end of the season. Arguably our best player in that run. He’s not as destructive in the scrum as Baxter but there’s more rugby than that as long as he can hold his own. Best at the breakdown. Best ball handler. Most mobile. Bet he tops the numbers for all the stats Borthwick is looking at.
How do we watch this game? ie what streaming service will show it?
🎌to beat Eng by 3
Good looking team do feel sorry for some of the new young guns
Marcus Smith has earnt the right to fail this tour. If he doesn't that'll be brilliant. If he does that'll be telling. Randall I'm not sure on. My impression was his kicking was fairly inconsistent but if he's been picked I'll assume he's training well and has proved himself to SB (similar to Mitchell coming back in pre WC). I'm made up for Roebuck. He looks made for test rugby and the way we're going to play.
How do you watch it
Dan Cole will quickly retire before he have to face a South African front row again.😀
Really? Did OK at the World Cup, didn't he?
CCS is a weapon!
Some issues/concerns re: selection of Itoje (limited minutes available); Baxter & Randall only on bench; Mitchell over Spencer; Tom Curry even playing from bench...
Wish them well, and like the backline (10-15), but not sure about the overall selection in the context of the 3 match tour...
I'm assuming the Itoje minutes is just being ignored (fine by me...he knows his body and medical staff know better than arbitrary rules). This says to me it's about winning all three with strongest team available. No experimentation or rotation required.
I don't even think Itoje needs to have an amazing game with the team around him. Martin, CCS, Earl, Underhill, what a supporting cast! I hope Itoje goes well but he is backed-up by some serious talent. These days he's in as an experienced head. If we can get an 70-80% Itoje, that is enough.
where / how can we watch the game? its on RugbyPass, but i dont want to pay? is it free?
It’s on RugbyPass TV, and it is free
Glad Marcus is playing Japan but think Fin should start against NZ. Marcus can produce those moments of magic, but I feel like we need a more old school 10 who knows the 9, like Fin.
Madness. Putting that amount of pressure on the shoulders of someone who’s still learning what test rugby is all about can ruin players before they’ve had a chance to really grow into it.
@@feliscorax I agree, however marcus like to make runs at the defence, this can lead to gaps which wouldn’t be present with fin in at 10. NZ will punish any gap, playing marcus against NZ could lead to leaking points
@@thatbritishmodelguy We’re playing New Zealand in New Zealand. The points are going to leak regardless of who we put there. Fin isn’t ready. Ideally, it should have been Ford, but we’re working with the materials we’ve got.
I'm loving this line up.
The Smith conundrum... I would have rather seen Finn Smith Start with Marcus coming off the bench. The question is then whether you also need to change the 9's?
How can we watch England Japan in England?
Down load rugby pass tv
England will win!
Japan by 5😮
England are going to win the series against the All Blacks 💪💪💪
How do we watch this game?
Rugbypass, you register and watch it free.
👍🏻