England Rugby Gears Up for Historic Japan Clash, Borthwick Names Lineup
In a highly anticipated move, England national rugby union team head coach Steve Borthwick has announced his squad to face Eddie Jones’ Japan side on Saturday. This match marks the Red Rose’s first outing since the 2024 Six Nations, where they secured a third-place finish.
The upcoming encounter also holds significant importance as it will be the first time England takes on their former head coach Jones since his dismissal in late 2022. Furthermore, it will be the inaugural Test match between the two teams on Japanese soil.
Following the Japan showdown, England will embark on a challenging tour of New Zealand, where they will compete in two matches against the formidable All Blacks.
Among the key winners in Borthwick’s selection are Marcus Smith, who has been handed the coveted fly-half role, and Bevan Rodd, who will start at loosehead prop. Charlie Ewels, George Furbank, and Harry Randall have also been identified as potential game-changers for the England lineup.
Conversely, Fin Smith, Ollie Sleightholme, Fin Baxter, Ethan Roots, and Ben Spencer have been deemed as potential losers in this selection, as they miss out on starting berths or face increased competition for their positions.
The inclusion of uncapped speedster Tom Roebuck from the Sale Sharks, as well as the return of the influential Tom Curry, further bolsters England’s squad for the historic encounter against Jones’ Japan.
Borthwick’s decision to field a strong starting XV against the Brave Blossoms suggests he is keen to provide a true test for the Japan national rugby union team, rather than opting for a second-string lineup. This move will undoubtedly offer valuable insights into England’s preparations for the upcoming clashes against the formidable All Blacks.
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