Bulk and versatility key as Steve Borthwick looks to reprise England's 'white orcs' of 2003
The TelegraphIn the complex matrix of attempting to squeeze as many big and menacing forwards into the 33, something had to give. Yet selection of the 19 forwards is even more revealing of Borthwick’s mindset, where a return to England’s traditional setpiece strength appears to have been the overwhelming priority, with back five versatility the key here. Borthwick: ‘We need to ensure we’ve got a team with strong foundations’ Tom Curry and Ben Earl will be tasked with providing breakdown dominance with a game plan founded on scrum and mauling power and a pressure kicking game. “You can talk about the tactical element, what I’d like to talk more about is what we see in this England team,” said Borthwick last Thursday. “Whether that’s their handling skills, distribution, or the pace they bring or kicking game, whatever they have as the ability to break the game up, we need to ensure we’ve got a team with strong foundations and enable us to then have those players.
History of this topic
What next for England after frustrating autumn? Five questions Steve Borthwick must answer before Six Nations
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England name unchanged XV to face Australia as Luke Cowan-Dickie returns to the bench
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Steve Borthwick’s back-line curveball: Why England are switching Slade and Lawrence
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The changes Steve Borthwick could make to solve England’s scrum woes
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Steve Borthwick insists picking Henry Slade to start against the All Blacks on Saturday is not a risk despite the centre having only just returned from injury
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The Henry Slade gamble that shows the centre has become one of England’s most important players
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England v New Zealand: Steve Borthwick backs Ben Earl to cover centre against All Blacks
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Five pressing issues Steve Borthwick must address before England’s autumn internationals
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Three back rowers can solve Steve Borthwick’s problem after England A’s 91-5 thrashing of Portugal
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Steve Borthwick knows England players need to be ‘supported and cared for’
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How England will develop ‘Borthball 2.0’
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Steve Borthwick hails influence of absent Owen Farrell as he considers England captaincy contenders
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Steve Borthwick hails Owen Farrell’s leadership qualities as England captain returns
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Steve Borthwick ‘very happy’ with England squad despite defeat to Fiji
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Steve Borthwick avoids grand statements but England’s Rugby World Cup squad offers clues
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England's squad for Rugby World Cup becomes clear
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