Steve Borthwick Faces Tough Decision: Stick or Twist for England vs Japan Showdown

England head coach Steve Borthwick faces a decision ahead of the match against Japan this Sunday: keep the same players or bring in new ones with less experience. So far this November, Borthwick has made only two changes due to tactical reasons, swapping Ben Spencer and George Furbank for Jack van Poortvliet and Freddie Steward.

Out of the original 36-player squad for the Autumn Nations Series, only a few players have not played in the last three weeks, which means they could be considered if Borthwick decides to make changes against Japan.

England A impressed with a 38-17 win over Australia A, showcasing players not in the main autumn squad. This performance might influence Borthwick’s choices for the upcoming match.

Borthwick’s plans may not have included three consecutive losses, suggesting a potential for experimentation. If he chooses to bring players from England A, here are four candidates to consider:

Gabriel Ibitoye

Ibitoye has excelled with Bristol Bears, earning recognition as the Gallagher Premiership player of the month. He is in top form, making significant breaks and carrying over 114 meters in matches. If Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is unavailable due to injury, Ibitoye could be a great addition to the wing.

Tom Willis

No. 8 Tom Willis was surprising left out of the squad but showcased his abilities in England A’s match with 23 carries and six defenders beaten. He could either start or be placed on the bench depending on Borthwick’s strategy.

Oscar Beard

Beard displayed strong defensive skills against Australia A, making it difficult for opponents to break through. His recent performance suggests he deserves consideration for a centre role, especially given the unsettled state of England’s current midfield.

Arthur Clark

While not a standout before, Clark proved himself with 18 tackle wins and strong lineout performance in his match. England’s lock options appear thin, and he could provide much-needed depth.

Honourable Mentions

Henry Pollock and Tom Pearson also showed promise in the England A match. However, England’s depth in the back row may limit their chances for now.

Borthwick’s upcoming decisions will be crucial in reshaping the team’s strategy and performance.