England latest: The options Steve Borthwick could turn to for All Blacks Test as fresh injuries emerge
Steve Borthwick is facing more selection issues, with two new injuries emerging
England head coach Steve Borthwick has to contend with yet more injury concerns ahead of his side’s clash against the All Blacks, with British and Irish Lions duo Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum doubtful for Saturday’s Test at Allianz Stadium.
The pair started in both of England’s Autumn Nations Series victories over Australia and Fiji, but have given the England boss further selection headaches on the eve of their showdown against Scott Robertson’s side.
They aren’t the only players under an injury cloud ahead of Saturday’s Test, with Borthwick sweating over back-three options Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward after they missed the 38-18 win over Fiji with respective ankle and hand injuries.
Freeman and Chessum emerge as injury concerns ahead of All Blacks Test
Northampton Saints back Freeman is currently managing a hamstring issue that forced him off in that win over the Pacific Island nation, while Leicester Tigers forward Chessum is also understood to be struggling with a foot injury, and according to reports across the British media, was spotted on crutches during England’s training session yesterday (Monday).
That now leaves Borthwick with two major holes in his starting XV ahead of the All Blacks Test, with the pair likely to feature if fully fit.
Freeman has been dipped in at both centre and wing this November, with him keen to explore a potential move into midfield for the national side, while Chessum has again positioned himself as a key cog within the England pack.
But, Borthwick is not shy of options to replace them, should they be out of action.
According to reports, Roebuck took part in full training yesterday and could be an option to come straight back into the number 14 jersey this weekend. Around him, Henry Arundell also made a strong return to Test rugby last weekend, which could prompt Borthwick to promote him back into the starting XV too. Cadan Murley is also an option to come onto the wing, after retaining his spot in the wider training squad.
Experienced utility back, Elliot Daly, is also back up and running again after overcoming an arm injury which saw his Lions tour cut short, and he too could slot onto the wing if needed. If he does return to the field, it would be his first outing of any kind since the summer.
“We have a number of players with pace on the edges and on the wing,” Borthwick said on his back-three options after the win over Fiji.
“It is exactly the tough decisions you want as a head coach.”
Exeter Chiefs’ Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will likely wear 11 once again this weekend, following yet another strong showing.
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The options at lock seem far more clear-cut, however. Captain Maro Itoje is primed to come back into the starting XV after dropping down to the bench last time out, while Alex Coles seems likely to shift over to the number five shirt in place of Chessum.
There is a conversation to be had over the number 19 shirt, though, with England able to use a number of options. Nick Isiekwe is the only remaining out-and-out lock option in the wider squad, and seems in pole position to come in, but with Chandler Cunningham-South also able to cover second-row if needed, it gives Borthwick wiggle room to bring in an extra back-rower.
Sam Underhill was dropped from the 23-man squad entirely for the Fiji Test, but could certainly come onto the bench or even into the starting XV as well, while Jack Kenningham is also an option after remaining in the wider training squad.
England wider squad in full
Forwards: Fin Baxter, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Nick Isiekwe, Jack Kenningham, Beno Obano, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill
Backs: Henry Arundell, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Max Ojomoh, Raffi Quirke, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward
