England predicted team v Ireland: Steve Borthwick to ‘pull the trigger’ in response to Murrayfield ‘regression’ as changes outlined

Ahead of England’s pivotal Six Nations Test against Ireland, here is how we think Steve Borthwick’s side will line up at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

England come into this crucial fixture a wounded beast following a tough 31-20 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield, which felt like a regression back to the old ways after enjoying a run of 12 consecutive Test victories.

While the head coach has never been one to fully swing the axe, the manner of the defeat does leave Borthwick with some serious question marks over his selection ahead of his side’s meeting with Ireland, who themselves will be keen to make a statement following an unconvincing win over Italy in round two.

Luckily, there are not many fresh injury issues for Borthwick to contend with in the wake of the Edinburgh loss, while Vilikesa Sela and George Furbank also come back in contention after respective head knocks.

Backline changes?

You would think the backline is the most likely area Borthwick will pull the trigger, given the collective poor performance and notable attacking issues at Murrayfield.

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Henry Arundell’s red card and subsequent citing leave Borthwick in a pickle out wide, especially when you add in Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s injury too. That should lead to Tommy Freeman reverting back to the wing, with Ollie Lawrence then retaking the 13 shirt as a result.

Arundell’s possible absence also leaves England without their real pace demon out wide, which could then see Borthwick turn to Cadan Murley. The Quins winger offers a similar threat to Arundell ball-in-hand with his genuine raw pace and power to match, but crucially knows just what to do within this England attack after a solid tour in the summer. It could also then allow Tom Roebuck to get a rest after back-to-back full 80s.

With Freeman moving over to the wing, and Lawrence playing in a slightly different way to the Saints Manx England will need to define some punch in midfield, which could see Seb Atkinson drafted into the side. The Gloucester ace has been in stellar form for the struggling Cherry and Whites this season, and crucially thrives in those heavily congested areas where he can use his pace and power to drive over the gainline. Around that, he can also step into the role of that extra playmaker with his handling skills, and already has a good combination with George Ford too.

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The aforementioned Sale Shark should keep his place in the starting side, once again joined by Alex Mitchell.

Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith will also likely be the back replacements on the bench, but Max Ojomoh will certainly be in the mix as well.

Pack stability

There probably won’t be too many changes, but Borthwick might just unleash Henry Pollock in his starting XV this weekend. The Northampton Saint was a real point of difference when he came off the bench against Scotland, making 44 metres from just two carries, and his raw pace will add something unique to this back-row. He has also consistently impressed at Test level, albeit off the bench, but this could be the time to give him a start. That would therefore mean Sam Underhill moves to the replacements list.

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That will likely be the only change within the forward unit this weekend, given the success England had in the set-piece last weekend, with Ben Earl, Guy Pepper, Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Joe Heyes, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ellis Genge in line to start.

There is a question mark hanging over the bench, given it hasn’t quite exploded into life in either Six Nations outing this year. Chandler Cunningham-South, Greg Fisilau and Emmanuel Iyogun, in particular, will be chomping at the bit to feature this weekend, and you can certainly excuse Borthwick for mixing things up, but he will likely keep his replacements settled once again.

England predicted line-up in full

Starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Henry Pollock, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge
Bench: 16 Jamie George, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Sam Underhill, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith OR Max Ojomoh

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