England’s Rugby Union Team Primed for Showdown with Japan
In a bold move, England’s national rugby union coach Steve Borthwick has unveiled his starting lineup for the Test match against Japan on Saturday, a full 48 hours ahead of the usual Thursday announcement. This unexpected reveal has caught the renowned mind-games master Eddie Jones, who is preparing for his second stint in charge of the Brave Blossoms, off-guard.
The expectation was that Jones, England’s former assistant coach, would dominate the pre-match agenda, but Borthwick has seized the initiative by delivering a strong statement of intent from the English capital, Tokyo. By showing their hand early, England are conveying their belief in their ability to secure a victory at the Olympic Stadium.
Borthwick has assembled a formidable team for this Far East assignment, despite the enforced absences of veterans George Ford, Elliot Daly, Ellis Genge, and Ollie Chessum. Their replacements include the prodigious talent of Marcus Smith at fly-half, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wing, Bevan Rodd at loosehead prop, and Chandler Cunningham-South at blindside flanker.
“The selection of Marcus Smith at No. 10 is a crucial endorsement for the talented 25-year-old, who now has the chance to take control of the England backline without a senior figure looking over his shoulder. As he reaches the peak phase of his career, Smith will need to wield the conductor’s baton with conviction to ensure that England go to New Zealand for their next Tests with reinforced belief.”
Elsewhere, the revamped England lineup appears to have a potent blend of experience and youth, pace and power. Borthwick’s decision to name the team early is a bold act of optimism, which seems well-founded. Even the mind-games master Eddie Jones will struggle to regain the initiative and stop this England team from spoiling the launch of his new regime with the Brave Blossoms.
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