England v Fiji - 8/11/2025

[wombles]

Seems strange to move Freeman back to wing for this. If Borthwick is keen to develop him in this area, then it does not seem to serve him well by moving him back and forth. Indeed a team like Fiji would test his defence, and Australia proved he needs to get more experience at 13 to improve his passing game. Unless the decision is to keep him as a wing?

It is good to see Dingwall remain in place and vice captain. Otherwise I am pleased with the selection. Little bit worried about M.Smith at 15 as IMHO he is far better as a 10, and he is suspect under the high ball when playing, but needs must.

Overall good headaches to have on selection for once

 

[BPM]

I assume Freeman’s move is more to do with Roebuck’s injury than abandoning the idea of playing at 13.

Marcus should only be a 10 really but against a team that’s more likely to kick long, there are benefits of having him involved in a counter attacking capacity. Again, for all we know, it may be more to do with Steward’s injury than a tactical preference.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

I feel reasonably happy with that team tbh, apart from Smith at 15. They need to go out and make a statement now

 

[wombles]

I assume Freeman's move is more to do with Roebuck's injury than abandoning the idea of playing at 13.

Marcus should only be a 10 really but against a team that's more likely to kick long, there are benefits of having him involved in a counter attacking capacity. Again, for all we know, it may be more to do with Steward's injury than a tactical preference.

Very possibly, however in this case would it not be better to place Arundel at wing and keep Freeman at 13? Lawrence can cover 12-13 from the bench, M.Smith 10 and Freeman could be moved to wing with Arundel covering 15 if needs be?

 

[BPM]

If you've got Arundell on the wing, Freeman at 13 and Marcus at 10, who's at 15?

I don’t love Marcus at 15, but the alternatives were to move Freeman or Arundell, neither of whom have played much at 15 in recent times (save for Freeman’s 1 start this season).

 

[wombles]

If you've got Arundell on the wing, Freeman at 13 and Marcus at 10, who's at 15?

I don't love Marcus at 15, but the alternatives were to move Freeman or Arundell, neither of whom have played much at 15 in recent times (save for Freeman's 1 start this season).

Apologies, Marcus at 15 covering 10. I’d prefer a dedicated 15 myself, but with injuries and squad selection its pushed us down a cul de sac at the moment. I agree Freeman and Arundel lack recent exposure, but with a 6-2 bench split it’s the best I can think of

 

[Becca]

I'm a little worried about Marcus at 15. He's going to need a bit of help in the tackling department, isn't he ?

 

[TommiG88]

I'm a little worried about Marcus at 10. He's going to need a bit of help in the tackling department, isn't he ?

Don’t think he’s particularly a bad tackler. I think the likes of Fiji are the kind of games he will shine. I’d worry more against Ireland, Aus, South Africa. Teams with a decent kicking game.

I actually like the team, and with a 6-2 split Marcus is sensible as he covers 10. Although in a perfect world, I’d have Furbank at 15

 

[Becca]

Don't think he's particularly a bad tackler. I think the likes of Fiji are the kind of games he will shine. I'd worry more against Ireland, Aus, South Africa. Teams with a decent kicking game.

I actually like the team, and with a 6-2 split Marcus is sensible as he covers 10. Although in a perfect world, I'd have Furbank at 15

I’ve realised my original post had him at 10, I obviously meant 15 !

 

[Which Tyler]

I love that Freeman is considered too inexperienced to move from wing to FB (with 18 starts at 15) but moving him to OC is just the obvious thing to do (13 starts at 13), despite wing to FB being a lesser learning curve than wing to OC

 

[Scotty]

Itoje on the bench is a shock, not because he should be starting but that man plays every minutes of every game it seems. How many caps is he on as it seems it should be high.

 

[TommiG88]

I've realised my original post had him at 10, I obviously meant 15 !

Never doubted you

 

[Becca]

Never doubted you

I’m not even blonde !!

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Itoje on the bench is a shock, not because he should be starting but that man plays every minutes of every game it seems. How many caps is he on as it seems it should be high.

This will be his 95th England cap. Only his 3rd time on the bench (1 of which was his debut).

 

[Scotty]

This will be his 95th England cap. Only his 3rd time on the bench (1 of which was his debut).

How many has he missed through injury? As that number is low. I wonder how many caps he will get or will he get his 100 at the WC and go for a big payday before retiring.

 

[BPM]

I'd expect him to get his 100th during the 6 Nations. He's very close now.

I'm trying to manifest him captaining us to a glorious RWC win in 2027 (preferably beating the Boks in the final) to crown a genuinely excellent career.

 

[Scotty]

 

[Which Tyler]

I'd expect him to get his 100th during the 6 Nations. He's very close now.

I'm trying to manifest him captaining us to a glorious RWC win in 2027 (preferably beating the Boks in the final) to crown a genuinely excellent career.

Nah, I'd rather beat NZ in the QF, books in the SF and France in the final

 

[BPM]

That would be a very well deserved cup but an unlikely path (I hope) unless we or NZ are in the 'group of death' (less likely with more teams though).

I’m OK not winning the thing. Just please not SA and their insufferable fans again …

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Nah, I'd rather beat NZ in the QF, books in the SF and France in the final

Nah. Ire in the quarters (obvs), Boks, then a resurgent Wal in the final.