England head coach Steve Borthwick has sent shockwaves through the rugby world with his revolutionary squad selection for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, making several bold calls that signal a significant shift in strategy ahead of next year's World Cup.
Notable Absences Spark Debate
In what many are calling the most surprising squad announcement of his tenure, Borthwick has omitted several established stars. Most notably absent are powerhouse number eight Billy Vunipola and Harlequins captain Alex Dombrandt, raising questions about the future direction of England's back row selection.
The exclusion of these experienced players suggests Borthwick is looking to build depth and inject fresh energy into the squad as England prepare to face rugby giants New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan in what promises to be a thrilling autumn campaign.
New Faces Earn Their Stripes
Among the exciting inclusions are several players who have impressed during the domestic season. The 36-man squad features a blend of established internationals and rising stars, with Borthwick clearly focused on developing options across key positions.
The selection strategy appears to prioritise:
- Building squad depth ahead of World Cup preparations
- Rewarding strong domestic form
- Developing specialist cover for key positions
- Creating healthy competition within the squad
Autumn Nations Series: A Crucial Test
This autumn represents a critical period for English rugby, with matches against three southern hemisphere powerhouses providing the ultimate test of Borthwick's evolving game plan. The series will offer valuable insights into England's progress since the last Six Nations campaign and set the tone for their World Cup preparations.
With the first match against New Zealand at Twickenham on November 2nd, the pressure is on for both the new selections and established players to prove they deserve their place in what many are calling a transitional England squad.
Borthwick's bold selection choices have certainly set the stage for an intriguing autumn of international rugby, with fans and pundits alike eager to see if his calculated gambles will pay dividends against some of the world's best teams.
