7½s and pace over power — how Steve Borthwick rebalances the back row
It's been a decade since England penned a redemption story, following a premature World Cup exit on home soil with a grand slam victory in Paris. At the heart of that triumph were two flankers, Chris Robshaw and James Haskell, whose England careers could have been cut short by the arrival of Eddie Jones. Jones had been critical of Robshaw during the World Cup, calling him a 'good workmanlike player' with no standout quality to make an impact at Test level. Haskell, too, had been on the periphery, more focused on taking selfies than dominating opponents.
But Jones' words proved prophetic. One of his greatest coaching achievements was transforming a potential weakness into a super-strength, as England went on to win 17 consecutive matches in 2016 and 2017. The back-row trio of Robshaw, Haskell, and Billy Vunipola became a formidable force, bringing a bristling edge, relentless work rate, and physicality that turned them from bullied to bullies.
Fast forward to the present, and England's back row has evolved. The game has shifted towards 6-2 benches and loose forwards capable of covering back-line positions. Steve Borthwick now has a wealth of options, but he must decide on the composition of a formidable-looking back row.
The current options include Jack Clifford, Matt Kvesic, Maro Itoje, and Courtney Lawes, all of whom are classical open-side flankers. However, Borthwick seeks warriors, and the team's success hinges on pace over power. Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, and Ben Earl form a dynamic trio, with Tom Curry and Henry Pollock as impact players.
Pepper, a turnover specialist and game-breaking ball-carrier, is a workhorse on the blind side. His role is less glamorous but highly effective. Courtney Lawes, a veteran player, praised Pollock, a 21-year-old with exceptional speed, as England's player of the autumn series. Underhill and Curry, successors to Haskell and Robshaw, deliver a concussive one-two punch on the open side, maintaining intensity throughout the match.
However, England lacks a specialist ball-carrying No8, a role once filled by Vunipola. Tom Willis, considered the best in Europe, has moved on, and Greg Fisilau and Emeka Ilione are pushing for promotion. Chandler Cunningham-South, a versatile player, is a concern due to inconsistency. Hoskins Sotutu, a former All Blacks No8, is an emerging talent who could join the team in November.
The back row's depth and variety have expanded, but Borthwick must make strategic decisions. The bench has become a crucial factor, with England now deploying five forwards together after 50 minutes. The team's success in the autumn series reversed a trend from 2024, and Borthwick's strategic use of the bench, including holding back Curry and Pollock, was a key factor. As England looks ahead to the 2027 World Cup, the back row's character and composition will be pivotal in their quest for success.
