England couldn't have asked for a more attractive opening match of the Six Nations, meaning Fahey-Waboso should make his debut. Photo: Getty Images/David Ramos
Picking the Six Nations to start the XV is a mug game because it's entirely subjective, but with that in mind, below are my thoughts on who Steve Borthwick might pick, given that this is the ideal opportunity to balance getting a decisive opening win over Italy and experimentation.
Borthwick must maintain a strong set-piece position and develop his team's ability to move the ball into contact, requiring more defending. Above all, he must select and allow players who instinctively feel the attack to play as they are on the pitch.
Freddie Steward has established himself as a dominant number 15 in the high ball, but he has also shown that he is not is an instinctive and quick counter-attacking player. George Furbankwould probably prefer this selection purely on the basis of the club's form and this game would be ideal to see if the Northampton Saints defender can make the decisive step into the starting line-up after his first start for England was completed. to no avail.
Borthwick's backline is full of players capable of starting in more than one position. While this can be seen as a positive in terms of flexibility, it can also be a hindrance when it comes to creating and developing long-term units. Tommy FreemanNorthampton's is as fully fit for duty as Elliot Daly, and his form is such that I think Borthwick should be close to calling him up, but this time on the wing.
If players are constantly seen as moving pieces, they often don't get the chance to shine in a specific role – a testament to Daly's entire career. On the other wing I would go straight toImmanuel Fahey-Wabosofrom Exeter.. It will be his first cap, but the debut against Italy is the least stressful of the Six Nations debuts and, oddly enough, will secure his loyalty for years to come. You'll never be able to pick a completely risk-free opening, but you'll never understand the potential of any player if you don't give them a chance. If something were to go wrong, defenders like Daley on the bench would be enough cover, but the best way to consider such a decision is to first look at what could go well.
England could cement Immanuel Fahey-Waboso's commitment by selecting him against Italy. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Last week I wrote at length about Borthwick's need to address once and for all the lack of a sustainable central partnership in England. Owen Farrell's absence means Borthwick no longer need to choose his former captain at center, but Ollie Lawrence's recent injury robs him of what could have been a properly balanced pairing withHenry Slade.
With Oscar Beard also out through injury, that leaves Fraser Dingwall to call up Max Ojom or Daly. If Borthwick chooses the latter, it's a safe bet, but given this is Italy, he should give Dingwall a start and just see where it goes.
Picking the midfield half is easy. Alex Mitchell club kitmaintained from the same heights as in France in 2023, but it is who the number 10 will play for that signals Borthwick's intentions. Marcus SmithI would suggest a long-term Mitchell-Smith partnership, but there is no point in favoring Smith over George Ford unless Queens No. 10 are given license to play hard and the inevitable mistakes that can come with This looser approach will be tolerated, at least in the short term.
Captain Jamie George (right) trains with Elliot Daly (centre) and Alex Coles during England duty' Camp in Girona in warm weather. Photo: Martin Seras/Shutterstock
Two best scrum props: Joe Marler (if appropriate) and Dan Coleshould give England the solid ball they absolutely need in the scrum, but this is where England lack impeccable depth. Ellis Genge and Beno Obano are dynamic but not yet world-class scrummagers. In terms of tighthead, Cole does not have an undisputed opponent and this is something England will have to address in order to maintain consistency from set pieces throughout the game. Jamie George is the right choice to captain England and there is no reason to believe that he and teammate Theo Dan won't be the team's two hookers.
Maro Itoje and Olly Chessumshould continue their partnership in the second row, but both should move into consistent possession in the free area, as well as fulfill their primary roles at the scrum and lineout. The pairing is reminiscent of the Itoje-Kruis team that has served England so well in the past. If they get anywhere near their efficiency, England will have a solid foundation for their pack.
Courtney Lawes' emergence at international level gives England the opportunity to look at a specialist No. 6, and if they do, I'd throw in Chandler Cunningham Southfor his first cap. Alex Coles may be preferred for bulk and as a lineout option, but it would be interesting to see a traditionally balanced back row withBen Earlin eighth andSam Underhill. flanker on the open side.
My England team will face Italy
J. Furbank; T. Freeman, H. Slade, F. Dingwall, I. Fahey-Waboso; M. Smith, A. Mitchell; J. Marler, J. George, D. Cole; M. Itozhe, O Chessum; C Cunningham South, S Underhill, B Earl.
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