5/24/2023 0 Comments Windows 10 detect safe browsingWhat is clear is that that Borthwick has been impressed by Farrell’s reaction to the decision. And for all the disappointment that Farrell must feel at being asked to play second fiddle to the mercurial Smith, one wonders if it has generated a new level of respect for his head coach. The easier option would have been to stick with Farrell and hope that his inexplicably below-par kicking success rate of 47 per cent for the first three rounds improves.īut with this selection, Borthwick has revealed that his instinct champions any sense of conformation. No coach likes to admit they have favourites, while the relationship with the side’s senior professional is often compromised by the need to keep them on board with the project, particularly when times are tough.Īnd yet the overarching sentiment to be taken from his selection for France is that in Borthwick's mind, no-one is safe from the axe. But they were, at the time, fringe players, sacrificed in the real time of a Test match. It is hard to think of a more potent message, and it is one that is likely to have long-term implications, particularly in Borthwick's attempt to fast-track his rebuilding job in time for the start of the World Cup in France in September.Įddie Jones had his moments of bold selections – think back to his ruthless decisions to haul off Luther Burrell and Teimana Harrison, each after just 29 minutes, during the tour of Australia in 2016. And in dropping Farrell after just three rounds of the Guinness Six Nations Championship, and just five weeks after the coach appointed the Saracens man as captain – Borthwick has demonstrated unequivocally to his squad that the days of the untouchables are over. Promoting Marcus Smith at the expense of his captain, Owen Farrell, in the sole change to the starting line-up to face France at Twickenham on Saturday has revealed far more than Borthwick’s belief that a high-tempo game is critical to beating Les Bleus.īorthwick vowed to be an authentic coach when he took the job in December. This may only be Steve Borthwick’s fourth selection as England head coach, but it is no exaggeration to say that it may define his entire tenure with the tone that it has set.įirst to the headline news.
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