By Gavin Mairs, Chief Rugby Correspondent, in Paris
Perhaps Steve Borthwick is for turning after all. Having come under fire for doggedly sticking to a game plan that failed to ignite during the World Cup warm-up matches, and criticised for naming his squad too early, the England head coach has shown his pragmatic side at the 11th hour.
Alex Mitchell was dispatched from England’s original World Cup plans as early as June, and while Jonny May trained with the squad throughout the summer, he had done so manfully with the knowledge that he would not be travelling to France.
Yet now remarkably both find themselves in the starting XV for England’s pool-defining game against Argentina in Marseille on Saturday night, proving Borthwick is prepared to be flexible in both personnel and strategy. It is an intriguing twist in what has at times been an implausible preparation period for the head coach’s first World Cup as head coach.
Mitchell’s elevation is most eye-catching, given that his heads-up skill set suggests that England are intent on moving away from a rigid game plan.
Jack van Poortvliet had originally been chosen to set the tempo before he damaged ankle ligaments and was ruled out of the tournament. Now Mitchell, despite concerns about his game management, has leapfrogged Danny Care and Ben Youngs, who has no place in the match-day 23.
“For this game, to start this game, what Mitch brings is what is right for this team and the combinations we have,” said Borthwick. “He was a dangerous running threat [against Fiji], everyone knows he is a dangerous running threat. Danny Care and Ben Youngs bring all kinds of strength and for me, each week is about ensuring I pick the best two scrum-halves to get the job done that week.”
May’s selection will bring much-needed pace and experience to the back three. The Gloucester wing, who admitted he came close to walking out of the England camp, has been fast-tracked ahead of Max Malins and Henry Arundell.
Once again it shed some light onto a potential change in game plan, with Borthwick resisted switching Joe Marchant to the wing and going for the more powerful midfield of Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence. Marchant has earned the right to start in his favoured position as one of the rare bright notes of an otherwise dark August campaign.
“Jonny’s preparation on a daily basis is an example to everyone,” added Borthwick. “We couldn’t ask more of him in terms of what he’s done, he’s been exemplary in that regard, which is credit to him. Jonny has done every training session with us, every day with us, and then stepped into that Fijian game.
“We walked about there were aspects we could take from that game. I talked about the performance of Mitch and the performance of Jonny was also very good and he’s earned his selection in the team for this week.”
The return of Tom Curry brings power and defensive experience to the back row but a question mark hangs over his match sharpness, with Lewis Ludlam expected to be given significant game time off the bench. Jack Willis pays the price for an under par display against Fiji.
Dan Cole’s selection at tighthead ahead of Kyle Sinckler and Will Stuart reflects England’s concern at the power of Argentina’s scrum. Considering the torment he underwent during the World Cup final in the defeat by South Africa four years ago, it is a mark of both remarkable resilience by the 36-year-old, who is playing in his fourth tournament.
Michael Cheika’s decision to go with a six-two split on the bench – a rare decision by him – suggests Argentina really fancy their chances of going after England’s pack. Cole’s shift could yet be the most critical of all.
“I think it says a huge amount about his character and a huge amount about him as a person,” said Borthwick. “He’s been superb. He is one of those wise heads. He doesn’t say much, but when he does speak, it is important. Time seems to stand still when he speaks. He has wisdom that he can share with all of the Test matches he has played. We’ve got players here that know how to perform on the biggest stages. We’ve got players here who are determined to win for themselves, this team and their families. I’m excited to see them go on Saturday.”
Can Mitchell and May bring more attacking verve against an Argentina side that on paper at least looks for the first time to be stronger than England’s line-up? It looks a tall order.
Lyndon B Johnson once said: “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” Borthwick has sent a message to his squad to forget yesterday, and a win on Saturday would go a long way to dispatching the gloom that has hung over the squad for the last month.
His chips for now are on pragmatism to save the day.
“Our job is to put in a performance that this team is capable of, and I know these players are capable of,” he added. “I know these players are determined to deliver on Saturday night. That’s our job now.”
England team to play Argentina
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 26 caps)
14. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 73 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 19 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)
11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 59 caps)
10. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 85 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 52 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 79 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 102 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 70 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 11 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes – captain (Northampton Saints, 100 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 45 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 18 caps)
Replacements
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 3 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 82 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 29 caps)
19. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
20. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 21 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 90 caps)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 24 caps)
23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 14 caps)