England's Midfield Maze: Can Fraser Dingwall Steer Them to Victory?
Steve Borthwick, England's head coach, admitted that picking his team for the upcoming match against Australia was tricky, citing a training ground scenario where players who didn't make the starting lineup impressed him with their skills. However, this highlights a broader issue - the intense competition for midfield spots.
With a plethora of talented players vying for positions, Borthwick has opted for the tried and tested approach of sticking with those who have consistently performed at a high level. At the heart of this strategy is Fraser Dingwall, the Northampton captain who has been tasked with guiding teammate Tommy Freeman through the complexities of midfield.
Dingwall's unselfish nature makes him an ideal candidate to bring out the best in his teammates, according to the 26-year-old himself. He believes that by doing simple jobs and providing vital information, he can have a significant impact on the team's overall performance.
The Northampton connection within the England squad is undoubtedly a strength, with Fin Smith and Pollock set to feature off the bench against Australia. Dingwall has expressed his appreciation for this link, stating that playing alongside Freeman is "really nice" and that their friendship outside of the pitch makes their on-field partnership even more effective.
Borthwick's selection has been met with scrutiny, but the head coach maintains that he takes a thorough approach to preparing his team. By emphasizing the importance of horses-for-courses and identifying the most effective combinations, Borthwick aims to maximize England's firepower against Australia.
While the task ahead is daunting, Dingwall remains confident in his ability to navigate the midfield maze and steer England towards victory. With a talented pool of players at his disposal, including Freeman, Roebuck, Steward, and British & Irish Lions hopefuls on the bench, Borthwick's decision may yet prove inspired.
Steve Borthwick, England's head coach, admitted that picking his team for the upcoming match against Australia was tricky, citing a training ground scenario where players who didn't make the starting lineup impressed him with their skills. However, this highlights a broader issue - the intense competition for midfield spots.
With a plethora of talented players vying for positions, Borthwick has opted for the tried and tested approach of sticking with those who have consistently performed at a high level. At the heart of this strategy is Fraser Dingwall, the Northampton captain who has been tasked with guiding teammate Tommy Freeman through the complexities of midfield.
Dingwall's unselfish nature makes him an ideal candidate to bring out the best in his teammates, according to the 26-year-old himself. He believes that by doing simple jobs and providing vital information, he can have a significant impact on the team's overall performance.
The Northampton connection within the England squad is undoubtedly a strength, with Fin Smith and Pollock set to feature off the bench against Australia. Dingwall has expressed his appreciation for this link, stating that playing alongside Freeman is "really nice" and that their friendship outside of the pitch makes their on-field partnership even more effective.
Borthwick's selection has been met with scrutiny, but the head coach maintains that he takes a thorough approach to preparing his team. By emphasizing the importance of horses-for-courses and identifying the most effective combinations, Borthwick aims to maximize England's firepower against Australia.
While the task ahead is daunting, Dingwall remains confident in his ability to navigate the midfield maze and steer England towards victory. With a talented pool of players at his disposal, including Freeman, Roebuck, Steward, and British & Irish Lions hopefuls on the bench, Borthwick's decision may yet prove inspired.