England's national rugby union team is facing a challenge in putting together a cohesive back-three unit, and coach Steve Borthwick will have to navigate injuries, experience, and tactical considerations when taking on New Zealand on Saturday.
The 11-15-14 combination of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Arundell, and Cadan Murley would be explosively quick, but the inclusion of Elliott Daly has created uncertainty over the team's back-three lineup. Former England wing Ugo Monye suggests that Borthwick will opt for a more established trio of Steward and Feyi-Waboso on either side of full-back Arundell.
However, there are concerns about the aerial game of this back three, as Arundell is not naturally gifted at chasing high kicks and securing the ball under the high ball. The team's reliance on England's aerial prowess may be a weakness in their attack.
Former England scrum-half Danny Care believes that the back-to-back grind of autumn internationals has put the strength and depth of England's squad to the test, particularly in the backfield.
Matt Dawson, who won the World Cup with England in 2003, does not think that versatile Marcus Smith should be considered for the back-three role, arguing that his creative talents would be better utilized as a game-changing fly-half replacement rather than at full-back.
As England prepares to face New Zealand, Borthwick will have to balance tactical considerations and injury concerns while also relying on his team's speed, agility, and ball skills to exploit their opponents' weaknesses.
The 11-15-14 combination of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Arundell, and Cadan Murley would be explosively quick, but the inclusion of Elliott Daly has created uncertainty over the team's back-three lineup. Former England wing Ugo Monye suggests that Borthwick will opt for a more established trio of Steward and Feyi-Waboso on either side of full-back Arundell.
However, there are concerns about the aerial game of this back three, as Arundell is not naturally gifted at chasing high kicks and securing the ball under the high ball. The team's reliance on England's aerial prowess may be a weakness in their attack.
Former England scrum-half Danny Care believes that the back-to-back grind of autumn internationals has put the strength and depth of England's squad to the test, particularly in the backfield.
Matt Dawson, who won the World Cup with England in 2003, does not think that versatile Marcus Smith should be considered for the back-three role, arguing that his creative talents would be better utilized as a game-changing fly-half replacement rather than at full-back.
As England prepares to face New Zealand, Borthwick will have to balance tactical considerations and injury concerns while also relying on his team's speed, agility, and ball skills to exploit their opponents' weaknesses.
like, they want that explosive speed but now hes got elliott daly in the mix & whats up w/ ugo monye saying they should stick w/ steward & feyi-waboso on either side of arundell tho?? & dont even get me started on arundells aerial game lol idk how they expect to win w/ that... 
I'm thinking that England's back-three unit is gonna be a major wild card in the match against NZ... like, they're super quick, but are they gonna be able to cover each other on defense? 
Arundell's aerial game is a concern, and if they can't get the ball under the high ball, it's gonna be tough to put pressure on NZ. 
On the flip side, having that speed and agility could be super effective in exploiting their opponents' weaknesses... so I'm all for giving them a shot! 
But, gotta see how Borthwick balances his team's strategy with injury concerns and player experience... that's where things get really interesting! 
so they got a fast unit, but can they actually catch those kicks? 
and what's up with danny care saying the squad is weak? like dude played scrumhalf for years and now he's an expert on everything 
matt dawson tho, nice point about marcus smith, fly half is where its at fam 
and if arundell can't get under those high kicks, it's gonna be a nightmare trying to make things happen on attack. i mean, i love feyi-waboso and stewart, but they're not exactly known for their aerial ability 
but if they cant secure those high kicks, theyre gonna get torn apart by nz 
England is facing a tough challenge against NZ, but I think Steve Borthwick has a solid plan in place. The speed of that 11-15-14 combo would be 
, and Arundell's pace on the wing could cause some problems for the Kiwis' defense.
It's gonna be a tough one, but I've got faith in England - they're gonna give it their all! 
Danny Care said it all, imo. They've been running around non-stop and it shows in their performances. We need to see some depth and rotation in the team, especially in the backfield 
I'm not sure why Matt Dawson is against Marcus Smith playing full-back, he's got the speed and agility to be a great full-back 
? all this speculation about Arundell's aerial game is making me anxious... can't we just get some solid answers from Borthwick already?! 
... I think they need a player who can dominate the aerial game, like a proper wing 
, not just someone who's quick but can't secure the ball under high kicks. 
And what about Elliott Daly? Does he fit into the mix or is it gonna cause more problems than it solves? 
Just gotta hope Borthwick gets it right on Saturday! 
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