England's Rugby Roulette: Borthwick's Bold Gamble Against France
There’s something undeniably thrilling about a coach willing to roll the dice, especially when the stakes are as high as they are for Steve Borthwick’s England squad. Heading into their uncapped fixture against France in Vannes, Borthwick isn’t just tinkering—he’s orchestrating a full-scale experiment. And at the heart of this gamble? Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a player who could very well redefine England’s midfield dynamics.
The Janse van Rensburg Enigma
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Borthwick is using this fixture as a laboratory. Janse van Rensburg isn’t just a name on the team sheet; he’s a wildcard. His pairing with Max Ojomoh in the midfield is a masterstroke of tactical intrigue. Ojomoh’s ability to operate between the 10-12 channel, coupled with Janse van Rensburg’s penchant for exploiting broken space, creates a dynamic that could either click spectacularly or fizzle out. Personally, I think this is Borthwick’s way of testing whether England’s attack can evolve beyond its traditional rigidity.
What many people don’t realize is that this pairing isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about chemistry. Ojomoh and Janse van Rensburg play in different channels but share a similar ethos: freedom. If you take a step back and think about it, this is Borthwick’s attempt to inject some unpredictability into England’s game plan. It’s a risk, sure, but one that could pay dividends if they pull it off.
The Backline Puzzle: Who Fits Where?
The back three—Freddie Steward, Tom Roebuck, and Cadan Murley—are a no-brainer. Steward’s form for Leicester Tigers speaks for itself, and Roebuck and Murley bring the kind of pace and precision England desperately needs. But it’s the omissions that are just as telling. Noah Caluori and Adam Radwan missing out isn’t a knock on their talent; it’s a statement about the depth Borthwick is trying to build.
At fly-half, George Ford’s experience likely edges out Charlie Atkinson, but this raises a deeper question: Is England still too reliant on veterans? Ford’s inclusion makes sense in the short term, but if Borthwick is truly building for the future, Atkinson’s time will come sooner rather than later.
The Forwards: A Blend of Power and Potential
Up front, England’s pack looks formidable. Ben Earl at number eight is a given, and Tom Curry’s inclusion at openside adds the breakdown threat England thrives on. But it’s Ollie Chessum at blindside that I find especially interesting. Chessum’s performance at the Stade de France wasn’t just impressive—it was transformative. His ability to operate as a lock-flanker hybrid gives Borthwick the flexibility to deploy George Martin at lock, a move that could solidify England’s set-piece dominance.
What this really suggests is that Borthwick is thinking beyond the here and now. By giving Chessum the starting role, he’s not just rewarding form—he’s preparing for the Springboks clash in July. It’s a long-term play disguised as a short-term decision.
The Bench: A Statement of Intent
The replacements bench is where Borthwick’s strategy becomes crystal clear. Jamie Blamire, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, and Vilikesa Sela aren’t just backups—they’re statements of intent. Borthwick is using this fixture to blood new talent, to see who can handle the pressure and who cracks under it.
One thing that immediately stands out is the inclusion of Alex Dombrandt. His omission from the starting XV might raise eyebrows, but in my opinion, this is Borthwick’s way of keeping his opponents guessing. Dombrandt’s impact off the bench could be game-changing, especially against a tiring French defense.
The Bigger Picture: England’s Identity Crisis
If you take a step back and think about it, this fixture is about more than just a win or loss. It’s about England rediscovering their identity. The Six Nations campaign was a disaster, but the performance in Paris hinted at what this team could be. Borthwick’s challenge is to turn that potential into consistency, and this game against France is the first step.
From my perspective, the real test isn’t whether England wins—it’s whether they play with the intensity, speed, and accuracy they showed in Paris. If they can replicate that, the result will take care of itself.
Final Thoughts: A Gamble Worth Taking
Personally, I think Borthwick’s approach is exactly what England needs. Yes, it’s risky. Yes, it could backfire. But the alternative—sticking to what hasn’t worked—is far worse. By throwing the dice with players like Janse van Rensburg and Chessum, Borthwick is betting on the future. And in a sport as unforgiving as rugby, that’s a gamble worth taking.
What this really suggests is that England is finally willing to embrace change. Whether it pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this isn’t your grandfather’s England team. It’s something new, something exciting—and something worth watching.
