England make seven changes and start forgotten man Ben Youngs vs Argentina
Steve Borthwick upbeat about England's future after agonising World Cup defeat
England’s selection strategy for Friday’s third-place play-off against Argentina should be to ring the changes – and not just as a sop to the squad players who have spent most of the World Cup as training ground tackle bag holders.
Steve Borthwick’s first-choice side – emptied by the agony of just missing out against world champions South Africa in the semi-final – have a mental mountain to scale in lifting themselves again on Friday night against Argentina. So there is a strong practical argument for bringing in some fresh legs and minds.
Top of the list should be Henry Arundell who was last seen running in five tries against Chile only to disappear off the face of the earth immediately afterwards. Rumours of a training ground spat with Owen Farrell surfaced and there may well have been some truth in that, but the more mundane explanation was that Arundell did not fit the bill as a high kick contester on the wing which was the priority given the way Borthwick wanted the side to play.
Against the Pumas, in a game without anywhere near as much resting on it, England will surely look to loosen their tactical straitjacket. Argentina were ripped apart by an All Blacks side who moved the ball in their semi-final and if England decide to widen their horizons, the ultra-rapid Arundell would be a potent addition.
By the same token it would be good to see Marcus Smith in his proper position of stand-off – if Borthwick can cope with giving his captain Farrell a night off. Smith has filled in as a makeshift full-back in this World Cup – and sometimes to good effect off the bench – but he is a No 10 to his bootlaces.
DON’T MISS: England coach Steve Borthwick is ballsy but also uninspiring after World Cup woe
Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler need to start in the front row. Their last memories of this World Cup cannot be of coughing up the scrum penalties that cost England a place in the final. Between them Theo Dan – an unused substitute behind Jamie George in three successive matches – should also be given a run.
Borthwick needs to find out more about the young Saracen and Jack Walker, the other hooker in the squad in a position where depth is lacking. Changing half his side risks affecting cohesion but the risk and reward opportunity justifies it – especially for this particular fixture.
How important is a bronze match in the grand scheme of things? Well can you recall whether England won or lost their only other one in 1995? Exactly. The result is soon lost in the midst of time. For the record England lost 19-9 to France in Pretoria.
- Advert-free experience without interruptions.
- Rocket-fast speedy loading pages.
- Exclusive & Unlimited access to all our content.
So by that token, even though it is still a World Cup, there should also be room for sentiment. Ben Youngs, England’s record cap holder, has been one of the forgotten men of this campaign. He has been on the pitch for just 50 minutes.
At 34, his international career will almost certainly come to an end on Friday evening in Paris. After 13 years he should not just be allowed to drift off into the sunset unacknowledged. Even if it is from the bench, after such distinguished service, Youngs should be given his farewell bow wearing an England jersey for the 125th time.
Source: Read Full Article