Henry Slade’s absence from England’s World Cup squad has raised eyebrows, accompanied by the omission of Alex Dombrandt and Joe Cokanasiga from Steve Borthwick’s final 33. The exclusion of Slade comes as a surprise, considering that Borthwick axed eight players who featured in England’s disappointing loss to Wales.
Benefitting from Slade’s absence is Joe Marchant, while Ben Earl and Henry Arundell secure spots as well. Slade, a former vice-captain with 56 caps and having started four Six Nations matches this year, had a mere 10-minute bench appearance in Cardiff and was informed of his exclusion by Borthwick on Sunday. Interestingly, Borthwick opted for an additional 19th forward, leaving room for only 14 backs. The squad boasts a collective 1,400-plus caps, with 16 members having been part of the 2019 squad.
Dombrandt, along with Tom Willis and Tom Pearson, finds himself excluded from the back-row possibilities. Earl’s inclusion comes as a surprise, while Lewis Ludlam is tasked with covering No 8 for Billy Vunipola. Furthermore, Cokanasiga is left out, favoring Arundell as the winger with a distinctive edge.
Marchant’s versatility, including his ability to play on the wing, played to his advantage. Borthwick’s emphasis on power and adaptability over Slade’s dexterity indicates that Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence are likely to play pivotal roles, potentially partnering against Wales at Twickenham.
Borthwick bolsters his forward options by selecting 10 for the back-five positions, including George Martin and David Ribbans, despite mixed performances in Cardiff. This lineup, joined by Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, and Courtney Lawes, forms the lock options. Jack Willis and Tom Curry join Vunipola, Ludlam, and Earl as the back-row contenders. All lock options are viable at blindside flanker.
The absence of a second specialist No 8 is a calculated risk, considering Vunipola’s ongoing recovery from a knee injury sustained in April. The inclusion of three scrum-halves and three No 10s underscores Borthwick’s emphasis on versatility. Elliot Daly’s multi-positional capabilities place him alongside Anthony Watson, Freddie Steward, Max Malins, and Arundell in the back-three roster.
Mako Vunipola’s absence is notable due to a lingering back injury. Bevan Rodd, Ellis Genge, and Joe Marler form the loosehead prop choices, while Kyle Sinckler, Dan Cole, and Will Stuart secure the tighthead positions. Theo Dan is preferred as the third-choice hooker, alongside Jamie George and Jack Walker, despite Walker carrying a calf injury.
Borthwick reflected, “Rugby World Cups involve unique challenges in terms of the demands on players, the need for squad flexibility, and the limited number of squad places available. France 2023 is no different, but I am confident we have selected a squad of 33 that is well able to meet those challenges and leave us best placed to be at our most competitive in this exciting tournament. There have been a number of very difficult selection decisions to make, given the quality of our wider training squad. Some very good players have missed out on selection such has been the competition for places over the last eight weeks and more of preparation. As Saturday’s game in Cardiff proved, we have a series of demanding Test matches through August as we continue that preparation towards our opening Rugby World Cup pool game against an in-form Argentina side. We believe that announcing the squad a little earlier than otherwise might have been the case, brings a clarity and certainty to the group, allowing the players as much time as possible to settle and develop as a squad.”
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