The Six Nations is almost upon us, and England's head coach Steve Borthwick has a crucial decision to make: who will be his centre pairing for the upcoming championship? It's a dilemma that has plagued English rugby for some time, but with a recent upswing in form, the options are now more abundant than ever.
England's midfield has long been a puzzle, with a dearth of natural inside centres and inconsistent selections. However, the past year has seen a remarkable turnaround, with 11 consecutive victories under Borthwick's leadership. As they prepare for the Six Nations, the national team finds itself in a unique position with a plethora of midfield choices.
In the past six months, Borthwick has utilized three players at No12: Fraser Dingwall, Max Ojomoh, and Seb Atkinson. Each has shown promise, but the real standout pairing seems to be Dingwall and Ollie Lawrence. Their outstanding performance in the 33-19 defeat of New Zealand at Twickenham in November was a testament to their potential as a formidable duo.
But here's where it gets controversial: Dingwall and Lawrence's success raises the question of whether Ojomoh, who impressed in his second cap against Argentina, is the real deal. Ojomoh's all-round abilities suggest a higher ceiling for the midfield, but Dingwall's solidity and knack for bringing out the best in others cannot be overlooked. It's a delicate balance, and Borthwick's choice will be pivotal in England's quest to win the championship for the first time in six years.
And this is the part most people miss: the outside centre position is equally crucial. Tommy Freeman, Henry Slade, and Lawrence are all talented and experienced internationals, each bringing their own unique skills to the table. Freeman's versatility, in particular, adds an intriguing element to the mix, as he expressed a strong desire to develop his game at No13.
Defensively, outside centre is a challenging position, and Freeman is still learning the ropes. However, his natural footballing ability and quick learning curve suggest a bright future at centre. Phil Dowson, Northampton's director of rugby, has praised Freeman's development, highlighting his rapid progress under the guidance of Lee Radford, the Saints' defense coach.
The key to success in the Six Nations, and indeed the upcoming World Cup, lies in building an understanding between the centre pairing. Borthwick's chosen men will need time to gel and develop their chemistry, especially given the lack of experience among the inside centres. It's a delicate dance, and Borthwick's decision will shape England's fortunes in the months and years to come.
So, who will Borthwick pick? Will it be the Dingwall-Lawrence partnership, or will Ojomoh's all-round abilities sway the coach? And what about Freeman's potential at outside centre? These are the questions on every rugby fan's mind as we count down to the Six Nations. What do you think? Who would you choose, and why? Let's discuss in the comments!
