England boss Steve Borthwick believes his team have a plan to halt the Grand Slam bid.
Murray Kinsella Reports from London SUCH HAS BEEN the focus on Ireland trying to make it back-to-back Grand Slams, it has almost been overlooked that Andy Farrell’s side can wrap up a Six Nations title by winning with a bonus point against England at Twickenham today .
Speaking of plans, Steve Borthwick and co. reckon they’ve got one that will be a spanner in the wheels of the Irish machine. The first key, he reckons, is to disrupt the Irish kicking game led by James Lowe’s cannon of a left boot. What Borthwick didn’t mention is the probable intention to lay siege on the Irish lineout and scrum, although Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony did mention that yesterday after a run-out at Twickenham with his team-mates.
When it comes to precision, Borthwick will be glad his leading scrum-half Alex Mitchell is back from injury and it’s timely that the powerful second row Martin comes into the starting XV. Anyone who saw Martin’s physical effort in the World Cup semi-final against South Africa last year knows what he can do, so his match-up against Ireland’s new enforcer, Joe McCarthy, should be riveting.
That’s a hefty turnover of players which partly explains why England haven’t been convincing in this Six Nations. This team has been in desperate need of continuity in selection for years now but it seems to be hard to come by in English rugby.
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