Tom Roebuck played a crucial role in England’s recent 25-7 victory over Australia, contributing significantly to two of the team’s tries. However, concerns have arisen regarding full-back Freddie Steward, who has been unable to train this week due to a hand injury sustained during the match at Twickenham.
Head coach Steve Borthwick is expected to announce his matchday squad on Thursday as England set their sights on achieving a ninth consecutive win. Should Steward be ruled out, Marcus Smith is poised to step in at full-back, having missed the last selection. Smith, along with fellow fly-halves Fin Smith and veteran George Ford, finds himself in a competitive selection mix. Assistant coach Kevin Sinfield noted the challenge of keeping all players satisfied, acknowledging the common frustrations elite athletes face regarding game time while emphasizing the team’s unity and focus on collective success.
Sinfield highlighted Marcus Smith’s adaptability, noting that despite Smith’s primary identity as a fly-half, he has shown willingness to play in varied positions, including full-back, over the past two years.
Additionally, Henry Pollock is drawing attention for potentially making his first starting appearance for England. Pollock has already made a mark as a substitute, notably scoring two tries against Wales in March and playing a crucial role against Australia. Sinfield praised Pollock’s confidence and the vibrant energy he brings, describing his attributes as remarkable for someone his age.
As the English rugby team gears up for their next outing, excitement is growing, particularly around emerging talent like Pollock. The mixture of seasoned players and rising stars bodes well for the team’s future prospects, fueling optimism as they build on their recent achievements and strive for further success on the international stage.