England's back-three conundrum is set to be put to the test as they prepare to face New Zealand in the Quilter Nations Series. The team has been struggling to find a winning formula, with coach Steve Borthwick facing an uphill battle to pick out a combination that will unlock his team's potential.
The search for a back three that can dominate aerial contests and provide the necessary playmaking smarts is proving to be a tricky alchemy. Former England wing Ugo Monye believes that Henry Arundell, on the left wing, and Freddie Steward, at full-back, would be an explosive combination, capable of producing points from open space.
However, the key to unlocking this team's potential lies in finding a full-back who can also provide aerial prowess. As Arundell is not blessed with that ability, it means that Feyi-Waboso must play on the right wing 100%, and Steward must be deployed alongside him at fly-half.
Meanwhile, veteran scrum-half Danny Care believes that England's strength in depth in the backfield will be tested by the back-to-back grind of autumn internationals. The team may need to opt for three backs on the eight-man bench to support an unfamiliar combination, rather than the two they have carried in recent wins.
Rugby Union Weekly columnist Matt Dawson takes a more critical view, arguing that Marcus Smith should not be considered for the back-three role at all, citing his creative talents as a game-changing fly-half replacement. Instead, he believes Smith's strengths lie in getting the ball into the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.
Ultimately, England will need to rely on their collective talent and experience to find a winning formula against New Zealand. The question is, which combination of back three players will Steve Borthwick choose?
The search for a back three that can dominate aerial contests and provide the necessary playmaking smarts is proving to be a tricky alchemy. Former England wing Ugo Monye believes that Henry Arundell, on the left wing, and Freddie Steward, at full-back, would be an explosive combination, capable of producing points from open space.
However, the key to unlocking this team's potential lies in finding a full-back who can also provide aerial prowess. As Arundell is not blessed with that ability, it means that Feyi-Waboso must play on the right wing 100%, and Steward must be deployed alongside him at fly-half.
Meanwhile, veteran scrum-half Danny Care believes that England's strength in depth in the backfield will be tested by the back-to-back grind of autumn internationals. The team may need to opt for three backs on the eight-man bench to support an unfamiliar combination, rather than the two they have carried in recent wins.
Rugby Union Weekly columnist Matt Dawson takes a more critical view, arguing that Marcus Smith should not be considered for the back-three role at all, citing his creative talents as a game-changing fly-half replacement. Instead, he believes Smith's strengths lie in getting the ball into the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.
Ultimately, England will need to rely on their collective talent and experience to find a winning formula against New Zealand. The question is, which combination of back three players will Steve Borthwick choose?
i think it's gonna be a close one against new zealand coz they're like super talented too 
so idk about the back-three thing but i trust steve borthwick he always tries 2 make the best calls 
personally i'm rooting 4 henry arundell & freddie stewert tho 
they seem like a sick combo! 
I think it's gonna be tough for England to crack the code 
. Either Arundell and Steward work together seamlessly 
or Borthwick goes with Feyi-Waboso on the right wing 
, either way it's a risk 
. Can't deny Smith's flair as a fly-half 
️ but if he's not nailed down in that position, what's the point? 
It's gonna be an interesting test against Kiwis 
!
they need to sort this out ASAP or NZ is gonna thrash them 
and what if they dont? thats when you gotta try new ppl like feyi-waboso or even smith as a fullback 
idk whats gonna happen, but i hope they figure it out or ill lose all faith in england 
! England needs to figure out that back three combo ASAP, it's been all over the place lately... but u know what would be fire? Freddie Steward and Henry Arundell on the wings together, with a fly-half who can actually make something happen 
. And I'm curious to see how Care's comments will affect the team selection - if they really do think Smith is better suited as a fly-half then that could be an interesting twist