Steve Borthwick has brushed off Warren Gatland’s jibe that Wales were “too fit” for England before Saturday’s rematch at Twickenham, insisting his side are on track to peak for the start of the World Cup next month.
Borthwick has made 11 changes to his side for England’s first Twickenham outing since they were destroyed by France, calling on the cavalry with Billy Vunipola, the captain, Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Elliot Daly, Courtney Lawes and Henry Arundell all starting. Vunipola’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy, given he has been sidelined with a knee injury since April and is the only specialist No 8 in the squad but he forms a balanced-looking back-row with Ben Earl – who makes his first start – and Lawes.
