New England head coach Steve Borthwick may have been in the job for less than a month, but he's already showing the scale of the task won't deter him from making the tough decisions.
The former Leicester Tigers tactician named his first squad ahead of the 2023 Six Nations on Monday, where a recall for prop Dan Cole after almost three years in the wilderness was among the shock calls. But it was three particularly glaring omissions that led Sky Sports' James Cole to suggest Borthwick isn't hanging about to make his own imprint on an England side that stagnated under predecessor Eddie Jones.
"The omission of Jack Nowell, Billy Vunipola and Jonny May—three regulars under Eddie Jones—is a clear sign of Steve Borthwick looking to put his stamp on this England squad," said Cole during Monday's report outside Twickenham. "As is the inclusion of 95-cap veteran prop Dan Cole, whose international career appeared to be over.
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"It's also reflecting Steve Borthwick's promise to pick on form rather than reputation, something his predecessor Jones didn't always do. The inclusion of Northampton fly-half Fin Smith is the most eye-catching of the uncapped players. Smith also qualifies for Scotland through his grandfather [Tom Elliot], who represented the British and Irish Lions [in 1955]."
Both Exeter Chiefs winger Nowell (45 caps) and Gloucester star May (72 caps) had been England staples for Jones in recent years, but scoring form has left a lot to be desired this term. The duo have scored just three tries from a combined 20 starts for their clubs this term, while the likes of Ollie Hassel-Collins, Tommy Freeman and the recalled Max Malins have been considerably more prolific.
Jones made headlines for dropping another long-term fixture in Vunipola, 30, in 2021 when he also missed out on the Lions tour to South Africa. However, his omission is somewhat less surprising given the level of back-row talent at England's disposal, including re-summoned Saracens team-mate Ben Earl.
Borthwick, 43, has decided to stick with Owen Farrell as his captain—at least for the Six Nations—despite the fly-half's recent citation and subsequent suspension for his latest dangerous tackle. That would suggest Farrell, 31, will remain a prominent part of England's XV for the time being, whether that's at Marcus Smith's expense or continuing at centre alongside the Harlequins fly-half.
"This is an exciting squad, with a blend of Six Nations experience and young talent, and includes players who are in excellent form in the Premiership," said the former Bath, Sarries and England lock after naming his first squad in charge of the national team.
“We are all looking forward to the challenges of the Six Nations and we will approach this great tournament with a spirit of courage and total commitment I know the players can't wait to get back to Twickenham and give our fans a performance they can be proud of. The hard work for the Scotland game starts now."
England's 2023 Six Nations squad
Forwards: Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, Bevan Rodd, Jamie George, Jack Walker, George McGuigan, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Jonny Hill, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Sam Simmonds, Jack Willis.
Backs: Jack van Poortvliet, Ben Youngs, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell (captain), Marcus Smith, Fin Smith, Manu Tuilagi, Dan Kelly, Henry Slade, Joe Marchant, Max Malins, Cadan Murley, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Freddie Steward, Elliot Daly.
