Steve Borthwick needs a charge of electricity after the power cut in Scotland and team’s 21-year-old forward could fire up title challenge
T
he third weekend of the Six Nations used to be a time for contemplation and reflection. After the fury of the first two rounds, everything would stop for a much-needed fallow week in which to restore energy levels. And now? The battle-scarred gladiators are about to “go again”, putting their bodies on the line out on the pitch or, in the case of travelling supporters, in the pub.
Player welfare rules OK? That debate still rumbles on but certain other areas – fitness, mental resilience, squad depth – traditionally reserved for the tournament’s closing fortnight are increasingly front and centre. The rhythm of this year’s championship is subtly different, particularly for sides such as England with only two home fixtures. Slip up for a second successive Saturday and that’s it, folks, until November in terms of high-profile Twickenham opportunities.
The Six Nations title will also disappear down the swollen River Thames for another year unless England can restore some equilibrium in the wake of their Murrayfield jolt. Another defeat, by an Ireland side who have been looking about as vibrant and fresh as an old episode of Mrs Brown’s Boys, would unquestionably be a backward step, regardless of the potential that Steve Borthwick’s squad clearly possess.
