BACK ROW
COURTNEY LAWES: A
2023 RWC Caps: 3
Courtney Lawes has been nothing short of awesome so far in the Rugby World Cup. The laid-back Northampton Saint has adapted comfortably to his positional shift to blindside flanker, with England fans delighted to see that he is still flying out of the line for monstrous tackles. A true leader of men, Lawes has stepped up into a vice-captain/ pack leader role, and added a try along the way against Japan. Courtney new his laws, and acted first to score against Japan, despite claims for a knock-on when the ball bounced off Marler’s iconic mohawk.
TOM CURRY: D-
2023 RWC Caps: After making his return for a problematic ankle injury, all eyes turned to Tom Curry for his first match since the 2023 Premiership Final. However, less than two minutes into the opening match against Argentina, Curry was sent to the bunker after a head-to-head collision with fullback Juan Cruz Mallia. After sitting out the matches against Japan and Chile, Curry ran out for 63 minutes against Samoa, as England struggled to gain a foothold in the match. More is expected in the knock-out stages from the Sale Sharks man.
BEN EARL: A
2023 RWC Caps: 4
The Saracens back-rower has presented his adaptability for Borthwick, starring at both number eight and on the openside flank so far in the Rugby World Cup. Starting at the back of the scrum in the absence of Billy Vunipola, Earl had a star-making performance against Argentina, and set the tone for the rest of the England forwards with his now trademark penalty celebrations. Call it ‘over-celebrating’ or call it ‘passion’ you have to call Earl’s performances impressive so far in France.
JACK WILLIS: C-
2023 RWC Caps: 1
Despite England fans calling for a greater inclusion for the flanker, Borthwick’s rotational use of Jack Willis makes sense given his uncertain international future in France. Willis has made just one appearance so far, with the buzz around the former Wasps man seemingly wearing out in Borthwick’s eyes. An 80 minute stint against Chile saw him grab a try, but an injury now sees Willis replaced by Sam Underhill for the knock-out stages.
BILLY VUNIPOLA: C
2023 RWC Caps: 3
England fans around the world were left in great debate, after Steve Borthwick named Billy Vunipola as his only specialist number eight in the 33-man World Cup squad. Those same fans then erupted with annoyance once Vunipola got himself banned for the World Cup opener against Argentina. The Saracen has returned well to the England fold, and has proven that he’s still got plenty more to give. Heavy carries and dominant collisions have long been Vunipola’s party-piece, with more of the same expected for the Fiji clash this Sunday.
LEWIS LUDLAM: B
2023 RWC Caps: 3
For a while, Lewis Ludlam was considered to be England best ‘out-and-out’ blindside flanker. However, Borthwick’s decision to move Lawes to the back-row, has hindered Ludlam’s opportunities to run out in the six jersey. The Saints man was pushed across to number eight for the match against Japan, yet made good on his chance to impress in a new position, by scoring a try and causing a general disruption against the Brave Blossoms.
SCRUM HALVES
BEN YOUNGS: D
2023 RWC Caps: 2
England men’s record appearance holder, fans and pundits alike expected Ben Youngs to be Borthwick’s first choice scrum half for the World Cup after Jack van Poortvliet’s injury. However, the lifelong Leicester man has had a far more sporadic run than expected, with just 53 minutes of game-time coming from two substitute appearances. Youngs has certainly come a long way since his RWC debut saw him seal a win against Argentina in 2011, with Borthwick’s eyes now turning elsewhere for the 124-capped veteran.
ALEX MITCHELL: A
2023 RWC Caps: 3
It was a bittersweet moment for Alex Mitchell, as after he was initially cut from Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup squad, before the Saints man was re-called to the fray following Jack van Poortvliet’s ankle injury. England fans were delighted to see Borthwick hand Mitchell a world cup start against Argentina, in what was a unpredicted and brazen statement of intent. Mitchell has since started against Japan and Samoa, having worked his way to becoming Borthwick’s first choice nine with rapid quick-ball displays.
DANNY CARE: B
2023 RWC Caps: 3
Another face that England fans have been delighted to see get an extended run in the World Cup squad, Danny Care’s inclusion came from left-field, with his last test match coming in the Autumn of 2018. The Harlequins legend provided England with a ‘get out of jail card’, as he characteristically sniped past the Samoan defence, to clinch a late winning try, to avoid an embarrassing loss last weekend.
