The short version
- Henry Pollock earns his second England start at number eight, aiming to prove his effectiveness in close-quarters play after a history of impactful substitute appearances.
- Max Ojomoh returns to the starting center position following a strong performance for England A, replacing the injured Seb Atkinson and bypassing Fraser Dingwall.
- The selection features an entirely new front row and several inexperienced replacements, reflecting a deliberate strategy to test depth and identify future leaders.
England has unveiled a dramatically reshaped starting lineup for its upcoming Nations Championship fixture against Japan, marking a significant departure from the side that secured victory over Australia just days prior. Head coach Steve Borthwick has opted for bold experimentation rather than resting on recent success, introducing several players who have been largely peripheral to the senior team’s core rotation. This strategic pivot underscores a long-term vision focused on building depth and identifying reliable performers ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.
The most prominent change involves Henry Pollock, who has been named at number eight for only his second start in international rugby. The 21-year-old Northampton star has previously made an impact primarily from the bench, scoring eight tries in 14 Tests despite limited starting opportunities. His lone previous start occurred during a heavy defeat to Ireland earlier this year, a match where England struggled significantly at the breakdown. Pollock now faces the challenge of demonstrating his utility not just in open spaces, but also in the physical, close-quarters engagements that define modern forward play.
In the midfield, Max Ojomoh has been recalled to favor after a standout performance for England A against an Argentina XV selection. The 26-year-old Bath player had not featured for the senior team since a victory over Argentina last year and was initially omitted from the wider squad for this tour. His promotion ahead of Fraser Dingwall comes as first-choice center Seb Atkinson is sidelined with a hip injury. Ojomoh’s return highlights Borthwick’s willingness to reward immediate form, even if it means reintroducing players who had fallen out of favor.
Ojomoh’s inclusion carries specific tactical expectations. While his playmaking ability and running threat are well-established, the coaching staff has previously sought greater consistency from him in defensive duties and off-the-ball work. Against Japan, his role will likely involve exploiting gaps in the defense through quick passing and movement, particularly if England maintains possession dominance. His contract situation at Bath, which is up for renewal at season’s end, adds a layer of external interest, with French media speculating about a potential move to the Top 14.
The backline also sees significant rotation, with Will Joseph earning a start on the wing in place of the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Joseph, whose brother Jonathan was a former England international, has been instrumental in Gloucester’s recent resurgence, displaying versatility between the wing and midfield positions. His inclusion provides experience and pace to the back three, complementing the youthful energy of other selections. Cadan Murley also enters the starting lineup in the back three, replacing Tommy Freeman.
Forward dynamics have shifted substantially with an all-new starting front row comprising Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Asher Opoku-Fordjour. This complete overhaul at the base of the scrum suggests a desire to test different combinations and assess resilience under pressure. In the back row, Alex Coles has been moved to blind-side flanker to replace the injured Ollie Chessum, providing additional physical presence alongside Pollock and Ben Earl. This adjustment aims to bolster the team’s defensive structure and breakdown efficiency.
The bench selection further emphasizes a focus on development and opportunity. Archie McParland is poised to make his debut off the replacements’ bench, joining Greg Fisilau, Arthur Clark, and Emmanuel Iyogun, all of whom have limited international experience. George Ford retains his position at fly-half, while Fin Smith, who recently recovered from a calf injury, has been rotated out of the matchday squad entirely. Marcus Smith remains on the bench, offering depth in the playmaking roles.
This selection strategy reflects a broader trend within English rugby to prioritize long-term squad building over short-term consistency. By introducing new combinations and giving opportunities to emerging talents, Borthwick is attempting to identify players who can perform under pressure in varied conditions. The match against Japan serves as a critical testing ground for these experiments, with the outcome likely to influence selection decisions for future tours and ultimately the World Cup squad.
As England prepares for Saturday’s clash, the focus will be on how these new combinations gel under competitive conditions. The absence of key players due to injury has forced these changes, but they also present a unique opportunity for younger players to prove their worth on the international stage. Success in this fixture could solidify positions for several of these emerging talents, while any shortcomings will provide valuable data for the coaching staff as they refine their strategy for the coming year.
The broadcast details indicate widespread interest in this tactical shift, with coverage available on BBC Radio 5 Live and digital platforms. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the experimental lineup can maintain the momentum from the previous victory against Australia. The results of this match will not only impact the Nations Championship standings but also shape the narrative around England’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup cycle.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Pollock starts alongside Ojomoh and Joseph in bold England side
