3. THE 5 DEBUTING ENGLAND PLAYERS
Fraser Dingwall, Fin Smith (both Northampton Saints), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ethan Roots (both Exeter Chiefs) and Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins).
STEVE BORTHWICK: “It was brilliant to see five players make their debut for England in one match in the Six Nations, which doesn’t happen very often.”
“Clearly you don’t ever want to single individuals out because it’s brilliant for all five, a special day for five of them. And for me as a coach I feel like that it is a special day to be involved with them at the start of their England careers. Just chatting to them in the changing rooms, I think they’re going to be wearing an England shirt for a long time.
“They’re going to be playing together for a good number of years, which is exciting. Because we’ve got a good number of players, currently out of the squad to come back in as well, when they return to fitness.”
“Ethan Roots in particular, to make his debut and look very much at home, played 80 minutes, and just looked at home, (he) was outstanding. And for Fraser (Dingwall) in the centres there, when you’ve got a different combination, and that’s really the challenge then in the centres. He’s never played with that 10 or that 13, I thought he did really well to help read and glue that combination together.”
4. ELLIS GENGE AND GEORGE MARTIN TO RETURN FROM INJURIES
STEVE BORTHWICK: “I’m getting medical reports tomorrow (Sunday 4th Feb), all the checks, but obviously the focus has been on this game. I don’t think George Martin is too far away maybe he’s ready for next week, we’ll be waiting to see. Ellis i’m hopeful, he’ll be fit next week.”