Steve Borthwick has revealed how Manu Tuilagi reacted to being dropped by the Six Nations opener against Scotland.
The Sale Sharks centre was left out of the 23-man matchday squad with Joe Marchant starting at outside centre in Borthwick’s first game as head coach.
“When we spoke, I told him what we’d decided selection-wise and why, and we shook hands and then he went and trained really hard,” said Borthwick.
“That reaction is testimony to him and his character.
“I’ve picked a team for this week and there is competition for places. There should always be good players that aren’t in the 23 because that’s what we want with England.
“We want depth in every position people competing for the shirt and what I want to see here is players fighting for the shirt.
“We then make the selection for this game, this weekend against a specific opponent. And then next week is a new week.”
Reacting to the interview, one fan wrote: “Would not have liked to train against Manu after he found out he was dropped. He’d be furious.
Another said: “Manu should be in the team. Fly-halves at centre does not work.”
A third said: “Classy bloke is Manu. One of my favourite players.
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What channel is England vs Scotland on?
The match is being broadcast live on ITV and ITVX with coverage starting at 4pm
ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY SCOTLAND:
15. Freddie Steward
14. Max Malins
13. Joe Marchant
12. Owen Farrell (C)
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins
10. Marcus Smith
9. Jack van Poortvliet
1. Ellis Genge (VC)
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Maro Itoje
5. Ollie Chessum
6. Lewis Ludlam
7. Ben Curry
8. Alex Dombrandt
Replacements
16. Jack Walker
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Dan Cole
19. Nick Isiekwe
20. Ben Earl
21. Ben Youngs
22. Ollie Lawrence
23. Anthony Watson
Three players who won’t play for England again under Steve Borthwick
Steve Borthwick has been brutal In his short time in charge of England, dropping a number of major stars ahead of the 2023 Six Nations.
Below, we look at three established stars who are unlikely to win another cap.
#1. Joe Marler
Age: 32
Position: Loosehead-prop
Caps: 83
Marler is unlikely to return to the England team during the 2023 Six Nations after he breached one of Steve Borthwick’s main rules.
The new England boss has a “no sh**talking policy” with England, whereby he expects players to behave appropriately on the pitch.
As a result, Marler was left out of the Six Nations squad despite his fine form with Harlequins this season.
Marler’s latest ban was for six weeks – four of them suspended – after accepting a charge regarding comments made to Bristol flanker Jake Heenan about his mother.
At this stage, an international return looks very unlikely.
DID YOU KNOW? Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees