LOCKS
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
Similarly to the front row, Borthwick needs to draw his line as to where he stands with his locks. Since returning from injury, Ollie Chessum has resumed his role alongside Maro Itoje, as England’s first choice pairing in the second row. It was good to see the duo of midlands rivals George Martin and David Ribbans run out against Chile, but England need to return to Plan A, to finish up the pool stages with an emphatic statement.
Despite the fluidity and chemistry of Chessum and Itoje’s partnership, it is surprising that the pair only came into their own during the 2023 Six Nations. The pair pack down the scrum like they have been partners for years, as the coupling of the Saracens and Leicester Tigers has stars has excelled at the set-piece. Both men are confident tacklers as well, with their proven defensive metal set for a test against Samoa. This should be the go-to choice, with Ribbans on the bench to provide cover.
BACK ROW
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
When Steve Borthwick selected Billy Vunipola to be the sole specialist number eight in his 33-man England squad, all eyes turned to the recently injury-returning Saracen. However, Vunipola was soon banned for a high tackle offence against Ireland, as Ben Earl provided appropriate cover in his Sarries teammate’s suspended absence. Despite Earl covering well with a strong outing against Argentina, Billy hit top gear as he returned to match action against Japan and Chile.
In a move that no England fan saw coming, Borthwick picked Lewis Ludlam to start at eight over Vunipola for the match against Japan. However, the unorthodox tactics went to the wayside for the latest win over Chile, which is where they should remain in the Pool D closer against Samoa. Another spanner in the works is Tom Curry, as the Sale Sharks man is set to return from suspension against Manu Samoa. We predict to see Curry start on the bench, and will give Vunipola a well-earned break after a physical first half against the Pacific Islanders.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Theo Dan (Saracens)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby)
19. David Ribbans (Northampton Saints)
20. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins)
22. George Ford (Sale Sharks)
23. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)