Henry Slade’s surprising absence from England’s World Cup roster sent shockwaves through the football community.
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Former captain Dylan Hartley openly voiced his preference for the talented Exeter player to have graced the French tournament.
Hartley said: “Henry Slade for me, I don’t want to say he should replace this guy or that guy. I think it is a dangerous thing but he is seen as a utility back, he’s not and out and out 10, 12, 13 or 15.
“Henry could play anywhere, but I really like him as 13 for England when you had that balance of whatever fly-half – Owen, Marcus or George – a strong direct runner like Manu or Lawrence at 12 with Slade at 13. When I look it gives nice balance to how the team attack.”
When dropping the Exeter playmaker, Borthwick said: “There have been a number of difficult decisions. Henry has been tremendous throughout the training camp. He is disappointed but we know there will be changes.
“There will be bumps and bruises so everyone needs to be ready to go. It was a personal conversation and I share my thoughts on the decision-making process.
“There are good players competing in his position. We were always going to have three players in key positions – that means in other areas of the team you need positional flexibility.”
The 100 best rugby players in the world have been named and ranked, Owen Farrell 63rd
With less than a fortnight remaining until the commencement of the Rugby World Cup, the rugby specialists at Telegraph Sport have collaboratively assessed and ranked the top 100 playersglobally.
Presented below is the comprehensive list, starting from the 100th spot and culminating at the first position.
100. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
99. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy)
98. Franco Mostert (South Africa)
97. Paul Alo-Emile (Samoa)
96. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
95 Juan Martín González (Argentina)
94. Jasper Wiese (South Africa)
93. Damian Willemse (South Africa)
92. Mark Telea (New Zealand)
91. Faf de Klerk (South Africa)
90. Handré Pollard (South Africa)
89. James Lowe (Ireland)
88. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
87. Paul Willemse (France)
86. Shannon Frizell (New Zealand)
85. Freddie Steward (England)
They wrote: “The best England player to emerge in this four-year cycle, without question. Steward has come a long way from having to ditch a shift in Costa to turn out for Leicester in the Premiership Rugby Cup, to becoming England’s specialist diffuser under the high ball at full-back while hoovering up a number of awards. The potential is enormous, and he should thrive at his first World Cup.”
84. Thibaud Flament (France)
83. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
82. Matthieu Jalibert (France)
81.. Jac Morgan (Wales)