FRONT ROW
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
2. Jamie George (Saracens)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)
As nice as it has been to see Theo Dan get some early England reps in his young career, Borthwick needs to pick a tried and tested front row for Sunday. This also means to return the likes of Dan Cole and Joe Marler to the bench, as this weekend is ‘do-or-die’ high stakes knock-out rugby. Borthwick will likely pick what has been the go-to front row of the past 12 to 18 months.
The Bristol bears partners Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler are well versed in an aggressive start to a match. Fiji will be firing on all cylinders from the off, with the veteran talents of Cole and Marler better saved to get a scrummaging upper-hand in the matches latter stages. Jamie George should start at hooker, as a quarter-final start in the two jersey would be too much responsibility to drop on Dan or Jack Walker, so early in their young England careers.
Keep Dan on the bench, as the Saracen has been making a steady habit of strong replacement run-outs as George’s understudy. Dan is also more than capable of covering for George if he’s forced off early, with Saracens victory in the 2023 Premiership Final presenting this best under the bright lights of Twickenham.