Steve Borthwick gives injury update on George Martin

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Less than a year ago, Ollie Chessum was touring as a British & Irish Lion. Now, he is replaced in the second row by Alex Coles, who will partner Maro Itoje. For Borthwick, that shift is not a setback but a marker of progress.

“Over the last period the squad depth has really improved,” he said. “One area has been around the second row, where for a long period we haven't had a huge number. Alex Coles has been absolutely outstanding at club and Test level. He's such a smart rugby player.”

Borthwick’s praise goes beyond the physical attributes expected of a Test lock. What stands out most, he explains, is Coles’ rugby intelligence.

“There are certain players who go out there and do the job, and certain players who go out and do their job and help other players do their job, almost coaching them on the field. They see things ahead of time, they're ahead of the game. Their communication is on another level and as a coach you can hear them. Alex Coles is one of those players.”

In many ways, Coles’ elevation encapsulates the evolution Borthwick believes is underway. Competition is no longer superficial; it is genuine and, crucially, sustainable. Chandler Cunningham-South has been “banging on the door” for selection across the back five of the scrum, while Arthur Clark is viewed as a player of significant promise.

But amid the optimism, there is also a note of patience – and frustration – when it comes to George Martin.

Martin has not played since England’s round two meeting with France last year, a nerve issue in his shoulder derailing what had been a breakthrough period in his career. Rest failed to resolve the problem and surgery in the summer ruled him out of the first half of this season. The recovery has been slower than hoped, testing the resolve of player and management alike.

“I’m hoping George Martin is going to get back on the grass in the coming weeks and then he will come back into the mix,” Borthwick said.

There is an unmistakable sense of care in that assessment. Martin, still only 24, is preparing for a summer move from Leicester Tigers to Saracens, where he will link up with Itoje at club level. For now, though, the focus is simply on seeing him run freely again.

Borthwick accepts that England’s resources have been stretched elsewhere this championship. “Clearly we’ve been tested in some other positions right now,” he admitted. “The depth and availability of players we had in the autumn is not what we have right now. This tests us and will be really good for us long term.”