Steve Borthwick is contemplating two unexpected decisions as the Six Nations concludes.
Looking forward to the summer tour, England’s head coach aims to bolster his squad’s development following commendable performances against Ireland and France.
In a historic matchup, England will clash with Japan in Tokyo for the first time ever, scheduled for June 22, 2024, in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup.
Despite having played three Test matches previously, this encounter marks Japan’s inaugural home advantage against the English.
Following this, England will confront New Zealand in Dunedin on July 6 and at Eden Park a week later, promising two thrilling spectacles. Eager to outdo last year’s Rugby World Cup runner-up, England prepares for these monumental showdowns.
A decade has passed since England’s previous visit to New Zealand, a challenging 2014 series under Stuart Lancaster culminating in a 3-0 defeat. Recollections of the 2008 tour offer no solace either, as England endured losses in both Tests against the All Blacks.
Yet, a glimmer of victory emerged in 2003 when they clinched a thrilling 15-13 win over New Zealand just before the Rugby World Cup.
Sources from RUCK suggest that Joe Marler and Dan Cole are poised to miss the tour, with Borthwick eyeing the opportunity to introduce several young props for valuable experience this summer.
It’s also thought that neither Marler or Cole were keen to be away from their families for over a month.
5 biggest and strongest rugby union beasts in the world
Rugby is a sport where superhuman players will strike fear into their opposite numbers, be it with their colossal height, huge weight or Herculean strength.
1. Andrew Porter – Ireland
Lions contender Porter is poised to make a sizeable impact for Ireland moving forward.
The 28-year-old Leinster loosehead, who has won 64 caps, is a huge carrier, massive in the scrum and is renowned for his freakish ability in the gym.
According to Jonny Waterson in The Irish Times: “Noted for his strength, Porter, if the figure doing the rounds is accurate, can squat 350kg (772lb) or, if you like, three Cian Healys. Quite an effective mass of cleaning-out power.”