England’s iconic figure, Will Greenwood, has given his decisive take on the five rising stars set to make their international debut for the national squad this upcoming weekend.
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Speaking about the inclusion of five uncapped players in the matchday 23, Borthwick added: “Winning a first cap for your country is always a very special occasion.
“We’re delighted for the debutants who have all worked incredibly hard to get themselves selected in the 23 to face Italy. I know Saturday will be a very proud moment for the players and their families.
“My message to them this week has been to be themselves, to grasp their opportunity, and to play with the strengths and skills that deservedly got them selected to a strong Six Nations squad.”
See Greenwood, who was writing for the Telegraph’s, review of the five debutants.
#1. Fraser Dingwall
The 24-year-old Northampton back has been involved in 10 previous England camps and claims a position filled by Manu Tuilagi during the World Cup.
Greenwood wrote: “I think he’s the best midfield player of the lot. The key word there is ‘player’. He can manipulate defences, find edges. He’s a young fella who’s had to find a different way to get over gain-lines because he’s not a Manu or an Ollie Lawrence.
“People like that are invaluable. If Borthwick wants someone who can go to a gain-line and pick the right option, he’s the one midfielder who’ll do that. I was lucky to have a coach who picked me on what I could do rather than what I couldn’t. Dingwall will need the same conviction.”