Chris Ashton has expressed support for Steve Borthwick’s bold decision to replace Henry Arundell with Joe Marchant in England’s last group match against Samoa.
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Writing in The Telegraph, he said: ” So dropping Henry Arundell, who scored five tries against Chile, for Joe Marchant, who usually plays at centre, will have plenty of people scratching their heads but there is method behind the apparent madness.
“As good as Arundell was against Chile, and I was really impressed by the way he went hunting for the ball, Marchant is my standout defensive performer for England at this World Cup.
His work-rate off the ball is ridiculous and that is something that Steve Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield love to see in defence. He is always the one along the back of the defensive line to cover holes on the opposite side.
“But Marchant’s super skill – and the reason I think he is starting on the wing – is his ability to catch the ball above his head. This is a skill I think you are born with because it is so hard to learn.”
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