Alex Mitchell had been the presumptive starter for England, alongside his Saints teammate Fin Smith, ever since he burst onto the international scene at the 2023 World Cup. However, he now finds himself on the bench behind Jack van Poortvliet for the second game in a row. The Tigers star played under Borthwick at club level and was in possession of the shirt until a serious injury prior to the World Cup. Perhaps Borthwick is now looking to those he trusts most to get him out of this ever-deepening hole in which he finds himself. 

After being hampered by yellow cards throughout their dire Six Nations campaign, one might've assumed that England would look to fix their discipline as a matter of high priority when they took on the back-to-back World Champions. Unfortunately, in the biggest moments, England crumbled. Pepper and Opoku-Fordjour were both sent to the bin in the final 10 minutes which effectively ended the game as a contest. The visitors were actually in the game until the final stages but were the architects of their own downfall once again.

At last, it appears that Fin Smith has cemented himself as the clear starter at his position; it shouldn't have taken that long but it's happened now. He has been the most consistent fly-half for England recently but it's his Prem form that truly sets him apart. He has now led the Saints to 2 titles in 3 seasons whilst Ford and Marcus Smith have had disappointing seasons with their clubs. He is a well-rounded player around whom England can build a team capable of challenging for the World Cup title in 2027.

Ellis Genge, Beno Obano, Asher Opoku-Fordjour

Ellis Genge, Manny Iyogun, Beno Obano

My Selections: Fin Baxter, Ellis Genge, Manny Iyogun

WON 48-7 vs Wales

Ireland 43-21 Scotland

Kickoff: 2:10pm, Saturday 12th March

Ireland 27-17 Wales

Kickoff: 8:1opm, Friday 6th March

England 21 - 42 Ireland