STEVE BORTHWICK has revealed the reason why he has given his old dogs of war another Six Nations outing – even if they will not make the next World Cup.
The England head coach has handed props Dan Cole, 36, and Joe Marler, 33, plus 37-year-old scrum-half Danny Care a spot in the party as they prepare for the opener against Italy on Saturday week.
And, at 33 himself, new skipper Jamie George is no certainty for Australia 2027.
Borthwick was a rookie lock at Bath, making his debut in 1998, when the squad was ripped apart by retirements and players leaving.
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