A smart mix of choices for future growth? Or just a hint of belt-tightening in preparation for a potentially bruising few weeks?
The truth, as so often in politics, would appear to lie somewhere in between. In one or two areas Borthwick has had to channel his inner chancellor of the exchequer and make some tough calls. Sam Underhill has had some special days against New Zealand in the past and yet now finds himself unable to make the matchday 23. Fin Smith is supposed to be the coming man at fly-half but is suddenly nowhere to be seen.
On the other hand, however, shares in the Sale triumvirate of the Curry twins and George Ford have just soared significantly. Bath's scrum-half Ben Spencer, in the absence of the injured Alex Mitchell, is probably the big winner, having spent the past six years waiting for the oval-ball equivalent of Godot. A 6-2 bench also offers a clear clue to England's priorities: Borthwick wants his side to keep coming hard for the full 80 minutes, regardless of what New Zealand have in store.
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Denne historien er fra October 30, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Are the players at Old Trafford good enough for a new face to inspire future title challenges?
Rrik ten Hag is culled while players paid millions to realise Manchester United's on-field product remain, posting heartfelt \"thank you boss\" farewells on social media while still collecting their lucrative pay-packets.
Israeli strike on flats in northern Gaza kills at least 93
Scores of Palestinians, including many women and children, have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a crowded block of flats in the town of Beit Lahiya as Israel pressed on with its assault on northern Gaza.
Amorim on his way United ready to pay £8.3m for Sporting head coach
Amorim led Sporting from despair but testing waters await
The 39-year-old built a legacy in Lisbon on consistency and charisma but his hiring would be a major gamble. Can he transfer his watchwords to the Theatre of Dreams?
Flekken's shootout stop spares Bees' blushes
Brentford reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after beating Sheffield Wednesday 5-4 on penalties.
Clinton shows England have generational midfield talent on their hands
It is debatable precisely how much can be gleaned from this workout against a team ranked 50th in the world who lost 5-0 to Denmark on Friday but, if England can take one certainty from this victory, it is this: in Grace Clinton, they have found a generational midfielder who they can build the team around for at least the next four major tournaments.
Wiegman's shuffled pack stumble to sloppy victory
There were more questions to be asked than answers provided in England's 2-1 win over South Africa, but, to a certain extent, friendlies are when they can afford to be far from their best.
England take a punt on Bethell for NZ tour
Warwickshire's Jacob Bethell appears to be England's latest punt, with the 21-year-old batter named in the 16-man Test squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
New Test keeper Cox will not don gloves in West Indies white-ball series
The new England Test wicketkeeper Jordan Cox will not take the gloves against West Indies after being told to \"concentrate on his batting\" for the white-ball series.
Head coach opts for continuity but wants a fast and furious England to face the All Blacks
Far-reaching implications, pivotal decisions, an expectant nation. But let's not dwell on Rachel Reeves's mega budget and instead examine the intricacies of Steve Borthwick's first autumnal England team selection.
