England's Strategic Pivot Ahead of Critical Six Nations Encounter with France
Steve Borthwick faces perhaps the most challenging selection dilemma of his tenure as England head coach following a historic Six Nations defeat in Italy. With his position under intense scrutiny after three consecutive losses, Borthwick's decision-making has become increasingly critical as England prepares for a monumental challenge in Paris.
The Selection Conundrum and Limited Options
England's European tour has presented significant limitations, with the squad based in Verona between matches in Rome and Paris. The absence of key players including Ollie Lawrence through injury, Henry Slade who hasn't traveled, and George Furbank still regaining Test match sharpness after fifteen months of injury problems has constrained Borthwick's choices. The backline that struggled to capitalize on opportunities against Italy remains largely unchanged, emphasizing the need to develop cohesion, confidence, and connection - three elements conspicuously absent during their disappointing performance at the Stadio Olimpico.
This selection process represents Borthwick's most difficult challenge to date, coming at a time when minimal changes might appear risky yet necessary given the circumstances. The England squad must rediscover their competitive edge against a formidable French side in what promises to be a defining moment for Borthwick's leadership.
The Tactical Significance of Chessum's Positional Change
A subtle yet potentially transformative strategic shift emerges with Ollie Chessum's installation on the blindside flank. This move marks a departure from Borthwick's recent preference for more mobile back rows featuring traditional openside flankers. For over a year, England has largely avoided deploying a "big six" in their lineup, making Chessum's positional change particularly noteworthy.
Back row positioning often proves more fluid than conventional descriptions suggest - France themselves employ a left-right approach rather than strict blindside-openside distinctions. However, England's strategy since Courtney Lawes' retirement following the 2023 World Cup has evolved through distinct phases as they sought to fill the blindside void.
Lawes represented a unique talent - a converted lock who developed into an exceptionally versatile forward. Initially attempting to compensate for his absence, Borthwick favored lineout specialists or hard-working grafters in the number six shirt. Throughout 2024, England's starting blindside flanker was typically Chandler Cunningham-South, Ethan Roots, or Chessum himself on eleven occasions across twelve matches, before Tom Curry assumed the role against Japan in the autumn.
Evolution of England's Back Row Strategy
The 2025 season witnessed a different approach, with Tom Curry, his twin brother Ben Curry, or Guy Pepper deployed at blindside flanker in all but one instance - Cunningham-South's appearance against the USA last July. This pattern continued into the current Six Nations campaign, reflecting both necessity and strategic preference.
Fitness concerns for George Martin and Chessum have frequently prevented Borthwick from selecting both players in the same pack, while the head coach has also identified England's strength lying with their scavenging openside flankers during their impressive twelve-match winning streak. However, recent defeats have exposed limitations in physical presence, prompting reconsideration as England confronts the formidable challenge awaiting them in Paris.
Chessum's transition to blindside flanker represents a significant vote of confidence in second row Alex Coles. Lock depth has concerned England selectors, but the long-limbed Northampton player has established himself as a reliable performer over the past twelve months, impressing both for his club during the Champions Cup's latter stages and subsequently for his country.
Coles' Growing Influence and Statistical Impact
Borthwick recently praised Coles' rugby intelligence, noting: "He's such a smart rugby player. There are certain players who go out there and do the job, and certain players who go out and do their job and help other players do their job, almost coaching them on the field. They see things ahead of time, they're ahead of the game. Their communication is on another level and as a coach you can hear them. Alex Coles is one of those players."
Coles demonstrates impressive work-rate statistics among English-qualified locks in Premiership and Champions Cup competitions this season. Only Gloucester's Cam Jordan records more try involvements per eighty minutes than Coles' 0.9, while the Northampton player ranks second for attacking ruck arrivals with 22.6 per game, narrowly behind Nick Isiekwe's 22.3.
This contribution was evident during Tommy Freeman's try against Italy, where Coles first cleared two Italian defenders from Jamie George to generate quick ruck ball before reloading to deliver the try-scoring pass to Freeman two phases later.
Strategic Adjustments for the French Challenge
France presents different challenges than Italy, with potentially reduced breakdown threat but greater emphasis on aerial contests. Before the tournament's fourth round, France had executed twenty mauls, second only to their final-round opponents' twenty-four. Scotland successfully limited this strength through disciplined defense, conceding just eight lineouts while stealing two.
With France potentially missing leading lineout target Oscar Jegou following disciplinary proceedings, England may sense opportunity with their three athletic jumpers to challenge French superiority in this area. The hosts could counter by deploying Charles Ollivon in the back row and promoting Thibaud Flament, but England might adjust their kicking strategy to more frequently remove the ball from play.
England demonstrated increased variety in their lineout play against Italy, targeting the tail more frequently than their tournament average. Their first throw in Rome went to Coles at the back, while the Freeman try originated from a long throw over the lineout to Ben Spencer, with Ben Earl establishing attacking platform from the thirteen channel.
Freeman provided decoy options on second phase, while Fin Smith gained territory after receiving from Jamie George at first receiver. With similar personnel available, observers will watch closely whether England employs variations of these set-piece plays in Paris.
The Stakes for Borthwick and England's Future
Borthwick and his squad must discover performance levels unseen for some time to compete effectively against France. A hallmark of Borthwick's tenure has been implementing tailored game plans against elite opposition, and his continued leadership may depend on executing such strategy once more in this critical encounter.
England's starting lineup for the Paris confrontation features: Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes; Maro Itoje as captain alongside Alex Coles; Ollie Chessum, Guy Pepper, Ben Earl; Ben Spencer, Fin Smith; Cadan Murley, Seb Atkinson, Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck; and Elliot Daly. The replacements include Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Jack van Poortvliet, and Marcus Smith.
