Borthwick has made modifications within the hope his finishers can match as much as the job description.
All-brawn Luke Cowan-Dickie comes into the squad rather than all-court Theo Dan. The six-two cut up on the bench between forwards and backs has been deserted in favour of a extra standard five-three cut up, which means the pack will not be shuffled as dramatically within the closing levels.
The one change to the beginning XV is a positional swap in midfield, with Ollie Lawrence swapping to exterior centre and Henry Slade coming inside to 12.
The idea is that it ought to allow Lawrence – restricted to 2 carries in opposition to New Zealand – to get the ball in more room.
Nonetheless, the revival of a twin playmaker form that labored fitfully underneath Eddie Jones has potential weaknesses.
Slade should lead the backline defence from a distinct perspective, clocking risks each inside and outdoors. Simply again from shoulder surgical procedure, he’s additionally positioned within the high-traffic lane the place Lawrence made 27 tackles in opposition to the All Blacks. Len Ikitau – Australia’s hard-running inside centre – is certain to check Slade early.
On the opposite facet of the ball, England actually want one thing to spark their assault.
Towards New Zealand, they have been heavy on perspiration, however mild on inspiration.
England’s solitary attempt got here from a wise Marcus Smith intercept of a ponderous move, however they not often regarded as if they might decide a manner although the defence by way of their very own wit.
Among the many world’s high 10 nations, solely Wales have been much less environment friendly in turning entries into the 22 into factors this yr.
England have some tremendous attacking abilities. However, whether or not it’s the system or people inside it, potential has not been cashed in as factors.
If it had, their final 4 defeats – all by a transformed rating or much less – might have been very totally different.
England’s repeated failure to recover from the horizon and out of sight will give 5-1 outsiders Australia hope.
The moment set up of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii within the backline will add to it, even when the burden of expectation will certainly sit heavy on the 21-year-old.
