The 2026 Nations Championship has provided an intriguing insight into the future of English rugby, with several players stepping up to the plate and others facing tough decisions. As we analyze the performances, it becomes clear that Steve Borthwick has a major dilemma on his hands, particularly with the back-row and outside-backs. While some players have settled key debates, others have left questions hanging, and the future of the team is far from certain.
One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of players like Ben Earl and Joe Heyes. Earl, in particular, has been a constant force for England, taking the brunt of the carrying load and leading the defensive efforts. His performance against the Springboks was nothing short of superb, and he has earned his place in the starting XV. Similarly, Heyes has been exceptional at the tighthead position, his work around the park rivaling that of any back-rower in the team. His contribution to a dominant scrum is a sight to behold, and he has undoubtedly earned his place in the side.
However, the back-row is where Borthwick faces a major dilemma. Henry Pollock has been a standout performer, particularly off the bench, with two impactful displays against Fiji and Argentina. His work this summer has left Borthwick with a tough decision: how and when to use him. Tom Curry, on the other hand, has been solid and industrious, but has failed to set the pitch alight. His performance against the Springboks was unremarkable, and he has not quite lived up to expectations.
The outside-backs are another area of interest. Marcus Smith has settled the key debate around the number 10 shirt, combining intent to play ball-in-hand rugby with clever kicks designed to extend plays or shift momentum. His defense was also very impressive, and he has earned his place in the starting XV. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, meanwhile, has shown promise, particularly against Los Pumas, where he was given freedom to come off his wing and get his hands on the ball as much as possible. Tommy Freeman, however, has been inconsistent, with his performance against Fiji and Argentina showing both his strengths and weaknesses.
In conclusion, the 2026 Nations Championship has provided an intriguing insight into the future of English rugby. While some players have settled key debates, others have left questions hanging, and the future of the team is far from certain. Borthwick has a major dilemma on his hands, particularly with the back-row and outside-backs, and the team's performance against the Springboks has left much to be desired. As we look ahead to the November Tests, it will be fascinating to see how Borthwick navigates these challenges and shapes the future of English rugby.
