Alex Mitchell returns from a knee injury to bolster England's scrumhalf options for their Six Nations opener against Ireland. Tom Willis is also set for a second cap, while Steve Borthwick faces a decision on the wing due to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's absence.
Steve Borthwick faces a selection dilemma ahead of England 's crucial Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin. The head coach receives a boost with the confirmation that scrumhalf Alex Mitchell has recovered from a knee injury sustained during Northampton's Champions Cup victory over Munster. Mitchell's return to fitness is a welcome one for Borthwick, who saw his side struggle in the autumn internationals.
Mitchell joins the squad after a week of full training, proving his readiness for the daunting trip to Ireland. The news regarding Mitchell's fitness coincides with the anticipated return of Tom Willis to the international stage. Willis, who has been in exceptional form for Saracens, is set for his second cap. While a place among the replacements appears most likely, a spot in the starting 23 is a well-deserved reward for his recent performances. Willis, who previously played for Wasps and Bordeaux, was overlooked for the autumn internationals despite a strong start to the season with Saracens. With Alex Dombrandt sidelined due to injury, Willis's opportunity comes at an opportune time. Meanwhile, Marcus Smith is expected to continue at outhalf, forming a familiar halfback partnership with Mitchell. Freddie Steward is set to return at full-back, replacing the injured George Furbank. Borthwick had previously hinted at the possibility of shifting Smith to full-back and deploying Steward on the wing, but this move is now more likely to occur either in the second half against Ireland or later in the tournament.The return of Mitchell provides a significant boost to England's backline. Ben Spencer and Jack van Poortvliet, who both started in the autumn, struggled to make a substantial impact. Mitchell, on the other hand, has established himself as a key component of Borthwick's starting XV. He received a reprieve to join the 2023 World Cup squad and his return to training strengthens England's scrumhalf options.However, Borthwick still faces a decision on the wing, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery. Tommy Freeman is expected to start on one wing, with Ollie Sleightholme the most likely candidate on the other. Sleightholme earned starts against South Africa and Japan during the autumn when Feyi-Waboso was dealing with a head injury. Tom Roebuck and Elliot Daly, who also suffered an injury during the autumn, are potential alternatives
Rugby England Ireland Six Nations Alex Mitchell Tom Willis Injury Steve Borthwick
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