England’s performance in their 45-22 victory over Australia was hugely impressive.
That result has put Steve Borthwick’s side in an excellent position ahead of their next three November Tests. Japan should not pose too much of a threat on Saturday.
The intriguing part of the fixture is the number of changes Borthwick may now be forced to make because of injuries. I am sure he would have preferred to keep alterations to a minimum after such a cohesive and accomplished display.
International rugby does not always allow coaches to follow their carefully prepared plans, however, and England have been forced to adapt this week. Here are five players in Borthwick’s squad who could seize their opportunity and make a major impression against Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms.
Fraser Dingwall (centre)
I played alongside ‘Dingers’ at Northampton, where his greatest quality was his ability to connect those around him.
From inside centre, he is excellent at feeding information to the fly-half. I know that from experience, because he provided exactly that support when we were team-mates.
Fraser Dingwall has often provided the link that holds this exciting England side together
His Northampton connection with Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman makes me think he will start against Japan in place of the injured Seb Atkinson.
Atkinson played well in the win over Australia, so his hip injury is unfortunate. Dingwall is a dependable player with excellent skills. Borthwick has described him as a ‘glue’ player, and that is an accurate assessment.
It is also worth remembering that Dingwall was outstanding in England’s victory over New Zealand last autumn. He has already shown that he can deliver when the pressure is at its highest.
Noah Caluori (wing)
England will be hugely disappointed that Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been ruled out for the rest of the autumn after suffering an ankle injury last week.
It is a significant setback because Feyi-Waboso offers England a genuine point of difference with his powerful, game-breaking carries. I would bring Caluori into the side this weekend, although the Saracens player brings a different set of qualities.
Caluori has established himself as one of England’s most exciting young prospects
He made his full debut against Fiji in the summer. Like Feyi-Waboso, he has a clear individual strength: in Caluori’s case, it is his aerial ability, backed up by pace and considerable enthusiasm.
England could build specific kicking plans around him if he plays. Japan have relatively small wingers, so Caluori should be capable of causing them problems. He must be given the ball early.
Max Ojomoh (centre)
The Bath centre has won only two caps, but he was superb for England A last Friday. He was named player of the match on his most recent England appearance, although he has not featured since then.
The choice at No12 is likely to be between Ojomoh and Dingwall. Ojomoh may not offer the same consistency, but he possesses the X-factor to produce decisive attacking moments. His breakaway try and kick assist for Feyi-Waboso against Argentina last November were excellent examples.
There is no question that Ojomoh is a gifted player. However, I could be wrong, but I would be surprised if Dingwall was not given the nod.
Ojomoh impressed against Australia but may struggle to dislodge Dingwall at centre
Archie McParland (scrum-half)
McParland was a young academy player during my time at Northampton, and his development has been hugely impressive. He now finds himself competing with Alex Mitchell at both club and international level. His game is built around speed.
He remains a young player and does not yet challenge the defensive line as often as some scrum-halves. That may come with time. His distribution, however, is exceptionally quick. Still uncapped, McParland has recovered from a calf injury and Japan would provide an ideal opportunity to make his England debut.
Jack van Poortvliet performed well at No9 against Australia after stepping in because of Mitchell’s latest hamstring injury.
If I were Borthwick, I would select McParland among the replacements this weekend. The new Northampton contract he has signed reflects just how highly he is regarded.
Speedy scrum-half Archie McParland will hope to make his England debut against Japan
Max Hicks (back-row/lock)
Hicks has emerged from relative obscurity after joining Newcastle Red Bulls from Perpignan during the summer.
Born in New Zealand, he is an athletic back-five forward. England have increasingly favoured a powerful No6 who can contribute at the line-out while also posing a threat in the wider channels.
Ollie Chessum has excelled in that role, and Borthwick will be hoping he is fit for the match against New Zealand. Injuries to Chessum and full-back George Furbank against Australia have nevertheless taken some of the shine off England’s victory.
Hicks has been one of PREM Rugby’s leading performers this season despite playing for a struggling team. Borthwick is not a coach who normally selects players from obscurity, so his decision to bring Hicks into the picture feels significant. He could yet become a World Cup bolter.
Hicks continues to stand out despite Newcastle Red Bulls’ difficult season and could feature in Borthwick’s World Cup plans
Overall verdict
The only changes England should make against Japan are those forced upon them by injury.
England’s attack created so much optimism in the victory over Australia that introducing a large number of new players could undermine the confidence and continuity they have built.
That was often the consequence when the Wales teams I played in made too many changes. England are in an excellent position to build on their Australian performance, gather further confidence and head into the All Blacks match in strong form. That will be their biggest November Test by some distance.
Watch Dan Biggar and Ronan O’Gara discuss all the major Nations Championship talking points on The Debrief, in association with Allianz, on Sunday on ITV1 at 11.15pm and on ITVX
