In anticipation of the upcoming Six Nations clash, English head coach Steve Borthwick is relying on a new strategy to restore confidence in his team. The “Bibs Backline,” as it has been colloquially termed, features several young players who have little prior experience together. This backline will face Italy this weekend after disappointing performances against Scotland and Ireland.
Borthwick’s Strategy: The ‘Bibs Backline’
During the last two Six Nations matches, England struggled significantly. They were defeated by Scotland and Ireland by margins of 11 and 21 points respectively. The team’s performance raised concerns over their game plan, decision-making, and overall energy levels.
With seven players from six different clubs, the new backline is a mixture of youth and uncertainty. The majority of the players have primarily trained together over the last four to five weeks, as highlighted by Borthwick.
Key Players in the ‘Bibs Backline’
- Fin Smith – Fly-half, previously trained with Seb Atkinson at Worcester
- Seb Atkinson – Inside centre, played six first-team games with Smith
- Tommy Freeman – Outside centre, typically operates as a winger
- Tom Roebuck – Wing, previously part of England’s Test series against Argentina
Borthwick emphasized the importance of performance in training, stating, “This is a very strong message about the ethos within the England team.” His focus has shifted from continuity to the immediate capabilities observed in practice. This change in approach comes after two significant defeats that have shaken confidence in the team’s strategy.
Challenges Ahead
Despite a history of 12 consecutive victories leading up to this downturn, England’s recent defeats have raised questions about their long-term plan. Captain Maro Itoje addressed teammates after the loss to Ireland, discussing the non-linear nature of success and the need for perseverance and faith in their methods.
The upcoming match against Italy poses a critical opportunity for the new backline. The players are under intense scrutiny as they look to rebuild trust in both themselves and their game plan. The outcome of this match could influence the future trajectory of the England rugby team in the Six Nations.
