England’s rugby lineup is on the brink of a dramatic shakeup, and it’s all thanks to a pair of injuries that have thrown the team’s plans into disarray. But here’s where it gets controversial: with Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward sidelined, the backline is set for a radical overhaul that could redefine England’s strategy against Fiji this Saturday. And this is the part most people miss—this reshuffle isn’t just about filling gaps; it’s about unlocking a potentially game-changing attack trio that could leave opponents scrambling.
Roebuck’s ankle injury and Steward’s finger issue have forced head coach Steve Borthwick to rethink his starting XV, shelving his earlier plans to announce the lineup early in the week. Roebuck’s absence is particularly notable, as his aerial prowess played a pivotal role in England’s recent victory over Australia, contributing to two of their four tries. Yet, England isn’t short on options. Marcus Smith is poised to step in at full-back, while Henry Arundell and Ollie Lawrence are in the mix, with Manny Feyi-Waboso likely the only back-three survivor from the Australia match.
Here’s the bold part: Borthwick’s management team is keen to continue experimenting with Tommy Freeman at center, leaving Arundell and Cadan Murley to battle for a spot in the matchday 23. If Smith starts at 15, Lawrence’s ball-carrying strength could provide crucial midfield balance. Arundell, who hasn’t played for England since the 2023 World Cup—where he scored a jaw-dropping five tries against Chile—is eager to showcase his blistering pace again. Assistant coach Kevin Sinfield praised Arundell’s form, saying, ‘He’s been good in training and is banging on the door.’
If Arundell, Feyi-Waboso, and Smith all start, they’d form one of England’s most elusive and attack-minded back threes in recent memory. But here’s the question that’s dividing fans: Is Smith better suited at fly-half or full-back? Sinfield believes Smith could become a world-class full-back, especially with George Furbank and Elliot Daly injured. ‘He’s different from other full-backs worldwide,’ Sinfield said. ‘He can beat people and be that second ball player for us.’
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Sinfield compared Feyi-Waboso to cross-code legend Jason Robinson, praising his explosive power and ability to pull through tackles. ‘I don’t think I’ve come across anybody as powerful over the first couple of meters,’ he said. This comparison alone has sparked debates about Feyi-Waboso’s potential to become a rugby icon.
As England prepares for Fiji, the reshuffle isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s about redefining the team’s identity. But what do you think? Is this lineup a risky gamble or a stroke of genius? Could Smith thrive at full-back, or should he stick to fly-half? And is Feyi-Waboso the next Jason Robinson? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss.
