Six Nations 2023: England’s Steve Borthwick says Owen Farrell demotion not based on kicking: ‘I’ve made bold selection calls before’; Ireland’s Johnny Sexton embracing pressure of final Six Nations Grand Slam chance; Warren Gatland: Strike threat caused ‘significant split’ in Wales squad
Last Updated: 10/03/23 9:03pm
England’s Steve Borthwick, Wales’ Warren Gatland and Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton all spoke to media this week
Hear from the camps ahead of the weekend’s Six Nations Round 4 encounters, as England host France, Wales travel to Italy and Scotland welcome Ireland…
Borthwick: Farrell demotion not based on kicking | ‘I’ve made bold selection calls before’
England head coach Steve Borthwick insists Owen Farrell’s demotion to the bench was based on more than goalkicking as he made the shock decision to pick Marcus Smith at fly-half for Saturday’s clash with France.
For the first time since 2015, Farrell has been overlooked for the No 10 jersey, with Borthwick displaying the ruthless streak in selection that has already seen experienced heads Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs overlooked.
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Borthwick explains why he has chosen not to start captain Owen Farrell against France
Borthwick explains why he has chosen not to start captain Owen Farrell against France
With England’s captain limited to a supporting role from the bench, Ellis Genge will lead the team at Twickenham until Farrell steps on to the pitch.
It has been a solid if unsp …