Close bond between Smith and Murley can benefit England's Six Nations tilt | Gerard Meagher

01/28/2025 03:31 PM

Harlequins duo are close friends and can boost the cohesion of Steve Borthwick's side against Ireland on Saturday

The buildup to a fixture between England and Ireland has not truly begun until someone mentions the C-word, so step forward Steve Borthwick to name his side for England's daunting Six Nations opener in Dublin two days early and officially set the hare running.

It is getting a little tired now but the narrative goes that Ireland can boast a level of "cohesion" that is the envy of the world while England are a mishmash, thrown together from nine different clubs and trying desperately to get on the same page. That Ireland are their first opponents only heightens the supposed contrast. Maro Itoje, who is just over a week into his tenure as England captain, has taken it upon himself to encourage members of the squad to stand up in front of the rest of the group and bare their souls.