Steve Borthwick's Team Selection Has Everyone Slamming him – He's Now Responded
Yesterday at 03:43 PM
Steve Borthwick has hit back at criticism over his decision to name Tom Curry in England's starting line-up for Sunday's clash against Japan, despite concerns raised by a leading neuroscientist.
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Curry, who was concussed during last week's defeat to Australia, has completed World Rugby's 12-day stand-down period and cleared all medical checks to play. But Dr. Willie Stewart, a former adviser to World Rugby, has questioned the decision, reigniting the debate around player welfare.
Borthwick addressed the controversy, saying: “I let my head of medical deal with the exact details of it but these are all documented from World Rugby in terms of their return-to-play protocol. Every player is always treated on an individual basis and there are certain protocols.
“Manny [Feyi-Waboso] was unavailable for selection because he wasn't ready. And then there's a conversation with Tom, a player I have so much respect for, about what he wants to do. He's a player who is desperate to play this weekend.”
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What's Changed in the Team?
Alongside Curry's return, Borthwick has made a handful of changes to the line-up that fell to South Africa. Full-back George Furbank replaces Freddie Steward, while 20-year-old prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour is set for his England debut off the bench, with veteran Dan Cole left out.
Another notable switch sees Fin Smith named as back-up fly-half, with George Ford excluded from the 23 entirely.
Time to Turn It Around?
England are on a miserable five-game losing streak but are strong favourites to snap it against the Blossoms. Japan was the last side they managed to beat, back in June. Now, all eyes are on whether Borthwick's bold calls can deliver the result England so desperately need.
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