Steve Borthwick explains decision to move ‘formidable Test player’ Tommy Freeman into midfield
Tommy Freeman will play at 13 this weekend against Wales
England head coach Steve Borthwick has backed Tommy Freeman to succeed at outside centre this weekend, following his move for the clash against Wales.
Freeman, who has started all four of England’s Six Nations Tests this year on the wing, has been named at 13 for their visit to the Principality following Ollie Lawrence’s injury.
Steve Borthwick backs Tommy Freeman to succeed at 13
The Northampton man has played in the centres on multiple occasions at club level and at times has shifted inwards for England when needed, but this will be his first official start in midfield at Test level.
However, Borthwick is full of confidence this positional change will succeed, pinpointing his athleticism as a key reason.
“Tommy has moved to 13 within many games and has covered centre for us before,” said the England boss. “With his athleticism, the ground he can cover and his power in the carry, he has always been that option. He has grown to become a formidable Test player.”
Freeman has been one of England’s best attacking players this Championship and currently sits joint-second in the try-scoring charts with four to his name.
He is also one of several experimental changes to the England match-day squad. Borthwick has opted to pick three fly-halves in his 23-man group, with Fin Smith starting at 10, Marcus Smith at 15 and George Ford on the bench, while Sale Sharks ace Tom Roebuck also earns his first Test start on the wing.
“Our aspiration is to win the tournament, that has always been the target and that has not changed,” Borthwick said. “The team is really clear on what we need to do to put ourselves in that position.”
He added: “Every England supporter would be expecting us to say that, and that is exactly what we’re aiming to do. We want to do it by playing fast and getting the ball to our players with strength, pace and athleticism. That is exactly how we want to play this weekend.”
Elsewhere, 20-year-old Northampton starlet Henry Pollock is in line to win his Test debut after being included on the bench.
“We’re excited to face Wales at the Principality Stadium this weekend, one of the most iconic venues in rugby,” Borthwick said on the Test this weekend.
“The atmosphere will be electric, and we know we’ll need to be at our very best to get the result we’re aiming for.”
England could win the Six Nations title this weekend if they beat Wales and France fail to overcome Scotland in Paris.
