England's upcoming Test match against Fiji is set to witness a strategic reshuffle in the backline, with injuries to Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward as the catalysts. This move is expected to bring in a trio of talented players: Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell, and Ollie Lawrence. Among them, Manny Feyi-Waboso might be the sole survivor from the previous match against Australia, as per recent reports. The head coach, Steve Borthwick, initially planned to announce the starting XV early in the week, but a setback occurred when Roebuck suffered an ankle injury during training on Tuesday. Steward's finger injury, sustained during the win against the Wallabies, further complicated matters, potentially pushing Smith into the full-back role. Roebuck's influence in the match against Australia, particularly his aerial prowess contributing to two tries, cannot be understated. However, the management's ideal scenario involves continuing the experiment of Tommy Freeman at center, which means Arundell and Cadan Murley will compete for positions in the matchday 23. If Smith starts at 15, Lawrence's larger ball-carrying presence could provide a valuable balance in the midfield. Arundell, who last played for England after the 2023 World Cup, has been in exceptional form for Bath this season and is eager to showcase his speed at the highest level. The England assistant coach, Kevin Sinfield, praised Arundell's performance and his eagerness to contribute, stating that he's been a standout in training. The inclusion of Arundell, Feyi-Waboso, and Smith in the starting lineup would create a dynamic back three, rivaling some of England's most elusive and attack-minded lineups. Sinfield also highlighted Smith's potential as a top international full-back, especially with the absence of George Furbank and Elliot Daly. He believes Smith can excel in both full-back and fly-half roles, drawing comparisons to cross-code legend Jason Robinson. Feyi-Waboso's powerful and explosive playing style, reminiscent of Robinson, has caught Sinfield's attention. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of players adapting to different positions, drawing parallels to the England football 'golden generation' and the strategic flexibility required in rugby to maximize team performance.
