Will England's Bold Bench Decisions and New Centre Pairing Shine Against Wales?

England's preparations for the Six Nations have been significantly affected by the absence of Maro Itoje, who has been named on the bench for their opening match against Wales after missing the start of the camp due to his mother's funeral. This marks a notable shift for the team, as Itoje has been a consistent presence on the pitch for nearly seven years. His leadership will be felt even from the bench as England looks to start their campaign on a high note.

Last updated: 02 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

As England gears up for their Six Nations opener against Wales, the absence of Maro Itoje from the starting lineup is a significant talking point. Itoje's leadership and experience have been crucial for the team, and his missing presence will be felt as England aims to assert dominance in the tournament. The team is adapting with hooker Jamie George stepping into the captaincy role, showcasing the squad's depth even in challenging circumstances.

Key takeaways

Maro Itoje is on the bench for England's Six Nations opener against Wales after missing the start of preparations due to his mother's funeral.
Jamie George will captain the team, with Itoje expected to take over leadership upon his substitution.
England's midfield features a new duo with Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman, both looking to impress after strong performances in previous matches.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events leading up to England's Six Nations campaign has been marked by significant developments:

December 2023: England's autumn campaign concludes with four consecutive wins.
January 2024: Maro Itoje misses the start of the pre-tournament camp in Girona due to family bereavement.
2 February 2024: England announces their starting lineup for the opening match against Wales, with Itoje on the bench.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

With the announcement of the matchday squad, it is confirmed that Itoje will not start for the first time in almost seven years. The decision reflects the team's strategy and the need to balance personal circumstances with competitive readiness. Additionally, the inclusion of Dingwall and Freeman in midfield signals a shift towards younger talent and experimentation in the lineup.

What was already established

Prior to the tournament, Itoje had been a steadfast fixture in the team, playing every minute of England's last 30 Six Nations matches. His absence raises questions about the team's adaptability and the impact on their cohesion as they head into a fiercely competitive opening match against Wales.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK rugby fans, Itoje's absence may influence expectations for the match. His leadership experience has previously been a cornerstone of England's strategy, and how the team adjusts will be watched closely. Fans will be keen to see if the new midfield combination can perform under pressure, which could affect viewership and engagement with the tournament.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, particularly in hospitality, may see varying levels of interest based on England's performance. A strong showing against Wales could stimulate increased patronage in pubs and venues hosting match viewings. Conversely, a disappointing result may dampen enthusiasm for subsequent fixtures.

Policy and regulation

The Six Nations tournament is a significant event in the UK sporting calendar, prompting discussions on funding and support for rugby at both grassroots and elite levels. The performance of the England team can influence future investment in the sport, highlighting the importance of maintaining a competitive edge on the international stage.

Numbers that matter

7: The number of years since Itoje last started a Six Nations match from the bench.
30: Consecutive Six Nations matches played by Itoje prior to this tournament.
68-14: The score of England's previous match against Wales in March 2023, setting a high benchmark for performance.
22: The total caps for Tommy Freeman, highlighting his experience despite being relatively new to the Test scene.
50: The expected number of contestable kicks from Wales, as highlighted by Coach Steve Borthwick.

Definitions and jargon buster

Six Nations: An annual rugby union competition involving England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.
Caps: Refers to the number of times a player has represented their national team in matches.
Test match: An international rugby match, usually played between national teams.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus for England will be on executing their game plan effectively against Wales. Observing how the team adapts to Itoje's absence will be crucial for subsequent matches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead, the team's performance in the Six Nations will determine selections for future international fixtures and potential changes in player roles or strategies as they prepare for the next World Cup cycle.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics from the match against Wales, particularly in the midfield and set pieces.
Injury updates for key players like Lawrence and Itoje, which could affect team dynamics and selections.
Fan engagement and attendance trends in response to team performance throughout the Six Nations.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on player performances, especially newcomers like Freeman and Dingwall.
Monitor injury reports closely to stay updated on any changes in the lineup.
Engage with local rugby communities and events to enhance the matchday experience.

Don’t

Underestimate the importance of team cohesion, especially with new players in critical positions.
Ignore the impact of player absences on overall team morale and performance.
Disregard the significance of the match against Wales, given the historical rivalry.

Checklist

Verify match timings and viewing options for the Six Nations fixtures.
Follow player news and updates leading into the tournament.
Review the historical performance of England against Wales to understand the context of the match.
Engage with rugby analysis and commentary to gain deeper insights into team strategies.
Participate in local events or gatherings to celebrate the tournament atmosphere.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the absence of Itoje is a significant factor, it is vital to consider how the new players will integrate into the team. Additionally, injuries to other key players could impact England's performance throughout the tournament, creating a fluid situation that may evolve rapidly. The unpredictability of international rugby means that any predictions must be made cautiously.

Bottom line

The absence of Maro Itoje from the starting lineup for England's Six Nations opener against Wales is a notable shift that highlights both personal and professional challenges. As the team adapts, fans will be eager to see how new combinations perform on the international stage and what this means for England's chances in the tournament. The rivalry with Wales always adds an extra layer of excitement, making this match a pivotal moment in England’s campaign.

FAQs

Why is Maro Itoje not starting against Wales?

Maro Itoje is not starting against Wales due to personal circumstances, having missed the start of England's pre-tournament camp to attend his mother's funeral.

Who is captaining England in Itoje's absence?

Jamie George will captain England in the opening match against Wales, stepping into the role while Itoje begins the match on the bench.

What positions are new players filling in for England?

Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman have been selected in the midfield, marking a significant change from previous lineups as they look to establish their roles in the Test team.