Gloucester swiftly replace Fraser Balmain with ex-England U20 prop

If you’re holding out for Steward playing 12 for England then settle in for a long wait would be my advice, that’s even with Lawrence side-lined. Aki (or Tuipulotu) he ain’t.

If I was Steward and wanting to play for England I would be focused on playing a position that aligns with my strengths as a player, rather than following the advice of some extremely poorly informed online commenters to switch to a position that aligs with none of them.

The most important attribute for a 12 is the ability to defend at 12. There is no reason to think that Steward would be good at this.

How does it feel to be the most boring ruby commentator in Australian rugby ?

Ben Youngs said he was happy about Ireland’s slide. He was talking about England’s prospects but in fact Ireland’s standards (and France’s) have forced England up. The stronger six nations you have the stronger the chance of six nations winners, semi finalists, quarter finalists etc. England had three tough matches in this six nations. That showed in their improvements.

Galthie has no say in this, the decision is driven by the LNR but whatever happens, the French team won’t be a walkover narrative has been set up nicely for NZ to seriously underestimate the challenge. Always a dangerous position…

But alot of the matches were quite close - wins and losses - and he has made some bold selection calls. The Ireland game this year went spectacularly wrong in my eyes, and any momentum from the France win went nowhere v Scotland, but I also think he could now pick two nearly different starting XVs and they would be as competitive as each other. Acknowledging theres only 3 locks used with that. The introduction of the A team again is a great help.

A longwinded way to say I am still on the fence on Borthwicks ability I suppose.