England’s red card nightmare is finally over with latest Borthwick masterstroke
It has been tough viewing for a lot of England fans during 2023, as Steve Borthwick’s side have seemingly picked up as many red cards as they have scored tries.
After both Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola were red carded in the World Cup warm-ups for high tackles, a lot of England fans would have hoped that that would have been a turning point for the side. But no, only seconds into the opening match of the tournament Tom Curry was red carded for another high shot.
Since then, England have been squeaky clean with their discipline, and it may all be down to one genius training drill that Borthwick has deployed.
The players were filmed this week in a tackling drill whereby they had to run under what looked to be a washing line before making contact. This obviously forced them to lower their body height to avoid being clotheslined. This drill has been seen before, but this appears to be the first time that it has been rolled out for the whole squad. It looks like it’s working…
Take a look at the drill:
#ENGvFIJ | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/TV8GdS99lm
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 12, 2023
England (vs Fiji, Sunday – Marseille, 5pm local time)
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 28 caps)
14. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 76 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 23 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)
11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 62 caps)
10. Owen Farrell – captain (Saracens, 109 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 9 caps)
1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 55 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 82 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 104 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 73 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes – vice-captain (Northampton Saints, 103 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 22 caps)
Replacements:
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 6 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 86 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)
19. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
20. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 73 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 93 caps)
22. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 89 caps)
23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 18 caps)
Fiji XV
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Tevita Ikanivere
3 Luke Tagi
4 Isoa Nasilasila
5 Albert Tuisue
6 Lekima Tagitagivalu
7 Levani Botia
8 Viliame Mata
9 Frank Lomani
10 Vilimoni Botitu
11 Semi Radradra
12 Josua Tuisova
13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
14 Vinaya Habosi
15 Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements:
16 Samuel Matavesi
17 Peni Ravai
18 Mesake Doge
19 Meli Derenalagi
20 Vilive Miramira
21 Simione Kuruvoli
22 Iosefo Masi
23 Sireli Maqala
