England has made one change to their starting lineup for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland, with Ollie Chessum set to make his first England start in nearly a year. The second-row forward has been named alongside captain Maro Itoje at lock for the pivotal Calcutta Cup match at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, February 22. This change comes as England aims to bounce back after their recent defeat by Scotland, with hopes of keeping their title hopes alive.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at England’s team selection, including the change made by head coach Steve Borthwick, the impact of Ollie Chessum’s return, and how the team is preparing to face Scotland in what promises to be an exciting Six Nations encounter.
England’s Squad: One Key Change in the Starting XV
In the only change to the squad that defeated France in the second round of the Six Nations, England has named Ollie Chessum to start in the second row, replacing George Martin, who moves to the bench. Chessum will partner with the experienced Maro Itoje, who has been a key figure for England in the lock position for several years. This move comes as a result of Chessum’s standout performance off the bench during the thrilling win against Les Bleus earlier this month.
Chessum’s return is especially significant given his extended period on the sidelines due to injury. The Leicester Tigers forward had to undergo shoulder surgery after being ruled out of England’s summer tour of Japan and New Zealand. He also sustained a knee injury during the autumn, which further delayed his comeback. However, after working hard to regain full fitness, Chessum is ready to make an impact in the second row for England.
The inclusion of Chessum in the starting XV provides England with added flexibility. He has shown versatility throughout his career, excelling not only in the second row but also in the back row. This adaptability is invaluable to head coach Borthwick, who has often praised Chessum’s work ethic and contributions on the field.
Impact of Ollie Chessum’s Return to the England Squad
Ollie Chessum’s return to England’s starting lineup is a major boost for the team, particularly given his tireless work ethic and ability to perform in multiple roles. As a versatile forward, Chessum has the ability to cover a variety of positions, making him an indispensable member of the squad.
England fans will be hoping that Chessum can bring the same level of intensity and commitment that he displayed in his previous appearances for the national team. His performance against France in round two of the Six Nations was particularly notable. Coming on as a substitute, Chessum was instrumental in shoring up England’s line-out and providing much-needed stability to the pack. His work in this area allowed England to launch attacks, eventually culminating in Elliot Daly’s match-winning try.
Chris Ashton, former England wing and rugby pundit, spoke highly of Chessum’s role in the team. In an interview with BBC Rugby Union Daily, Ashton described Chessum as being “like an Allen key” for the England team. He explained that Chessum is the kind of player who does the unnoticed, essential work that helps the team tick. Whether it’s clearing out rucks, carrying the ball, or performing vital line-out jumps, Chessum’s contributions often go unnoticed, but they are critical to the team’s success.
Ashton’s praise reflects how important Chessum’s return is for England, especially as the team prepares to face a strong Scottish side. Chessum’s relentless work rate and all-around contributions make him an ideal player to have in the starting XV, as England looks to defeat Scotland and keep their Six Nations title hopes alive.
The England vs Scotland Calcutta Cup Match
The upcoming Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have something to prove, with England aiming to avoid a fifth consecutive loss to their northern rivals, and Scotland hoping to build on their strong start to the tournament.
England’s recent form against Scotland has been disappointing, with the team losing their past four encounters. This statistic will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the players’ minds as they prepare for the match. However, with a strong squad that includes key players such as Marcus Smith, Maro Itoje, and now Ollie Chessum, England will be determined to end their losing streak and reclaim the Calcutta Cup.
For England, the game is crucial not only for the Calcutta Cup but also for keeping their title hopes alive. With matches against Italy and Wales still to come, a victory over Scotland would provide a much-needed confidence boost heading into the latter stages of the tournament.
On the other hand, Scotland comes into the match with a mixed bag of results in the Six Nations so far. After defeating Italy in their opening match, they were defeated by title favourites Ireland in a disappointing loss. However, Scotland has been dominant in recent encounters with England, and they will be eager to continue their strong run and claim a record fifth consecutive Calcutta Cup victory.
The Tactical Battle: How England Will Tackle Scotland
Head coach Steve Borthwick has made it clear that England will need to be at their best to overcome a Scottish side that has shown its strength in recent years. One area where England will likely focus is their line-out. With Ollie Chessum now starting alongside Maro Itoje, England’s line-out should be in safe hands. Chessum’s ability to secure ball in the air, combined with Itoje’s renowned athleticism, will be crucial in giving England the platform they need to launch attacks.
Another key aspect of the game will be England’s tactical kicking. Marcus Smith has retained his place at full-back after impressing in the previous match, and he will be tasked with helping England gain territory through accurate kicking. Scotland may seek to challenge Smith’s aerial skills, but with his quick feet and tactical awareness, Smith is well-equipped to deal with the pressure.
At fly-half, Fin Smith will continue in the starting role after his match-winning display against France. Smith’s ability to control the game and dictate play will be crucial in ensuring England’s success. His understanding of the game and his vision for attacking opportunities will be key against a Scottish side that will look to disrupt England’s rhythm.
England Six Nations Ambitions
With just two wins from their opening three matches, England’s hopes of winning the Six Nations title are still very much alive, but they must take each game as it comes. The match against Scotland is a must-win encounter, and England will be determined to make up for their recent poor record in this fixture. Following the Scotland match, England faces Italy and Wales in upcoming rounds, so securing a win in the Calcutta Cup clash would keep their championship ambitions intact.
In conclusion, England’s decision to start Ollie Chessum in the second row for the Calcutta Cup match against Scotland signals a strategic move by head coach Steve Borthwick. Chessum’s return to the starting XV provides England with much-needed energy and versatility in the pack. With key players such as Maro Itoje, Marcus Smith, and Fin Smith stepping up, England will be looking to turn their fortunes around against a formidable Scotland team and keep their Six Nations title hopes alive.
