Get ready for an exciting twist in England's rugby lineup! Henry Arundell is on the cusp of a historic start for England's second autumn Test against Fiji. With Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward nursing injuries, the stage is set for a thrilling back three combination.
Roebuck, the star of England's victory over Australia, limped out of training with an ankle issue, while Steward missed the entire day due to a hand injury sustained in the win against the Wallabies.
But here's where it gets controversial... If these key players don't recover in time, Steve Borthwick might just unleash a back three that will have fans on the edge of their seats. Marcus Smith, the primary option at full-back, could be joined by the dynamic Henry Arundell, who scored an impressive five tries at the World Cup.
And this is the part most people miss... Exeter's Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Arundell, from Bath, are both just 22 years old and are considered two of English rugby's brightest talents. Feyi-Waboso was even compared to the legendary Jason Robinson by assistant coach Kevin Sinfield.
Borthwick has other options up his sleeve, including Cadan Murley or Tommy Freeman on the wing, or even Freeman at full-back. Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence could also feature in a potential back-line reshuffle.
Arundell's recent England caps have seen him pair up with Smith at 15, showcasing their on-field chemistry. Sinfield highlighted Smith's versatility, describing him as a world-class full-back and a key asset for the Lions.
"He can beat people and be that second ball-player," Sinfield said. "His kicking game is exceptional, and he brings a unique skill set to the team."
But here's the kicker... Sinfield also acknowledged the challenges of playing out of position, drawing parallels to England's football golden generation.
"It's about getting your best players on the field," he added. "Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices and play out of position."
Feyi-Waboso, the potential sole back-three mainstay from the Wallabies victory, is a player with immense potential. Sinfield described him as "powerful and explosive," but acknowledged the need to get him more involved in the game.
"He reminds me of Jason Robinson," Sinfield said. "His ability to break through tackles and his strength are unmatched."
Sinfield also expressed his confidence in the depth of the England squad, believing that if Roebuck is unavailable, someone else will step up and grab their opportunity.
So, will England's back three be a force to be reckoned with? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: with players like Arundell, Smith, and Feyi-Waboso, the potential is there for an explosive performance.
What do you think? Should England stick to their tried-and-tested lineup, or is it time to unleash the youth and see what they can do? Let us know in the comments!
