England head coach Steve Borthwick is set to play his trump card in Saturday’s daunting Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin – starting the explosive Curry twins together in a new-look back row. In a bold move, Borthwick appears ready to unleash the dynamic duo of 26-year-old Sale Sharks flankers Tom and Ben Curry from the kickoff at the Aviva Stadium.
The twin terrors have remarkably never started a match together for England, despite both being integral squad members in recent years. While Tom has been a mainstay in the #7 jersey, Ben has usually had to settle for a bench role or filling in when his brother is absent. But now, Borthwick seems poised to tap into their potent potential as a starting combination.
Double Trouble for Opponents
The prospect of the Curry boys marauding side-by-side is enough to give opposition coaches nightmares. Both are ferocious at the breakdown, explosive ball carriers, and devastating tacklers. Their intuitive understanding of each other’s games, honed over years of competing together, adds an intriguing X-factor.
Tom and Ben are a unique proposition. It’s very rare to have twin flankers of that caliber. They have an innate feel for each other on the pitch that you can’t manufacture.
– England legend Lawrence Dallaglio
Borthwick will have been impressed by how seamlessly the brothers combined in Sale’s 38-0 demolition of Bristol in December, a glimpse of how effectively they can dovetail. With their contrasting styles – Tom the taller, rangier mold of flanker and Ben a more compact wrecking ball – they offer a complementary skill set that could give England a dynamic edge.
Energizing the England Pack
The Currys’ inclusion is part of a youthful, mobile back row shape Borthwick seems to be favoring for the Ireland clash, with Ben Earl likely to continue at #8 after a strong Autumn. Ollie Chessum, returning from injury, is set to be the back row cover on the bench.
- Explosive pace and work rate around the park
- Breakdown menace to slow Irish ball
- Ability to switch roles and confuse defenses
Borthwick will be hoping the injection of the Curry factor, allied with Earl’s dynamism, can help England combat Ireland’s own formidable back row resources led by the irrepressible Josh van der Flier. The breakdown battle will be fierce, and the Curry boys have the tenacity to throw a spanner in Ireland’s ruck efficiency.
Twin Power Gamble
Of course, starting the Currys together is not without risks. While they are both top-class operators, there is a slight danger that their similarity in style could lead to an imbalance compared to a more traditional flanker combo. If the experiment backfires, Borthwick may need to hastily shuffle his pack.
But the upside is tantalizing. If the twins click, their energy and dynamism could give England the spark to stun the Irish on their own turf. It’s the sort of bold selection that announces Borthwick as his own man, stamping his vision on this England team.
All eyes will be on the flame-haired flankers when they trot out side-by-side in Dublin, a long-awaited moment for England fans. Ireland will no doubt have plans to quell their influence. But as the old adage goes, two Currys may just be better than one for England.
Saturday’s showdown has all the ingredients to be a Six Nations classic. The Curry twins, finally unleashed in tandem, will be at the heart of the action. Their performance may just determine if England can serve up an opening weekend upset and lay down a championship marker. One thing’s for sure – it won’t be dull watching them try.
