In a bold move ahead of their highly anticipated match against Australia, England head coach Steve Borthwick has turned to uncapped Sale Sharks prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour to replace the recently retired veteran Joe Marler in the national squad. The 20-year-old rising star now has the chance to make his mark on the international stage in this crucial Autumn Nations Series clash.
Opoku-Fordjour Steps Up as Marler’s Replacement
The shock announcement of Joe Marler’s retirement from international rugby on Sunday, just days before England’s match against the Wallabies, left a significant gap in the squad’s front row. Marler, who was initially named in the team to face New Zealand last weekend, decided to call time on his England career at the start of the Autumn Nations Series.
Enter Asher Opoku-Fordjour, the young and talented Sale Sharks prop who has been making waves in the Premiership. Despite his lack of international experience, Borthwick has shown faith in the 20-year-old by calling him up to the 36-man England squad for this crucial match.
Versatility and Potential
Opoku-Fordjour’s versatility is one of the key reasons behind his selection. The young prop has the ability to cover both loose-head and tight-head positions, providing valuable flexibility to the squad. England have previously seen him as a promising No. 1 in age-grade rugby, while he has featured for Sale at No. 3 this season, showcasing his adaptability.
Asher has shown tremendous potential and work ethic at Sale Sharks. We believe he has the skills and mentality to make an impact at the international level.
– A source close to the England coaching staff
England’s Squad Reshuffled
In addition to Opoku-Fordjour’s inclusion, Borthwick has made one other change to the England squad. Charlie Ewels, the experienced Bath second-row, has been called up to replace his clubmate Ted Hill. Ewels’ return adds depth and leadership to the pack as they prepare to face a formidable Australian side.
Building for the Future
The selection of Opoku-Fordjour aligns with Borthwick’s vision of building a squad for the future. By giving opportunities to young, talented players, the head coach aims to create a strong foundation for England rugby in the years to come. The experience gained from being part of the national setup and potentially making his debut against a top-tier opponent like Australia will be invaluable for Opoku-Fordjour’s development.
A Chance to Impress
As England look to bounce back from their heartbreaking 24-22 defeat to New Zealand last weekend, all eyes will be on how the team responds against the Wallabies. For Opoku-Fordjour, this is an opportunity to showcase his skills and prove that he belongs at the international level. A strong performance could cement his place in the squad for future matches and tournaments.
The England vs Australia match will take place at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday. Fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how this rejuvenated England squad fares against their old rivals, and whether young stars like Asher Opoku-Fordjour can rise to the occasion and make their mark on the international stage.
