In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the rugby world, England head coach Steve Borthwick has reunited the formidable flanker duo of Tom Curry and Sam Underhill ahead of Sunday’s momentous clash against Japan. The match, which will mark the highly-anticipated return of former England coach Eddie Jones to Twickenham, is set to be a gripping battle that could define the team’s trajectory leading up to next year’s World Cup.
The Kamikaze Kids Ride Again
Borthwick’s decision to bring back the “Kamikaze Kids” – a nickname bestowed upon Curry and Underhill by none other than Eddie Jones himself – signals a return to the high-intensity, all-action style of play that propelled England to the World Cup final in 2019. The duo’s ferocious tackling and relentless work rate have made them a nightmare for opposition attacks, and their reunion in the back row could prove to be the key to unlocking Japan’s notoriously fast-paced offense.
Tom and Sam have a special chemistry on the pitch. When they’re firing on all cylinders, it’s like watching two heat-seeking missiles. They’ll be crucial to disrupting Japan’s rhythm and giving us a platform to attack from.
– England forwards coach Richard Cockerill
A Rookie’s Dream Debut
While the return of the Kamikaze Kids may be grabbing all the headlines, Borthwick has also handed a debut to 20-year-old prop sensation Asher Opoku-Fordjour. The Sale Sharks youngster, who played a starring role in England’s triumphant under-20 World Cup campaign, has been turning heads with his explosive scrummaging and dynamic ball-carrying abilities. His inclusion on the bench is a clear indication of Borthwick’s willingness to blood new talent and build for the future.
Asher is a special talent. He’s got all the physical attributes you look for in a modern prop, but what sets him apart is his rugby intelligence. He reads the game incredibly well for someone so young.
– Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson
The Eddie Jones Factor
Of course, no discussion of this match would be complete without mentioning the elephant in the room: Eddie Jones. The wily Australian, who masterminded Japan’s stunning upset of South Africa at the 2015 World Cup, will be plotting the downfall of the very team he led to unprecedented heights just a few short years ago. His inside knowledge of the England setup, combined with Japan’s high-octane brand of rugby, makes them a dangerous proposition even for a side as talented as Borthwick’s men.
Eddie knows us inside out. He’ll have Japan fired up and ready to exploit any weaknesses in our game. We can’t afford to take them lightly for a second.
– England captain Owen Farrell
A Chance for Redemption
For England, this match represents a chance to exorcise the demons of their recent run of five straight defeats. The team has looked rudderless at times, bereft of the swagger and dynamism that once made them the most feared side in world rugby. Borthwick will be hoping that the return of Curry and Underhill, along with the youthful exuberance of Opoku-Fordjour, can inject some much-needed intensity and purpose into their play.
- England are currently on a five-match losing streak, their worst run of form since 2014
- Japan have won 8 of their last 10 matches, including a historic victory over Scotland last year
- The two sides have met only twice before, with England winning both encounters
As the Twickenham faithful prepare to welcome back their prodigal son, there is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Will Borthwick’s bold selection gamble pay off, or will Eddie Jones mastermind yet another giant-killing act? One thing is for certain: this match has all the makings of a classic, and rugby fans around the world will be watching with bated breath to see how it all unfolds.
The Final Whistle
As the two teams take to the field on Sunday, the weight of expectation will be heavy on England’s shoulders. For Borthwick and his charges, this is more than just another autumn international – it’s a chance to prove that they have what it takes to compete with the very best in the world, and to lay down a marker ahead of next year’s World Cup.
With the Kamikaze Kids back in harness and a hungry young talent in Opoku-Fordjour waiting in the wings, England have all the tools they need to get back to winning ways. But in Eddie Jones and Japan, they face a formidable foe who will stop at nothing to claim another famous scalp. It promises to be a titanic battle – one that will shape the trajectory of both teams as they begin the long road to France 2023.
