XV de la Rose coach Steve Borthwick is convinced he made the right choices after announcing his list of 33 players for the Rugby World Cup on Monday, with several notable absences. Borthwick has selected 19 forwards and 14 backs, with more than 1,400 caps, for the competition in France next month, but left out center Henry Slade and winger Alex Dombrandt as a surprise .
“There were a number of very difficult selection decisions that had to be made, given the quality of our training squad. Some very good players have not been retained, as the competition for places has been strong during the last eight weeks and more of preparation,” said Borthwick.
“Rugby World Cups come with unique challenges in terms of player requirements, the need for squad flexibility and the limited number of places available in the squad. The 2023 World Cup is no different, but I am confident that we have selected a group of 33 players who can meet these challenges and allow us to be as competitive as possible in this exciting tournament.
Regarding why he announced his group at the start of August, Borthwick added, “We believe announcing the group a little earlier brings clarity and certainty to the group, allowing players to have as much time as possible to settle in and develop as a team.”
Several players who had the opportunity to impress in last Saturday’s Test in Wales were left out, although Theo Dan, who earned his first cap in the 20-9 defeat at Cardiff, did been selected. “As Saturday’s game in Cardiff proved, we have a demanding series of tests throughout August as we continue our preparations for our first World Cup pool game against a Argentina team in great shape, “added the coach of the Rose. England face Wales again this Saturday for their second warm-up game, but this time at Twickenham.
