Dingwall backed to plot course through the midfield maze for England

"Even Steve Borthwick admits that picking his team to face Australia on Saturday was tricky. And even after he had made his mind up, there was a training ground snapshot which underlined the slim margins involved. There was a piece of play where the skill showed by the team not starting was absolutely incredible, said Borthwick. I couldn't praise them highly enough for the way they tested the team that is starting."

"Forget, for a moment, the rationale for choosing George Ford at fly-half or Tommy Freeman at outside-centre and consider the merits of the frequently unsung Fraser Dingwall. The Northampton captain does not particularly relish the phrase glue player, with its slight connotations of faint praise, but that is how Borthwick views him in the context of England's remodelled midfield. If Freeman is to succeed in the 13 jersey, who better than his good mate from Saints to guide him through the midfield maze?"

Steve Borthwick faced a difficult selection for the Australia match, with training-ground performances highlighting tiny margins. Numerous high-quality backs are fit but omitted from the matchday 23, exposing the depth and selection dilemma. The decision rests on finding the most effective combinations and matching personnel to specific game plans. Fraser Dingwall is positioned as a crucial connective presence in the remodelled midfield, offering intelligence and stability to guide outside centres like Tommy Freeman. The approach prioritizes a reliable platform to maximise wider attacking threats while balancing personnel and tactical fit.

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