The 2026 Nations Championship has provided an intriguing insight into the state of English rugby, with a host of players stepping up to the plate and others falling short of expectations. As we delve into the ratings and performances, it becomes clear that Steve Borthwick has a major dilemma on his hands, particularly when it comes to the back-row and outside-backs positions. While some players have settled key debates and performed consistently, others have left questions hanging over their heads.
One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of players like Ben Earl and Joe Heyes. Earl, in particular, has been a constant force for England, taking the brunt of the carrying load and leading the defensive efforts. His performance against the Springboks was nothing short of superb, and he has become an integral part of the team. Heyes, on the other hand, has been exceptional at the tighthead position, his work around the park rivaling that of any back-rower in the side. His contribution to a dominant scrum is a sight to behold, and he has undoubtedly earned his place in the starting XV.
However, the back-row position remains a point of contention. While players like Ben Earl and Ollie Chessum have performed well, the debate around Henry Pollock's role continues. Pollock's work this summer has been impressive, and his impact off the bench against Fiji and Argentina was notable. However, the question remains: how and when should England utilize him? Borthwick has a major dilemma on his hands, and it will be interesting to see how he navigates this situation in the lead-up to the November Tests.
The outside-backs position is another area of interest. Marcus Smith, who has been yearning for a proper run at fly-half, has performed well at full-back in the midst of an injury crisis. His improvement with each Test, growing more comfortable in the position and his role within the new attack, is a positive sign. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, on the other hand, has shown promise, but his role needs to be settled moving forward. Tommy Freeman, who reverted back to the wing, has also performed well, and his aerial game against Fiji and Argentina was notable.
In the centres, Henry Slade has carried his PREM form over to the England shirt, and his positive effect on the team in attack and defense is a reminder of his capabilities at this level. Seb Atkinson, who has settled nicely into his role, has also been a key player, finding himself at the heart of the attacking system and backing it up with strong defensive work. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, despite not quite living up to expectations, has shown promise and has earned credit for his maiden caps.
The half-backs position has been a point of interest, with Fin Smith settling the key debate around the number 10 shirt. His performance throughout the campaign has been impressive, combining intent to play ball-in-hand rugby with clever kicks designed to extend plays or shift momentum. Jack van Poortvliet, who has arguably had his best run at Test level, has also been a key player, combining well with Smith and Atkinson in a new-look playmaking axis. Alex Mitchell, however, has suffered a setback with a hamstring injury, and his return ahead of schedule has been cut short.
In conclusion, the 2026 Nations Championship has provided an intriguing insight into the state of English rugby. While some players have settled key debates and performed consistently, others have left questions hanging over their heads. As Borthwick navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by this tournament, it will be interesting to see how he shapes the team for the November Tests. Personally, I think that the back-row and outside-backs positions will be key areas to watch, as Borthwick grapples with the dilemma of finding the right balance and settling on the right players for the upcoming matches.
