What an August it’s been for English rugby. The numbers speak for themselves; zero tries scored by backs, one win, two red cards and three starters ruled out, it all equals up to four long warm up games for Steve Borthwicks men.
Much was to be learned from these warmups, but the perils and risks so close to the World Cup are well documented. It seems England have learned little but suffered a lot.
Farrells red card drama has clearly cast a shadow over the proceedings but things have just gone from bad to worse for Borthwick.
The news coming out today that Elliot Daly and Anthony Watson have suffered world cup ending injuries is desperately sad for them as the new is as depressing for Borthwick.
Add that to the omissions of JVP, Farrell, Vunipola and lack of news from Tom Curry, Borthwick has a growing list of absentees for the crucial opener against Argentina that's just two weeks away. The list could grow longer still.
England can simply not afford any more bans or injuries to frontline players, but with three terribly depressing performances, Borthwicks hand has been forced and has since named a strong side.
Yes, the Fiji match may provide a strong England team to bounce back and head into the World Cup with a small spring in their step, but the risk seems far greater than the reward.
Most notably Freddie Steward starts his fourth match in a row. I’m sure that wasn’t in the plan. He’s probably played the most minutes of any player in world rugby heading into France. Ideal preparation? I think not.
Discipline is also a major concern, another ban could spell yet more bad news for the worn out England camp.
An energised, passionate performance is the least the half empty Twickenham crowd can expect on Saturday. However, it just feels this game is one too many. I know most teams are playing this weekend, particularly the All Blacks and Springboks going full noise on Friday.
But I am sure England would be better placed, like Wales to have a week off and head to France with a fresh mindset. It’s been a long month for Borthwick, it could get even longer as his tired troops turn out battered and bruised once again.
Comments