In a thrilling revelation for rugby fans, Tommy Freeman is on the verge of reaching a world-class level!
The unique combination of attributes he brings to the Test arena—his impressive speed, physicality, aerial skills, and relentless pursuit of the ball—sets him apart as a remarkable player.
Having been a starter for the British and Irish Lions in all three Tests against Australia last summer, Freeman has firmly secured his position in the England squad whenever he’s fit to play. However, there remains an intriguing question about what number coach Steve Borthwick will assign to Freeman in the lineup.
This recent match against Wales marked Freeman's 23rd cap for England, but surprisingly it was only his third time playing as a centre. Despite his limited experience in that midfield role, he showcased an impressive performance against Wales. He executed sharp, precise lines, demonstrating both courage by driving into the heart of the Welsh defense and cleverness by acting as a decoy. His synergy with Northampton teammate Fraser Dingwall, who played at inside centre, was particularly noteworthy; they are starting to form a dynamic and dangerous partnership that England has desperately needed for quite some time.
In the past, the pool of centres available to England was rather shallow, but now they boast a variety of promising options. Ollie Lawrence is expected to return from a minor knee injury and could be back in contention for the match against Scotland. Additionally, Max Ojomoh left a strong impression during the autumn clash against Argentina, while Seb Atkinson earned praise for his performances on the summer tour in Argentina.
This wealth of talent allows England to adapt their midfield strategy based on the opposition they face. Do they want a powerful presence in the midfield or the ability to move the ball swiftly out to the wings? Should they focus on exploiting space on the outside, or would it be better to utilize tactical kicks to challenge the opponent’s defense? The potential for tactical versatility with varying midfield selections is incredibly exciting.
Looking at South Africa, the current benchmark for excellence in world rugby, they possess a similar adaptability. Their versatile mix of players like Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse, and even Andre Esterhuizen allows them to approach the game from multiple angles. This level of flexibility is a tremendous asset for any team aiming for success.
While Henry Arundell’s first-half hat-trick against Wales understandably stole the spotlight, it’s the finer details of his gameplay that likely impressed Borthwick even more. Previously, Arundell faced scrutiny regarding his defensive capabilities, but he demonstrated significant strength in this aspect during the match against Wales. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 15 stone 2 pounds, he possesses a solid build that makes him both powerful and imposing on defense. Yet, he doesn’t just rely on his physicality; his intelligence on the field shines through as well.
His positioning improved dramatically against Wales; he managed to maintain his shape without getting caught out of position, which had been a problem for him before. The last six months spent at Bath, under the guidance of coach Johann van Graan and defense coach JP Ferreira, have clearly elevated Arundell’s game in this area.
As the game progressed and England secured their victory, Arundell also began to venture off his wing, actively seeking opportunities to make an impact and exploit gaps with his speed. This development shows that he is evolving into a more rounded player, no longer just waiting on the fringes for the ball to come his way.
