Two right, two wrong - how ATR reacted to England’s Six Nations squad

Steve Borthwick announced his Six Nations squad today as in-form England hunt for a first title since 2020 and a first Grand Slam in 10 years.

With an embarrassment of riches at Borthwick’s disposal across the Prem, numerous star performers will feel aggrieved to have missed out on the hugely competitive 36-player squad.

England reporter Ben Jaycock outlines two decisions Borthwick’s selection team have nailed and two that will have raised eyebrows amongst supporters.

Correct: Greg Fisilau over Alfie Barbeary

Fisilau has played a key role in Exeter Chiefs’ remarkable resurgence with barnstorming carries, tireless work rate and monster hits. The 22-year-old scored for England A against Spain in November and has been prolific all season with seven further touchdowns for Exeter.

A strong contender for Prem player of the season, in-form Fisilau is a specialist No.8, something Borthwick lacks after Tom Willis’ decision to leave Saracens, meaning we could see Fisilau unleashed with Ben Earl shifted to his more natural position of openside flanker.

In contrast, Barbeary is an imposing figure at 116kgs compared to the slighter, more dynamic Fisilau (109kgs). However, those wrecking ball-like performances we saw in his emergence at Wasps have not happened consistently enough since his move to Bath, with other back rows moving above Barbeary in their pecking order.

Bad call: George Furbank/Elliot Daly ahead of George Hendy!!?

What more does Hendy have to do? An Investec Champions Cup Player of the Year nominee, Hendy has continued his fine form for the Prem’s table toppers since his remarkable cameo in the 2024 final. A rangy runner at 6ft 3inch and confident under the high ball, Hendy thrives in open space and has a clear eye for the try line having crossed the whitewash eight times this season.

Hendy’s teammate George Furbank has been restricted to just two Prem outings this term due to injury in what feels a mind blowing inclusion, while Elliot Daly’s selection raises the common belief that it’s time to move on from England’s old guard and give exciting, lively players like Hendy a crack at Test rugby. Daly’s Swiss Army knife-like ability to play multiple positions can’t be undervalued but his big boot hasn’t served Saracens well this season and the north Londoners are likely one more loss from being out of play-off contention already.

Correct: Cadan Murley beats Noah Caluori

Almost exactly a year ago Murley endured a harsh welcome to Test rugby at the Aviva but that hasn’t stopped the prolific wing halting his freescoring form for what is a struggling Harlequins side. Murley has shouldered the responsibility of being Quins captain at times this season, demonstrating key leadership skills. When there’s a gap and opportunity to surge up the pitch, there’s not many better than Murley’s jet-like pace to exploit gaps.

England fans will have to be patient with wonderkid Caluori who will instead compete in the U20s Six Nations rather than the senior version. He burst onto the scene with a staggering five tries against Sale Sharks, demonstrating his brilliant aerial prowess but since then there have been noticeable weaknesses in his game, mainly in defence and another year in the age-grade system will serve him well before he gears up for Test action.

Bad call: Billy Sela ousts Afolabi Fasogbon

At 6ft 4inch and 132kgs, Fasogbon is a genetic freak and with the way the game is going size seems to matter more than ever. France’s forward pack has behemoths everywhere you look, particularly in their front rows like Uini Atonio (147kgs). It is expected the title will be decided in Round 5 in Paris when England visit the Stade de France and not having a monstrous forward to unleash late on may come back to haunt Borthwick’s men.

Sela is a ferocious scrummager and just like Fasogbon excelled in the England age-grade system but he is no monster at 116kgs. He has made just three Prem starts for Bath, while Fasogbon has made 18 for Gloucester - albeit part of a struggling team, so only time will tell if Sela can get to grips with the highest level straightaway.