Asher Opoku-Fordjour is poised to make his debut for England against Japan this Sunday, with head coach Steve Borthwick likely to include the 20-year-old prop on the bench. Opoku-Fordjour was called up to the squad following Joe Marler's announcement of his international retirement after England's loss to New Zealand earlier this month. The young forward impressed during England A's recent victory over Australia at the Stoop, catching the attention of Borthwick. The coach expressed optimism about Opoku-Fordjour's potential, stating, “I have been really positive about what I’ve seen from Asher.” As England seeks their first win of the autumn series, the match at Twickenham will also mark Eddie Jones's first encounter with his former team. Opoku-Fordjour's inclusion among the substitutes is a testament to his rapid rise in the ranks of English rugby.

Freddie Steward’s inclusion in the England squad could bolster both their defensive and offensive capabilities. As Steve Borthwick’s team prepares for a crucial match against the formidable South African side at Twickenham on Saturday, the kicking game is set to play a central role. South Africa has indicated they are ready for a kicking battle, and it’s now up to England to rise to the occasion. While this style of play may not be the most visually appealing, the stakes are high, especially when recalling last year’s World Cup semi-final. The decision to select Freddie Steward makes sense; Borthwick believes that having a player who stands 6ft 5in tall and excels in aerial contests gives England a competitive edge against South Africa. Additionally, World Rugby’s recent clampdown on escorting has led to an increase in contestable kicks, which is influencing the dynamics of the autumn Tests. It seems that England might be using this change in the rules to justify their kicking-heavy strategy. Historically, England has relied heavily on kicking, averaging 40 kicks per game during the 2023 Six Nations—the highest of any team. Earlier this year, they averaged 30 kicks, similar to their performance in New Zealand over the summer. This consistent emphasis on kicking suggests that the current directive encouraging such tactics aligns well with their playing style. However, there appears to be a sense of disappointment within the team regarding this approach, likely due to the understanding that it may not be well-received by fans and critics alike. As the match approaches, the focus will be on how effectively England can utilize their kicking game while also ensuring they make the most of their possession.

Tom Curry is set to make his return at Twickenham as England aims to surprise the All Blacks this weekend. The flanker has overcome a hip injury that had put his career in jeopardy. Curry emphasized that the home side is concentrating on the breakdown as they prepare for the match. England has already made an unexpected move by playing Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" during their training session on a damp Monday afternoon. The song's urgent refrain of “How does it feel?” may serve as a subtle reminder of the pressing questions the team needs to address this autumn. Key issues for England include their ability to convert narrow defeats into wins, establishing their best starting lineup, and navigating the coaching changes from the summer. These concerns are crucial as they aim to finish a tumultuous year on a positive note. To create a sense of optimism, England will need to secure at least three victories from their four upcoming Tests against formidable opponents: the All Blacks, Australia, South Africa, and Japan.