Argentina v England: Borthwick Questions Pumas’ Front-Running Ability

- Argentina enters series as heavy favorites against England.
- Steve Borthwick questions Pumas’ ability to handle pressure.
- The Pumas seek first series victory over England in history.
- England’s squad includes 10 uncapped players for the Tests.
- Seb Atkinson draws special attention for impressive performances.
Argentina Stepping into Strong Favorites Role for the Series
Argentina is gearing up for their two-Test series against England as “heavy favourites,” a distinction that England’s head coach Steve Borthwick is keen to bring to light. Set to take place at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata on July 5, 2023, Borthwick is not shy about pointing out the weight that comes with this label. The Pumas, currently ranked fifth in the world and riding high off their recent victory against the British and Irish Lions in Dublin, not to mention previous wins over formidable opponents such as France, South Africa, and New Zealand, are looking to secure a historic series win against England. Surprisingly, Argentina has yet to clinch a series victory over the English, so the stakes, as they say, are high this time around.
Borthwick Challenges Argentina’s Ability to Handle Pressure
The England squad, however, faces its own hurdles, with 13 of its first-choice players currently on Lions duty in Australia. Despite this, Borthwick emphasizes that pressure can lead to performance, calling the series ‘a terrific challenge’ for both teams. He alluded to how Argentina typically thrives when considered the underdog but now must navigate the weight of expectation that comes with being the favorite. “Can they deal with that?” offering a hint of psychological warfare. The England coach is optimistic, promising that his team intends to make things difficult for the Pumas.
Uncapped Players Could Shine in Upcoming Tests
Another interesting aspect to consider is the selection of 10 uncapped players in England’s 36-strong squad for the Test matches in South America, which also includes a clash against the United States in Washington DC later this month. Players who show resilience in the electrifying atmosphere expected in Argentina’s fervent rugby scene could advance their standing on the international level. Borthwick specifically mentioned Seb Atkinson, a 23-year-old centre who has dazzled for Gloucester, indicating that he has been breaking records in terms of speed and endurance during training. The England coach acknowledged Atkinson’s all-around skills and underscored the importance of finding players who can adapt to the unique challenges of Test rugby.
As the highly anticipated two-Test series approaches, expectations loom large for Argentina and England alike. Both teams face their own sets of challenges, but the pressure is clearly on the Pumas to deliver as favorites. Meanwhile, England introduces new talent under Borthwick’s leadership, looking to take advantage of Argentina’s unfamiliarity with high odds, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.