Is England's Rugby Midfield Stuck in Neutral? The Shocking Case for Dropping a Veteran Star
Imagine witnessing a rugby powerhouse like England, with its vast pool of talent, still clinging to players who just don't ignite the fire on the pitch. That's the heartache we're facing as Steve Borthwick prepares to unveil his squad for the Autumn Nations Series. But here's where it gets controversial: what if dropping a so-called reliable veteran could finally light the spark? Let's dive into why Henry Slade's time might be up, paving the way for electrifying alternatives from Bath Rugby.
The Winds of Change Are Blowing
As England announces their team for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series next Monday, even the selectors would agree that the battle for spots has never been fiercer. With rugby's talent pipeline overflowing, mere competence at Test level simply won't cut it anymore. This heightened competition means big names could get left out, and new strategies might emerge. One area under the spotlight? The midfield, where England desperately needs innovation to match rivals with equally deep resources.
Slade's Dim Glow: A Pleasant but Powerless Presence
Henry Slade, with 74 caps under his belt, has been a fixture in England's backline. Yet, his influence feels as impactful as a scented candle in a storm—nice to have around with a faint aroma, but utterly incapable of heating up the intensity of an international clash. England has held onto him like a lucky charm, banking on routine familiarity to eventually spark brilliance. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened.
Let's break this down simply: Slade's left-to-right passing game has been a real weak spot, with a completion rate of just 59% since 2020—and that's putting it mildly. On defense, despite his hard work, he often disrupts the team's structure by charging out prematurely, zigzagging through defenders like he's dodging traffic, and exposing gaps that opponents exploit. His tackling style lacks aggression, his decision-making wavers unpredictably, and his positioning in the line more often creates chaos than control. It's tough to hear, but many of England's shakiest defensive moments trace back to Slade falling out of rhythm.
And this is the part most people miss: while he's been selected for his supposed versatility, that flexibility without real punch is just another way of saying 'indecisive.' He's played across positions like 12, 13, or even 15, yet never truly shone as the standout choice. In essence, Slade resembles a multi-tool gadget with all the bells and whistles but no sharp edge—useful in concept, but ineffective when it matters.
Ojomoh's Rise: The Masterful Midfield Maestro
Enter Max Ojomoh from Bath Rugby, who's shaping up to be England's most polished inside centre. He plays with a low, aggressive stance, speeding through plays with complete mastery, delivering sharp passes and smart defensive setups. He defines the team's shape, controls the pace, and could provide England with a functioning midfield duo that's both dynamic and dependable. Bath's attacking phases revolve around him not for flashy moves, but for his unwavering reliability and clinical execution.
For beginners, think of Ojomoh as the conductor of an orchestra: no unnecessary flourishes, just precise timing and intuition. He distributes the ball effortlessly from either hand, charges forward purposefully, and seamlessly connects the forwards and backs, elevating everyone around him by being exactly where he needs to be at the right moment.
He doesn't rely on teammates to create opportunities; he engineers them himself. His attacking decisions are spot-on, his support runs clever, and his ability to outmaneuver defenders is already Test-match ready. Even with standout highlights this season, he's not just a one-trick pony—trained under Johann van Graan, he's a team-oriented player, and England needs systems that actually deliver results.
As an example, consider how Ojomoh's style mirrors top international centres who control the game flow without drama, much like how a quarterback directs an American football offense with calculated passes and reads.
His Dynamic Duo Partner: Lawrence's Wrecking Ball
Ollie Lawrence, Ojomoh's Bath teammate, stands out as the Premiership's most lethal outside centre. His tackling is ferocious, his metres gained after contact are unstoppable, and his knack for smashing through defensive lines is unparalleled. He charges powerfully yet intelligently, choosing tight angles and nimble footwork to stay on his feet through tackles, offering England a frontline battering ram reminiscent of Manu Tuilagi's heyday.
Lawrence has grown significantly; his offloads are precise, his defensive instincts keen, and his assisting plays perfectly timed. He's honed his strength into targeted strikes, all while thriving within a structured system.
To clarify for newcomers, dominant carries are those powerful runs where a player breaks tackles and gains ground, often measured in metres to show impact beyond the initial contact.
Ditching Nostalgia for Impact
England's midfield has lingered too long as a relic, with Slade as the caretaker, preserving his image while the sport evolves. He's had numerous opportunities to seize the jersey, lead charges, and stand tall—but each time, he's faded into obscurity. Fans praise his awareness, experience, and composure, but composure is pointless when the match is raging. England craves intensity, sharpness, and players who instill fear in opponents and confidence in teammates.
In international rugby, there's no place for emotional attachments. Selections should reward those who transform games, and that's exactly what Ojomoh and Lawrence accomplish.
Look at the numbers: Ojomoh's passing accuracy this season hits nearly 88%, with a 91% tackle success rate in the Premiership. Lawrence tops the league in effective runs, line breaks, and post-tackle gains. These aren't trivial figures—they're declarations of dominance in rugby terms, screaming that superior choices exist.
The takeaway? England's midfield must prioritize collision kings, space creators, and resolute defenders. Ojomoh and Lawrence embody all that, tailored for contemporary rugby with their quick, low-profile, forward-driving style. They collaborate seamlessly in weekly matches.
Conversely, Slade approaches the game cautiously, as if avoiding conflict, and it's past time to stop expecting miracles. With 74 caps, he doesn't deserve a 75th.
If Test rugby is a blazing forge, Ojomoh and Lawrence are the steel emerging stronger. Slade? He's the decorative candle on the shelf—glowing softly, smelling nice, but ultimately inconsequential.
Sparking Debate: Is Loyalty Overrated in Rugby?
But here's where it gets really interesting: dropping Slade could ignite fierce debates. Is it fair to sideline a veteran with his experience just because younger talents are shining? Or does rugby demand ruthless meritocracy, even if it means discarding 'familiar faces'? We've seen counterarguments that Slade's subtle contributions—setting plays or mentoring—add unseen value, potentially outweighing flashy stats. What do you think? Should England prioritize proven impact over past loyalty, or is there room for both in a squad? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree Slade's run is over, or is this an overreaction to hype fresh players? Let's discuss!
READ MORE: Eddie Jones: Test Rugby is ‘thriving’ but ‘we need’ R360 rebel league to fix the ‘problem’ in the game (https://www.planetrugby.com/news/eddie-jones-test-rugby-is-thriving-but-we-need-r360-rebel-league-to-fix-the-problem-in-the-game)
