The Battle for Twickenham: England's Backline Blues
In a thrilling rugby spectacle, England's preparations for their upcoming clash against Fiji have hit a snag, with two key players, Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward, facing injury concerns. This has thrown a spanner in the works for Steve Borthwick's team selection, creating an intriguing dilemma for the England camp.
The news broke on November 4th, 2025, with PA reporting that Roebuck, a rising star on the wing, has joined Steward, the talented fullback, as a major doubt for the highly anticipated match. Both players have been unable to train fully this week, with Steward nursing a hand injury and Roebuck suffering from ankle damage sustained during Tuesday's session.
The situation has forced Borthwick to delay naming his team, adding an extra layer of suspense to an already highly anticipated fixture. The England coach will be hoping for positive news by Thursday, when the duo will have one last chance to prove their fitness.
But here's where it gets controversial... If Roebuck and Steward are ruled out, England could be forced to reshuffle their backline, potentially paving the way for a new and exciting trio. Step forward Marcus Smith, who is expected to don the No. 15 jersey, and Henry Arundell, who could make his first Test appearance since the 2023 World Cup bronze final, filling the vacancy on the wing.
And this is the part most people miss... The potential inclusion of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, the Exeter flyer, has fans and pundits alike buzzing with excitement. Feyi-Waboso, determined to make a bigger impact after a subdued performance against Australia, has been likened to a rugby legend, a comparison that has sent ripples of anticipation through Twickenham.
Enter Jason Robinson, the cross-code great who earned 51 England caps between 2001 and 2007. Robinson, known as 'Billy Whizz', was renowned for his electric footwork and searing acceleration, a player who could beat defenders with ease. Kevin Sinfield, a former Leeds and Great Britain league playmaker, faced Robinson earlier in his career and has drawn a bold comparison.
"Manny [Feyi-Waboso] reminds me a lot of Jason Robinson. I know it's a fair similarity, but I haven't come across anyone as powerful or explosive over the first couple of metres as Manny. Rob Burrow was explosive, but he didn't have the muscle mass Manny possesses. Jason is probably the most similar player we've got - his ability to pull through tackles, the strength in his hips. They just beat people, and they do it in a variety of ways. If we can get the ball in his hands more often, we'll score more tries," Sinfield said.
Feyi-Waboso, ahead of the second of four Tests at Twickenham this month, has welcomed the comparison. "I've watched some highlights of Jason, and it's crazy. Anything that compares me to him is massive. I'd love to be half the player he was with his pace and power. I'd love to resemble any aspect of his game - he was such a great winger. If I like something or it looks effective in another player's game, I try to incorporate it, but feet that fast are hard to match! No one was like him," Feyi-Waboso said.
With New Zealand and Argentina completing the schedule, Feyi-Waboso has resolved to be more proactive against Fiji, going hunting for the ball to make his mark. "If you want touches on the ball, you need to go and find it," he said.
So, will England's back three plans be ripped up, or will Roebuck and Steward prove their fitness in time? And what impact will Feyi-Waboso have if given the chance? These are the questions on every rugby fan's lips as England prepares for their clash with Fiji. What do you think? Will England's backline shine, or will they struggle without their injured stars? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
