In the world of rugby, Tommy Freeman is quickly becoming a standout player, nearly reaching the elite level of world-class status. The unique combination of attributes that he brings to Test rugby—including his impressive speed, considerable size, exceptional aerial skills, and eagerness to seize the ball—makes him truly remarkable.
Having started for the British and Irish Lions in all three Test matches against Australia last summer, Freeman has firmly established himself as a key player for the England team. He is undoubtedly someone who will be a consistent presence whenever he is fit to play.
However, there remains some ambiguity regarding which position coach Steve Borthwick will assign to Freeman. This match against Wales marked Freeman's 23rd appearance for England but only his third game playing as a centre. Despite having limited experience in that specific role, he performed admirably against Wales, showcasing his skills effectively.
Freeman executed excellent lines of attack, demonstrating both bravery by charging into the heart of Wales' defense and cleverness by acting as a decoy when needed. His chemistry with Fraser Dingwall, his Northampton teammate who played at inside centre (12), is developing into a dangerous and cohesive partnership, a quality England has long sought in their midfield.
The options for centres have expanded significantly. Ollie Lawrence is making progress in recovering from a minor knee injury and may return in time for the match against Scotland. Max Ojomoh left a strong impression during his game against Argentina in the autumn, while Seb Atkinson has earned praise from his performances during the summer tour in Argentina.
This variety allows England to adapt their strategy based on their opponents. Do they prefer a powerful force in midfield or a quick distribution capability to stretch play wide? Should they aim for speed on the flanks, or do they need the ability to probe the defense with tactical kicking?
The prospect of changing tactics through various midfield selections is incredibly exciting for fans and players alike.
South Africa currently sets the benchmark in global rugby, showcasing a similar versatility in their lineup. The combination of players like Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse, and even Andre Esterhuizen exemplifies different playing styles, highlighting the importance of adaptability as a vital asset for any team.
While Henry Arundell’s stunning first-half hat-trick against Wales certainly drew attention, it’s the subtler aspects of his game that likely impressed Borthwick more profoundly. Defensively, Arundell has faced scrutiny in the past, yet he showed significant improvement in this match.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in at 15 stone 2 pounds, he possesses a robust and solid build. His speed makes him a formidable presence on the field, but he also demonstrates a shrewdness that is key to his defensive capabilities. Against Wales, his positioning was effective; he maintained his shape and avoided becoming isolated, which had been an issue in previous games.
The training he has received during his six months at Bath, under the guidance of Johann van Graan and defence coach JP Ferreira, has clearly enhanced his performance in that area. As the game progressed, well into England’s commanding lead, Arundell actively sought opportunities by coming off his wing to find work and exploit gaps with his quickness. This evolution in his play shows that he is no longer just waiting on the periphery for the ball to come to him.
