Ben Youngs's case for Benhard Janse van Rensburg's England call-up comes down to one thing: he's the only centre option Borthwick has who ticks both the physical and distribution boxes simultaneously. Youngs runs through the current midfield pool and finds each one incomplete — Dingwall distributes but carries physical question marks at Test level, Ojomoh is similarly unproven in terms of size and caps, Lawrence has the physicality and experience but lacks distribution. BJvR, shaped by Bristol's demanding ball-movement system, brings both. Youngs points specifically to his work off lineouts — exploiting seams as mauls threaten to form — as a particularly valuable weapon, and argues his ceiling may simply be higher than what's currently available. The piece is essentially a structured talent audit of England's midfield, using Youngs's analysis to explain a selection that has divided opinion.
Why BJvR fills a gap England's other centres can't
Ben Youngs argues BJvR is the only England centre option who combines genuine physicality with the distribution demanded by Test rugby — running through Dingwall, Ojomoh, and Lawrence to show why each falls short on at least one count.
Former Junior Bok Janse van Rensburg called into England training squad
Former Junior Springbok centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been called into England's 42-man training squad, with residency eligibility kicking in on 8 July — ruling him out of the Springbok Test but freeing him for the Fiji match the following weekend.
Du Toit backs England's young tightheads — but says patience is non-negotiable
Du Toit rates Fasogbon and Sela as future Test props but defends Borthwick's patience, explaining why tightheads need careful handling early in their careers — and still backs Stuart as England's best for years to come.
Springboks open inaugural Nations Championship against England at Ellis Park
The Springboks face England at Ellis Park in 50 days to open the inaugural Nations Championship.
Hooker targeting All Blacks opener after shoulder surgery, July Tests ruled out
Ethan Hooker is targeting the opening All Blacks Test in The Greatest Rivalry series after shoulder surgery, with the 23-year-old ruled out of all July Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
RG Snyman confirmed at Leinster for 2026/27 despite third ACL setback
Leo Cullen has confirmed RG Snyman will stay at Leinster for 2026/27, but the lock's third ACL injury — to his right knee — rules him out for the remainder of the season and puts his entire 2026 Springbok schedule in doubt.