England is favored to continue their winning streak in Rome because they have never lost against Italy.
Test rugby legend Owen Farrell is taking a sabbatical, while other overseas players are not available for selection and veterans Courtney Lawes, Mako Vunipola, Ben Youngs, and Jonny May have all retired from international play.
BBC Sport examines four issues that Borthwick is facing prior to England’s first-ever match versus the Azzurri.
Marcus Smith is ruled out of the first game in Rome against Italy.
Details of the Six Nations fixtures and BBC coverage
Rugby Union Daily: Part two of our preview of the Big Six Nations
Pearson to stake a claim against Flanker?
With the retirement of veteran Lawes from England service and the injury to Tom Curry’s hip keeping him out of the Six Nations, Borthwick’s flankers will be redesigned from South Africa’s World Cup semifinal loss.
Borthwick lacks a lot of experience because Lewis Ludlam has not been included in the team and Jack Willis is based overseas with Toulouse and cannot be selected.
Ben Curry and Tom Pearson of Northampton have six caps apiece, while Exeter’s Ethan Roots and Chandler Cunningham-South of the Harlequins have made their senior squad debuts.
