Arguably one of the surprise packages of Rugby World Cup 2023, England have just one fixture to go against a talented Samoan side to close out an undefeated pool stage/
Already confirmed as quarterfinalists, Steve Borthwick’s side entered this year’s tournament on the back of some disastrous form, namely losing at home to Fiji for the first time.
Whilst Fiji have gone on to prove they are genuine contenders at this year’s World Cup, England’s shock loss at Twickenham had fans and pundits alike all but writing off their chances at the tournament.
Although there can be no arguing that the Roses have had a favourable draw by avoiding the top five sides in the world, they have shown significant improvement by seeing off Argentina and Japan in what on paper were tough fixtures. Throw into the mix a thumping of Chile, and England have had about as good of a run in as anyone ahead of the quarterfinals.
Two of the stars in their campaign so far have been 20-year-old winger Henry Arundell who scored five tries against Chile, and 22-year-old hooker Theo Dan, who has worked his way to being second choice behind incumbent Jamie George.
Clearly, the duo will play a major role in the England set-up going forward and could well form the backbone of future Borthwick squads.
Sitting down with the O2 inside line, England Rugby’s in-house production, the duo showed some of their personality in a hilarious back-and-forth.
Starting the banter was Arundell, who responded to Dan asking if he thought he could play in the front row.
“I’d get folded in the scrum; everything else, I would be amazing,” the winger opened with.
Quickly responding, Dan was having none of Arundell’s statement, saying, “What, carrying in the tight?”
“Yup, brilliant,” Arundell responded.
“What against guys who are 120/130 kilos,” Dan replied.
“Well, I would put weight on, obviously,” said Arundell.
“What, how much would you put on?” Dan fired back.
“Hmm, ten”, Arundell said confidently, “What ten kilos?!?” Dan responded, rather shocked, “So what then you’d be 80 kilos.” Dan said with a laugh.
“I used to play in the centres, and I would back myself to play on the wing,” Dan said.
“You could not play in the back three, you’re 4’1” Arundell said. “I am the same height as you, which is ridiculous!” Dan replied.
“You’re too heavy, so you wouldn’t be able to jump off the ground.” Arundell jokes.
“The same way you said you’d put on weight, I would lose weight.” The hooker fired back.
Getting his shots in, Arundell simply said, “I don’t think you can”, to which everyone in the room laughed before saying, “I have seen you eat, and it’s horrific.”
Listing his strengths, Dan said, “Under the high ball, (I am) calm and composed,” to which Arundell responded “That’s ridiculous”.
“Footwork, am I fast, yes or no?” Dan asked, “Yes, you’re quick for how much mass you’re carrying.” Arundell replied.
“So there you go, I am quick, good under the high ball”, Dan summed up, “Well, no, you’re not good under the high ball because you can’t jump!” Arundell shot back.
“I have all of the attributes you need to play in the back three,” Dan stated, to which Arundell simply said, “You don’t have anything”.
They love each other really… 😍😆
Henry Arundell & Theo Dan enjoy a lively debate on how they’d get on if they swapped positions in the latest episode of O2 Inside Line Live#WearTheRose | @O2
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 2, 2023
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