England’s Six Nations campaign took an unexpected turn as George Martin was forced to withdraw from the squad ahead of their highly anticipated Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland.
The Leicester lock, who had been battling a minor knee issue since England’s thrilling 26-25 victory over France, was initially named among the replacements.
However, his condition ruled him out of contention, creating an urgent need for reinforcement.
Enter Bath’s Ted Hill—a versatile forward known for his athleticism and hard-hitting presence.
Normally a flanker, Hill has now been asked to step into the second row, a position that presents a fresh challenge but also a massive opportunity for the 25-year-old to prove his worth on the international stage.
‘Super Ted’ Gets His Moment
Despite boasting immense talent, Hill’s Test career has been largely under the radar, with only two caps to his name and limited time on the field.
However, those within the England camp have long recognized his potential.
Captain Maro Itoje didn’t hold back in his praise, likening Hill to Superman.
“I am very happy for Ted,” Itoje said.
“He is a supreme athlete. He looks like Clarke Kent and Superman with his glasses.
He is a man who is carved out of Greek stone!”
Hill’s international journey began in 2018 with a brief cameo against Japan, but since then, opportunities have been scarce.
His last appearance came in 2021 against the USA, making this unexpected promotion a long-overdue reward for his perseverance and form at Bath.
England’s Expectations and Tactical Adjustments
Attack coach Richard Wigglesworth emphasized that Hill brings a different set of skills compared to George Martin but is more than capable of making an impact.
“He’s seriously quick—an incredible athlete,” Wigglesworth noted.
“He’s not only quick across the ground but also in the air.
He’s got a different set of super-strengths to George, but we’ll expect him to bring the best of himself when he comes on.”
Beyond individual performances, England faces a broader challenge—proving that they can consistently deliver high-level performances.
Their victory over France was an emotional high, but the team must now show they can build on that momentum rather than relying on a “backs-against-the-wall” mentality.
“We do have to step on from that,” Wigglesworth added.
“A top team delivers performances that get wins consistently, not just when they are written off. That’s what we’re striving for.”
Scotland’s Update: Finn Russell Cleared, Darcy Graham Ruled Out
As England makes adjustments, Scotland has had its share of selection drama.
Star fly-half Finn Russell has been cleared to start at No. 10 after recovering from a head injury, providing Scotland with a massive boost.
However, Edinburgh winger Darcy Graham will miss the match following a collision in their defeat against Ireland.
With both teams facing key lineup changes, Saturday’s showdown at Twickenham is shaping up to be another intense chapter in their historic rivalry.
Will Hill seize his opportunity and cement his place in England’s plans? The stage is set for a high-stakes battle.
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