In their recent Nations Championship opener in Christchurch, England faced challenges that have reignited discussions around the optimal positioning of outside centre Tommy Freeman. Freeman, who started at outside centre for the sixth consecutive Test under coach Steve Borthwick, was tasked with breaking through heavy defensive traffic against South Africa but appeared less effective than expected in that role.

Early in the match, France’s offensive cohesion through Bordeaux Bègles teammates Matthieu Jalibert, Damian Penaud, and Max Spring highlighted the benefits of club familiarity on the international stage. Penaud’s ability to create space and link play resonated with observers, drawing comparisons to England’s own pairings, particularly the combination of Freeman and Fin Smith at Northampton Saints.

Borthwick has consistently deployed Freeman at outside centre to maximize England’s back line athleticism, aiming to bolster both attack and defense by pairing him with two dynamic wings. However, the recent match against the Springboks exposed limitations in this setup. Freeman, while known as an elite aerial operator—in the same category as Noah Caluori, Freddie Steward, and Tom Roebuck—found this skill underutilized at centre, a position that restrained his influence in key aspects such as contesting high balls. This constraint was further evident as England’s back three, affected by last-minute changes due to George Furbank’s appendicitis, struggled under pressure from South Africa’s Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe.

During the game, Borthwick made an early tactical adjustment by shifting Freeman back to the wing in the 55th minute, replacing him with Henry Slade at outside centre. Slade’s impact was notable in a series of attacks culminating in a try by Alex Coles. Nevertheless, England’s momentum was curtailed shortly after when Freeman received a yellow card for a high tackle, further hampering England’s prospects.

The midfield remains an unsettled area for England, with the 10-12 partnership evolving over the tournament. Fin Smith and Seb Atkinson have displayed growing synergy, suggesting a degree of continuity that could benefit the team's cohesion. Meanwhile, coach Borthwick is reportedly considering introducing Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a versatile player capable of covering both midfield roles and known for his aggressive defensive work and jackaling.

Speculation surrounds a potential midfield combination featuring Janse van Rensburg alongside Freeman, which might allow Noah Caluori to enter the lineup. Other candidates for midfield inclusion include Henry Slade, Max Ojomoh—who has experience beating Argentina—and Joe Marchant, who could emerge as options down the line.

Statistical analysis indicates that Freeman’s effectiveness declines at centre compared to wing, with 71.4 percent of his missed tackles at centre leading to breaks or tries, contrasted with 39.1 percent in the wing position. This underscores arguments for repositioning him on the wing, where he can shadow Fin Smith much like his role at Northampton and emulate the fluid, club-level connections seen in the French team.

England’s next opponent, Fiji, is expected to challenge the side in distinct ways but may not replicate the intense aerial pressure applied by South Africa. Borthwick faces pressure to arrest England’s current losing streak, with decisions around midfield composition and Freeman’s positioning potentially crucial in regaining momentum in the Nations Championship.