After a more than encouraging display against England last week, Wales boss Warren Gatland has changed his entire lineup for their trip to Twickenham and the gauntlet has been thrown down to his players.
People will argue experience is vital heading into any major tournament but perhaps the lack of exciting and 'x-factor' players is leaving England supporters less than enthused heading into the Rugby World Cup.
Scotland have received a huge boost ahead of the Rugby World Cup campaign with prop Zander Fagerson set to be available for the tournament opener following a reduced ban.
Whilst the absence of Henry Slade from England's World Cup plans grabbed many headlines on Monday, the selection of Billy Vunipola was also a standout call made by Steve Borthwick.
Steve Borthwick has confirmed his official 33-man squad for the Rugby World Cup but centre Henry Slade and back-row Alex Dombrandt miss the cut + what next for England's midfield.
England will miss the services of Saracens prop Mako Vunipola in the upcoming Rugby World Cup campaign following an injury while Henry Slade and Alex Dombrandt have reportedly not made the cut.
Interview: Four-time Premiership winner and TNT Sports pundit shares his thoughts on Steve Borthwick's current squad ahead of England's opening World Cup warm-up game against Wales.
With some of the top northern hemisphere sides kicking off their World Cup warm-up matches this weekend, their southern counterparts have already been in competitive action in The Rugby Championship.
Stuart Hogg has opened up about how the emotional and physical toll his body experienced during pre-season training with Scotland led to him moving his retirement forward.
Ben Earl has revealed that Steve Borthwick's personal touch when delivering news to his players has been appreciated by the squad as the Saracens flanker looks to nail down his place in England's World Cup plans.