Tommy Freeman’s Remarkable Assist: A Product of Training

England wing Tommy Freeman has disclosed that the spectacular behind-the-back pass he executed to facilitate George Furbank’s try during Sunday’s victory against Japan was a maneuver practiced in training sessions. Steve Borthwick’s squad scored nine tries in their concluding Autumn Nations Series fixture, decisively defeating Eddie Jones’ Japan with a score of 59-14 at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. For their sixth try, Freeman, aged 23, swiftly collected Henry Slade’s kick. Instead of continuing his run into touch, he maneuvered the ball behind his back, allowing Furbank to receive it and score. “I actually did that a lot in training in the week! I was practising it a little bit and weirdly the opportunity to do it came up,” Freeman stated. He continued, “You’re always trying things. If it’s the right place and the right time, you back yourself to do it. It’s not something that pops up all the time, so I won’t be running around forcing it.” Freeman further explained, “I was on the move and I was running quite fast, so if I’d carried on in that motion I’d probably have gone into touch.” “I could probably have tried to off-load it a different way but I thought ‘let’s have a crack at it’. Luckily Furbs [Furbank] was there to catch it,” he added. Although Borthwick’s squad faced defensive challenges this autumn, particularly in narrow losses to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, their offensive play has been impressive. Fly-half Marcus Smith has been instrumental in fostering an expansive attacking approach, a departure from the kicking-focused strategy of the previous year that led to a third-place finish at the Rugby World Cup. England has accumulated 138 points this autumn. Captain Jamie George characterized Freeman’s assist as “naughty,” while scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet was observed laughing and applauding the play from the bench. Nevertheless, the Northampton Saints wing indicated that he attempted the move because players are encouraged to express themselves during games. He further commented, “I’m just relieved it came off because if it didn’t I would have had it in the neck,” adding, “We get the permission to do things and put ourselves out there. Luckily it came off.” “I got a lot of stick in the changing room. It’s going to be posted everywhere, so it’s going to be ‘ah, just try and play it cool’. It was good it came off and I’m happy with it,” Freeman concluded.