New Zealand clash might have come too soon for Hill, but given the number of back-rowers on Borthwick’s radar, the 25-year-old is back in a position to grasp an opportunity should it come his way.
George Ford has been called up to the England squad ahead of their autumn opener against New Zealand on November 2, while Ollie Chessum has been ruled out with a knee injury.
Rob Baxter's side have been boosted by the return of Slade who is set to play his first competitive match of the season with England's Autumn Nations Series campaign just around the corner.
The England fly-half came under scrutiny after missing crucial kicks against New Zealand in the summer, plus Northampton full-back George Furbank is determined to represent his country once again.
Interview: England have flown out to Girona to begin their training for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series and Dewald Senekal has backed his former colleague Joe El-Abd to succeed as defence coach.
Rugby’s Autumn Nations Series will introduce a significant rule change as the Northern Hemisphere prepares to trial 20-minute red cards for the first time.
The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that Kevin Sinfield will continue his involvement with the senior England men’s national team, extending his tenure as an assistant coach.