Flanker Chris Robshaw believes it's important for England to find a balance of pace and power in the back-row this year.
England are currently preparing for the defence of their Six Nations crown and they get their campaign underway with a tough trip north of the border to face Scotland.
Without a win at Murrayfield since 2004, it will be a tricky opener for an England side who come into this competition on the back of a disappointing World Cup.
There are plenty of new faces in the England squad under interim head coach Stuart Lancaster and many new partnerships will have to be formed in key positions.
Robshaw, who has one cap to his name, believes the back-row is an important area to get right ahead of the trip to Edinburgh.
"I think for the back row it is all about getting the balance right for what the team needs," he said.
"If the team needs those guys over the ball that can compete or if they want to play it similar to the South Africans with big ball carriers, it is about getting the right combinations for the style of play.
"I sure everyone would like to say that they are that standout player in their position but for us it is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts - it is that old theory."