England Face Daunting Challenge as They Seek Historic Win in New Zealand
If England were to emerge victorious against the All Blacks in New Zealand this Saturday, it would undoubtedly be a monumental achievement. As an international player, opportunities to face the formidable Kiwi side on their home turf are few and far between, so Steve Borthwick and his squad must seize this rare chance.
Rare Opportunity for England
This summer’s two-Test series represents England’s first tour of New Zealand in a decade, and there is no greater challenge in rugby union than what Borthwick’s side are about to confront. However, the former England coach firmly believes they possess the ability to rise to the occasion and secure a truly famous success in Dunedin.
The 2003 victory in Wellington remains the author’s ultimate match as coach, a performance that surpassed even the subsequent World Cup final triumph later that year. Recapturing that level of excellence against the calibre of opposition, in the demanding conditions, and overcoming the adversity faced would be a testament to England’s capabilities.
Key Players and Tactics
Crucially, the centre pairing of Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade will be key to England’s chances of success. The author believes the centres are the most important players on the pitch, the “glue” of any XV, with the No. 12 serving as the key attacker and communicator, while the outside centre plays a crucial defensive role.
Lawrence’s potential is “huge, huge,” but the author challenges him to take his game to another level and truly boss an international match. Borthwick must uncover if Lawrence can forge the same kind of impactful relationship with fly-half Marcus Smith that the author’s former players, like Will Greenwood and Mike Catt, enjoyed with Jonny Wilkinson.
Borthwick deserves credit for the evolution of the England team, as they shed their one-dimensional approach and embrace a faster, more attacking game plan. With the roof closed in Dunedin, the conditions are set for England to further their attacking development and potentially pull off a famous victory.
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