BBC Rugby Union: England’s Steady Progress and the Road Ahead
Published: 22:30 BST, 16 March 2024 | Updated: 01:40 BST, 17 March 2024
Before this year’s Six Nations, England head coach Steve Borthwick had set his sights on improving his team’s recent poor championship record. With three wins in 2024, the numbers suggest England have made significant strides, though there is still work to be done.
The victory over Ireland, sealed by Marcus Smith’s dramatic late drop-goal, felt like a seminal moment, showcasing the players’ ability to beat top teams. However, Borthwick knows England should be competing for Six Nations titles and Grand Slams, so while the third-place finish is a step in the right direction, there is still room for improvement.
The upcoming tour to New Zealand will be an acid test for Borthwick and his team, as facing the mighty All Blacks on their home turf is one of the toughest challenges in rugby union. England have only managed two wins on New Zealand soil, and the former player recounts his own experience of a narrow loss followed by a heavier defeat during the 2014 tour.
Borthwick’s coaching style, which has been criticized as one-dimensional, has shown signs of evolution during this Six Nations. The England head coach’s structured game plan, centered on a strong kicking game and set-pieces, has been supplemented by a more varied approach, which is a promising development for the team’s future.
The performance against Ireland, with the dramatic drop-goal victory, has boosted the team’s confidence and the supporters’ enthusiasm. The emergence of players like George Furbank, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and Tommy Freeman, along with the continued excellence of Freddie Steward, suggests a bright future for the England rugby union team.
However, there are still questions to be answered, particularly around selection and consistency in attack. The blitz defense also needs further improvement if England is to emulate the success of teams like South Africa. With the World Cup on the horizon, Borthwick and his staff will need to identify the long-term core of the team and ensure a smooth transition.
Overall, the former player is more upbeat about England’s prospects at the end of the Six Nations than he was at the beginning. The team has made significant progress, but the true test will come when they face the mighty All Blacks in the summer. Consistent performances and further evolution of their game plan will be crucial for England’s continued development.
🔗 Source
