The recent rugby Nations Championship has provided a fascinating insight into the state of the English rugby team, with a particular focus on the performance of head coach Steve Borthwick. The tournament has seen England take a 'big step forward', but there are still concerns about discipline issues that need addressing.
England's campaign began with a challenging fixture against the Springboks, who were looking to strengthen their grip on the top of the World Rugby rankings. Despite a strong start, England suffered a 45-21 defeat, extending their losing streak to five Tests. This result only added to the pressure on Borthwick and his squad.
However, England quickly bounced back, securing a resounding 73-8 victory over Fiji, showcasing their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. The team's performance against Fiji was particularly impressive, with a strong attacking display and a solid defensive effort. This win shifted the narrative surrounding England, providing a glimmer of hope for the future.
The real test for Borthwick's side came against Argentina, a team in a similar position to England, having lost to Scotland and then Wales. The match was highly anticipated due to the historical rivalry between the two nations, especially following the Football World Cup semi-final. England began strongly, taking a 19-3 lead at halftime, but the second half was a different story.
The match erupted into a tense affair, with six yellow cards and a penalty try for Argentina, alongside two tries for England. The final play of the Test saw Argentina's Bautista Delguy score, but his effort was chalked off after a TMO review, ensuring England held on for a narrow 31-24 victory.
Despite the mixed results, England's overall performance in the opening Nations Championship block has been a success story. The team has shown improvement in their attack and defense, and the kicking game has remained a key part of their strategy. The success has been attributed to the performances of key players, such as Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, and the front-row combination of Ellis Genge, Jamie George, and Joe Heyes.
However, one of the main regrets of the campaign is the team's discipline issues. England conceded a staggering 34 penalties across the three Tests, an average of 11.3 per fixture, and received six yellow cards. This has become an epidemic for the team, and they need to address it to progress further.
In conclusion, while England has taken a significant step forward in the Nations Championship, the discipline issues remain a concern. The team has shown promise and potential, but it is crucial to address the disciplinary problems to ensure long-term success. The upcoming challenges will be a true test of England's resilience and ability to adapt, and it will be fascinating to see how they respond.
