English rugby is in an eerie space at the moment. In years gone by there was the relief at the Premiership’s return, with new fixtures creating new talking points and focus. But with the loss of three Premiership clubs and a new schedule, all was quiet last weekend.
As a result, and even more so than usual, the sole focus within English shores has been the national team. At a time when England’s staff and players may want some relief, all eyes were still firmly fixed on the group.
The devil finds work for idle hands and if the training stories are to be believed, then it is the same for England’s backs.
Articles have emerged indicating a huge amount of focus has been placed on England’s defensive structure, with claims of some England backs touching the ball once a session. If true, then this can create discontent within the camp as players feel under-prepared for the weekend. It is a vicious cycle.
Truly there is nothing worse than feeling like you are not ready for an international game. The anxious energy builds towards kick-off and any tiny feeling that you or your team-mate cannot execute develops. International rugby, more than most sports, is built on trust and the foundational knowledge that you and your team-mates will not let each other down.
In attack, it is critical colleagues understand the nuances and timing of each other’s actions – it is the difference between success and failure. Liken it to those strike partnerships that seem to just click in football. Rugby has that but across the backline. It takes a lot of discovery and a lot of time, and if England are forgoing those micro- lessons in training then it is a worry.
And the problems keep mounting. England have played what should have been their easier Six Nations fixtures. The next two weeks are stacked against the two teams pencilled in to win last year’s World Cup.
True, the French seem to be reeling mentally from their tournament exit and losing their talisman, Antoine Dupont, to sevens. That, however, is a week away. This Saturday, the green juggernaut rolls into town.
Ireland are so well organised in attack it seems you can drop any player in there and they will understand the cadence to the game. It is reminiscent at present of Manchester City – anyone can drop into the system due to the level of understanding of each other and the knowledge of the team’s tactics.
It is, if the stories from the England camp are to be believed, far removed from where Steve Borthwick’s men find themselves. The oddity of international rugby is there is still a glimmer of belief for England and, if you talk to the Irish, a small amount of nerves for them. Twickenham still holds a grain of fear.
Without question they are favourites and look nailed on to complete the first back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams, but there is a speck of doubt.
England must pressurise and disrupt if they are to create an upset, and maybe this is why Borthwick is leaning into his defensive system, knowing his team cannot outplay Ireland at present but can suppress and force errors with the blitz defence. If this is the case then it is a bold tactic, one that may have created some discontent, but that might just have a chance of working.
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