England’s rugby team is riding high with nine consecutive Test victories, leaving me optimistic about Steve Borthwick’s squad. However, their upcoming match against New Zealand will be the true test of their mettle.
The All Blacks, as demonstrated in their decisive win over Scotland, are a formidable force under Scott Robertson’s leadership. They capitalize on almost every opportunity and maintain relentless pressure, making them England’s toughest opponents this autumn. Nevertheless, I believe Borthwick and his team have the potential to secure a significant win, especially if they can build on their recent triumphs over Australia and Fiji.
Speaking of Fiji, they deserve commendation for their impressive performance. The team has evolved into a formidable international competitor, capable of challenging the world’s best. Their prowess was evident during the match at Twickenham.
Despite England’s victory, the final scoreline didn’t reflect the closeness of the contest. The outcome might have differed significantly had Simione Kuruvoli not fumbled the ball under pressure from Ben Earl and Marcus Smith just as he was about to score.
At Twickenham, we saw that clearly. I thought the nature of the final scoreline flattered England.
Had Simione Kuruvoli not spilled the ball under pressure from Ben Earl and Marcus Smith when in the act of scoring, the result could have been very different.
England overcame Fiji at Twickenham but it could have been a very different story
Simione Kuruvoli (right) spilling the ball with the line at his mercy was a key moment
Make no mistake, this was a game Fiji could have won.
It is fantastic to see their growth as a team, even if their brilliant attacking play and physicality caused England supporters – including me – some serious anxiety!
Ultimately, England did well to rally and eventually pull clear. As they did against Australia on the opening weekend of November, the bench came on and had a big impact.
Late tries from Henry Arundell and Maro Itoje put a gloss on the final outcome, but I still think England can go into the New Zealand game with confidence.
As I wrote ahead of the game, I do wish Borthwick as coach had kept faith with the side that started against Australia. Although England won again, I’m not sure how much they learned.
I thought Fin Smith, for example, was quiet at No 10 and I’d expect George Ford to come back into the side at fly-half for the All Blacks.
England scored six tries and there can be no doubt they benefited from two Fiji yellow cards.
While it might seem somewhat negative to focus on the areas England can improve on when they are on a good winning streak, it is vital they do so because it will take a performance close to perfection to beat New Zealand.
Tommy Freeman was moved to the wing having played at outside centre last week
Look at the way Scotland played against them. At one stage, an upset looked on in Edinburgh. But Gregor Townsend’s side didn’t take all of their chances and ultimately, paid the price.
England can’t expect to win on Saturday if they do likewise. And in many ways, Fiji taught England a lesson in how to take opportunities when they come. They converted well, scoring some wonderful tries.
I have been consistent in my view that I’m not totally convinced by England’s centre pairing. Fraser Dingwall and Ollie Lawrence started there against Fiji with Tommy Freeman on the wing.
For New Zealand, I’d bring back Freeman at No 13. But he should never have been moved from there in the first place and that’s why I make the point that perhaps this game was a bit of a missed opportunity, with the All Blacks in mind.
England can celebrate their win but know they need to be close to perfection next week
Freddie Steward, who missed this game, will hopefully be fit to return at full-back too. To become a potential World Cup-winning team, England have to nail down their first-choice XV and stick with it.
As good as the replacements have been in the last two games, I’m not convinced by all this focus on the bench and international rugby being a 23-man game.
That said, England can beat New Zealand. As much as midfield remains a conundrum for England to solve, the All Blacks aren’t at 100 per cent in that area either.
While they undoubtedly have wonderful players, the loss of Jordie Barrett is highly significant because he is truly world class for Robertson’s men in midfield.
