The Ashes came to an end, clearing the way for yet another intense selection debate. Steve Borthwick finally has the opportunity to spend some time with his team and build a stronger foundation, but the England rugby team’s four warm-up matches against Wales (home and away), Ireland and Fiji provide a much-needed opportunity to test some vital combinations.
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The results, within reason, are less important than some clear indications that solidarity and confidence are growing in England. For Borthersball to thrive, a few key players must stay in shape and their head coach must show that he is not only a tactical organizer but also a selector.
What, for example, is the most effective combination in the back row of England? Or the center couple? Or back-three mix? What if they lost Owen Farrell, Jamie George or Maro Itohe to pre-tournament injuries, breaking their seasoned Saracen spine?
Borthwick’s most important decision is not so much his 33-man team to be named next Monday, but his best XV to play Argentina in the team’s billiards decider in Marseille on 9 September. Will it be the month that removes the rust from Courtney Lawes, Manu Tuilagi, Kyle Sinclair and Billy Vunipole or gives Theo Dun, Tom Pearson, Tom Willis and Henry Arundell a timely chance to shine?
2) How big a threat are Argentina?
The Puma beat England last time and were supposed to beat South Africa in Johannesburg over the weekend. They’ve already upset the Wallabies in Sydney, and playing in Europe isn’t a concern for their senior pros. Their approach can sometimes leave an opponent sniffing, but their defensive appetite, forward musculature and collective passion make them a very uncomfortable first-weekend opponent for an English team still searching for their true self.
Closer to the line or over the ball, there are few better prostitutes than Leicester’s Julián Montoya, and in the back line, Pablo Matera’s competitive advantage extends to Juan Martin González and Santiago Grondón, now Saracens and Bristol respectively. For more to know about England Vs Japan Tickets.
Add to that the playing ability of Santiago Carreras, the shimmering legs of his Newcastle Falcons namesake Matteo Carreras, the proven threat of Juan Imhoff and the deadly strike of Emiliano Boffelli, and it could be argued that England could be the second favorite at Marseille. The Cougars’ home game against the Springboks this weekend is another chance to solidify that story.
Are the All Blacks reborn?
Maybe it always meant to be. Once New Zealand decided to move on from Ian Foster and appoint Scott Robertson as their head coach, the All Blacks opened up a new life for themselves. Undefeated in the last 10 Tests and clinched another rugby title, the only nagging question is one that has long been a familiar one. Have they reached their peak too soon?
The proof will be in the creamy caramel, but Foster’s grim determination certainly responded positively to Ireland’s desperate home series defeat last year. Jason Ryan’s promotion to striker coach in particular has paid dividends in terms of the New Zealander’s fitness.
These days, Scott Barrett rivals his brothers Geordie and Boden as the most powerful All Black in the family, and the whole New Zealand operation looks more focused. Aaron Smith is humming again, Geordie Barrett is demonstrating the power of a 12-year-old straight-line running, and Will Jordan looks every inch as a global superstar in the making. The first match of the tournament next month against host country France will be a huge event.
Will France Rugby World Cup team cope with the pressure?
Can you have too much of a good thing? There must be some sore French bodies in there as Toulouse claimed its domestic Top 14 title just over six weeks ago. The feverish anticipation of an entire nation and the vagaries of knockout rugby and nothing be entirely guaranteed. It won’t be a big surprise that they will look a bit deadly this Saturday in Scotland with a shuffled roster.
But then you remember who trains their defense. Sean Edwards has never believed in fallow periods – “To rest is to rust” – and will preach the gospel of consistent application. He will also follow the Twickenham rendezvous on Friday night between South Africa and New Zealand on 25 August. Along with Ireland, it is the Springboks and All Blacks (now back in second place in the World Rugby rankings) that pose the greatest threat to Gallic ambitions.
What if their mascot Antoine Dupont pulls his hamstring at the premiere? Mentally, these were tense days, culminating in the final warm-up against Australia in Paris on 27 August. Waiting for a game can be tough, but the key is to perform on the biggest stage.
Can Ireland escape their Rugby World Cup yips?
This may or may not be a moment to reiterate that Ireland have never progressed beyond a Rugby World Cup quarter-final. On the other hand, they never entered the tournament as the #1 team in the world. Another major difference is their growing confidence under Andy Farrell, based on winning the New Zealand series and the Six Nations Grand Slam last March. This is no longer the case with Ireland basing their game around a few totem players; now they have platoons.
Common sense dictates that they may well field a weakened team against England in Dublin on 19 August; on the other hand, they will need at least one full exam before they travel to France, and asking all of their first attackers to completely crush the beefy Samoa in their final warm-up match is an obvious risk.
The current suspension of Johnny Sexton also complicates matters, but the Irish pool matches are well spread and the veteran midfielder will be well rested for decisive games against the springboks and the Scots. However, it is at the quarter-final stage that any semblance of safety net disappears: two from Ireland, France, New Zealand and Springboks will not make it to the final four.
Who will be the tournament surprise package?
The nervous whistle you can hear comes from fans in Australia and Wales. The Wallabies have lost all three of their Tests this year under Eddie Jones and a torn Achilles tendon suffered by Captain Allan Ala’alatoa in Melbourne was the last brutal blow. Wales have said goodbye to some of their biggest names and are relying on youthful enthusiasm to close the gap.
Both of them are also keenly aware of what is moving towards them. Fiji are already reaping the benefits of the Super Rugby island team in terms of their preparation and depth, and it doesn’t take much imagination to see them finish in the last eight in Group C. Georgia could also be a real nuisance in the same pool, while Tonga, Japan and Italy are not trifles of yesteryear. One or two “shock” results can easily materialize.
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