England are poised for an exhilarating month of Test rugby. The traditional southern hemisphere giants are set to visit Twickenham, along with an always entertaining Japan side. This is a thrilling period for Steve Borthwick's team, and the outcomes of their four matches against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan will truly reflect their current standing. We've witnessed both peaks and valleys over the past year. The Six Nations campaign began with a disheartening loss to Scotland, followed by a significant victory over Ireland and promising performances against France and New Zealand. Borthwick was initially granted a grace period during his early tenure—a luxury not afforded to his counterpart, Scott Robertson—but this November series feels crucial for the England head coach's future.
Borthwick and the players returned from New Zealand this summer with a sense of missed opportunities, compounded by the uncertainty caused by coaching staff departures. This leaves questions about England's progress. They have been steadily building, but it's time to see the results of their efforts. The upcoming fixtures, starting with the All Blacks, present an unparalleled challenge. While we may not know New Zealand's exact form, we do know they are battle-hardened. However, looking at England's starting lineup, there is reason for optimism. Every player and team thrives on certainty and security, but the key is to maintain it without becoming complacent. I don't believe this is an issue for England. There should be a sense of injustice among players who have been overlooked, such as Alex Lozowski or Tom Willis, who can't even make the squad, given the depth of talent in England. This reflects the loyalty Steve Borthwick is showing, which I fully understand, especially considering the recent coaching staff upheaval.
There is no denying that Felix Jones and Aled Walters are world-class coaches. If you were assembling the coaching team for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia next summer, they would undoubtedly be included—they are among the top coaches in Great Britain and Ireland. Their resignations are disappointing, and it's telling that the players have publicly expressed their disappointment. This is a significant loss. Jones transformed England's defense into one of the most aggressive in the world within just seven months, giving the team an identity and a fear factor. Losing this is a major setback, so it's crucial that England remain committed to their strategies, with Henry Slade being integral to this. Consistency and continuity in the playing squad make sense, which is why I understand Slade's inclusion despite his limited game time post-injury.
The recently announced enhanced contracts for 17 England players represent a significant step towards continuity and cohesion. While we may not see immediate benefits, they will foster healthy competition within the squad. Everyone wants to play for England and secure an enhanced contract. I often think players can be distracted by having two different priorities, but it feels like there is a more unified approach now. Borthwick has the ability and autonomy in strength and conditioning and other areas. Financially, these contracts are incredibly valuable. When we discuss player welfare, we rarely consider the financial aspect, but an enhanced contract provides meaningful and guaranteed income. It can alleviate stress, allowing players to plan, and if it lifts the burden for some, that's fantastic. It also enables better decision-making; in the past, players might have carried niggles and risked their match fees rather than sitting out. There was a notable example during the Six Nations when Immanuel Feyi-Waboso ruled himself out of a match due to a head injury—a mature decision that we hope to see more of when necessary.
Returning to the present, if England are to secure their first home win over the All Blacks in 12 years, the final quarter will be pivotal. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that if George Ford had been on the summer tour, England would have secured at least one victory. The impact of Beauden Barrett off the bench highlights what Ford could have done for England. While it doesn't guarantee success, it demonstrates the value of experience among replacements. The fact that Ford is available for this game gives me reasons for optimism if England find themselves in a similar position with 20 minutes to go.
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