How do England come back from this?
- Charlie Hynes
- Mar 12, 2018
- 4 min read
This is an unfamiliar feeling for England in recent years, losing two on the trot under Eddie Jones after not losing two in a row since the 2015 World Cup under Lancaster. This has caused a slight feeling of panic and a loss in confidence among England fans. After the Calcutta Cup defeat Eddie Jones switched up his line up in hope of restoring pride in the rose but ended up suffering a similar manner of defeat to the French. So why did this not work? What do England need to do to get back on track? Well this is what I feel needs to happen.
Start players in their correct positions
Due to England's extensive injury list at the start of the 6 Nations, Eddie Jones decided to use players in positions that were not their first choice. A key example of this was Courtney Lawes who was asked to play in the back row instead of his favoured second row. Lawes had been playing a few games at flanker for Northampton this season but really showed his impact that he can make in the second row on the Lions tour forcing his way onto the bench in the 2nd and 3rd tests among many talented second rows. England have been spoilt for choice in the second row recently with the likes of Itoje, Launchbury , Kruis and Lawes and the modern second row being able to show versatility. However, I feel that players are selected for the performances they give in the position that they play in regularly so there are players that are more well suited to the credentials required by that role instead of a part time option. In the second half of the France game this became obvious as Haskell came on for Launchbury as lawes moved up into the second row. Haskell gave England a fresh, strong ball carrying option and was a menace around the breakdown which is what is expected of a seasoned back row. It also means that the other back row players will be more used to playing with experienced back row's and having a good level of understanding of how they will play instead of playing with a new addition to the back row.
Sort out the issues with the Break down area
A key area that has emerged from these two losses was England's poor performance at the breakdown. Over the two games England were turned over 23 times due to their poor work rate at the breakdown and attacking as individuals and becoming isolated. Many fans believe this is due to the lack of activity in the breakdown in the Premiership and new rule changes but I disagree as there a number of back row players that are causing havoc at the breakdown, Players like Don Armand, Jack Willis and Matt Kvesic. Robshaw is the only traditional back row forward in the line up fulfilling the roles of tackling, ball carrying and importantly being a menace at the ruck. Lawes and Hughes are predominantly ball carriers but are not as effective at the breakdown as Robshaw. England need to revert to a more conventional back row which features two flankers capable of getting turnovers as well as a big ball carrier at number 8. For Ireland on Saturday I feel England should look to play Robshaw at 6, Haskell at 7 and Simmonds at 8. Looking forward to the World cup I believe that England should turn to their youth and play Tom Curry or Jack Willis at 6 with Underhill at 7 and Billy V at 8. This should allow them to function as a unit and disturb opposition ball.
Move Farrell to 10 or give Cipriani a chance
There is no doubt that Owen Farrell is England's key player with his pivotal role in attack as well as his kicking duties but he is struggling to play his full game with George Ford at 10. I feel as if Ford needs more guidance in regards to the game plan in attack with the absence of a full time attack coach. England's attacking play has been poor in recent games with a lack of accuracy being evident. Farrell at 10 would mean England attacking the line flatter which would allow the likes of Te'o and potentially Tuilagi to break the gain line on crash balls. The other option that would suit Englands current style in attack with out the back runners would be Cipriani at 10. He has shown his flair for Wasps in a side that use a similar style of play and that have another footballer in Gopperth at 12. This would add more dimensions to Englands attack and would introduce a flatter style Cipriani likes to take the ball to the line and put people through the holes he creates. If Eddie is to look to a world class quality third fly half for the World Cup then he needs to get Cipriani involved soon before he decides on his destination for next season instead of England having to take Lozowski as a third option with the tight schedule.
Hopefully these changes could put England back on track and in a more positive position before facing the All Blacks in the autumn and the World Cup next year.
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