South Africa Vs England: The most important tour of recent years

At the start of the year England were favourites for the their 3rd Six Nations title in a row and everyone was talking about their mouth watering autumn test against the All Blacks to come. However, they have been far from meeting expectations with a 5th place Six Nations finish after losses to Scotland, France and Ireland and an embarrassing loss to the Barbarians after fielding a relatively strong side. This now means that this tour in South Africa could make or brake the foundations of English Rugby in the lead up to next years World cup. So how do England get back on track? Here are 3 ways to enable England to build some momentum ahead of the Autumn:

1. Get a Permanent attack coach

Eddie Jones has appointed a temporary attack coach in the form of Scott Wisemantel to try and transform their attack that lacked quality during the Six Nations. His influence was evident in the Baabaas game with England producing some slick moves and the likes of Piers Francis hitting some hard lines to produce some good tries but the teams defensive organisation seemed to let them down. Wisemantel has been Jake White's number 2 the past three years so brings that great attacking prowess of french domestic rugby to the England side. However just a tour will not be enough for England as they need to form an attacking structure that will be able to challenge sides at the World Cup and score numerous tries. Personally I would have chosen Will Greenwood as I feel he has lots intuitive ideas and did a great job with the BaaBaas last year.

2. Play Cipriani at 10

Cipriani has been listed by Jones as a fullback in the squad when England already have Daly, Brown and Woodward on the tour. At times this season when Cipriani has been inform he has been worldclass and one of the world's best 10's. George Ford was lacking the attacking prowess of Cipriani in the Six nations as he seemed panicked when taking it to the defensive line. Cipriani has shown his great attacking skill as well as his great footballing skill which got Wasps to the Premiership Play offs. I feel that if Jones has selected Cipriani that he needs to be selected in the matchday 23 instead of the likes of Piers Francis as Danny has that X Factor that can come on and change a game. If Cipriani doesn't get his chance with England then will he be able to retain his place when he moves to the west country.

3.Give new players a chance

The majority of the squad this summer have been involved in the England set up in the past few years but Eddie has introduced a few new faces to the squad. Most notably the additions of Hurricane/ Wasp Brad Shields and Gloucester fullback Jason Woodward. Jones needs to ensure he utilises these players as if they don't build up test experience before next years world cup then if they are put into that situation they may feel very out of their depth. The best example of this is Jason Woodward who has had a great season at Kingsholm where he has displayed his stunning feet and attacking skills. He seems to have the making of an international fullback so needs a chance to prove it and with the ageing and out of favour Mike Brown being placed on the wing maybe it is time to phase Woodward in and Brown out and allow him time to establish himself within the squad.

With these kind of changes to the set up hopefully England can show themselves in a good light the rest of this year against a fresh faced Springbok side and the All Blacks later on in the year.

#rugby #englandrugby #springboks #gloucester #cipriani #woodward #shields #sheilds #eddiejones #hurricanes #wasps #southafrica #southafrica #tour #summer