England’s rugby team secured a significant victory against New Zealand on October 14, 2023, defeating the All Blacks 33-19 at Twickenham. This win marked only the ninth time in 47 meetings between the two teams over the past 120 years and was particularly noteworthy as it was England’s second victory at home against New Zealand since 2002. The triumph sparked jubilant celebrations among fans, with one supporter exclaiming, “That was just great,” as he left the stadium.
While the excitement was palpable, for players like fly-half George Ford, the focus remains on the future. Ford, who has experienced a similar victory against New Zealand in the semi-finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, expressed a desire for England to consistently perform at this level. After contributing two crucial drop goals and a late penalty, he remarked, “We don’t want this to be a flash in the pan.”
England’s journey over the past year has been marked by challenges, including significant losses to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa while adjusting to the absence of key players such as Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes. Head coach Steve Borthwick has faced scrutiny but has also seen changes in his coaching staff, with new additions like Lee Blackett and Byron McGuigan focusing on attack and defense.
Strategic Progress and Upcoming Challenges
The recent match against New Zealand showcased England’s evolving strategies, particularly during a pivotal moment in the 55th minute when a well-executed line-out led to a critical try by Fraser Dingwall. Blackett’s influence was evident as England surprised New Zealand with a clever midfield play, demonstrating the tactical advancements the team is making.
England has enjoyed a successful autumn series, having defeated a fatigued Australia and a promising but inconsistent Fiji before facing New Zealand. The performance of Ford as fly-half has been particularly impressive, providing depth in the position alongside alternatives like Fin Smith and Marcus Smith. The team’s scrum also excelled against New Zealand, showcasing the power of players like Ellis Genge, who has effectively contributed as a high-impact substitution.
With this victory, England has climbed back to third in the world rankings, surpassing New Zealand, who currently holds the second spot. The next major challenge will be against South Africa, who recently demonstrated their strength with away victories against both France and Italy. This anticipated match, part of the new Nations Championship set to begin in July 2024, promises to be a significant test for England.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Six Nations
First, England must prepare for an upcoming match against Argentina at Twickenham, followed by the prestigious Six Nations tournament in February and March 2024. In this competition, England will host Wales and Ireland while facing away matches against Scotland, Italy, and France. For England to achieve a first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2016, significant improvements are necessary.
One area of concern is the line-out, which saw New Zealand successfully steal six throws during the recent match. Additionally, England needs to secure its first win in France since 2016 while effectively countering teams like Ireland, France, and South Africa throughout the season. The injury to Tommy Freeman has interrupted ongoing experiments with player positions, particularly in the midfield.
As the team navigates these challenges, Borthwick is keen to balance the joy of recent victories with a grounded approach. While England’s current streak of ten consecutive wins is commendable, there remains a clear understanding that the journey ahead is filled with hurdles that require focus and determination.
