After a convincing and routine victory over Fiji last weekend, England face their first real test of the autumn internationals on Saturday when they host Australia at Twickenham. The Wallabies will prove much sterner opposition than Fiji, who possessed weaknesses that were brutally exposed by England.
For fifteen minutes Fiji looked more than a match for England, playing high intensity rugby without fear, and piling the pressure upon a rusty looking England side. Yet after Charlie Sharples’ first try, the floodgates opened in what turned into a one sided encounter. England ran in six tries, whilst Toby Flood kicked 17 points, to help England to a comfortable 54-12 victory.
Yet we can learn very little about Stuart Lancaster’s England side from a single game, especially one against opposition which is not on the same level as the top nations in the world. Without meaning any disrespect to Fiji who displayed passion and determination, they simply don’t currently possess the technical ability to compete with the top nations. England’s dominance in the scrum and superior goal kicking vividly demonstrated that, and the home side were more clinical when opportunities presented themselves.
It’s hard to judge how strong this inexperienced England side actually is. There are clearly some phenomenally talented individuals, and plenty of potential and ability in the side, yet it remains to be seen whether they can compete with the likes of South Africa or New Zealand. Those tests lie around the corner. Many members of the England squad have demonstrated their talent on the domestic scene, but are yet to establish themselves as proven international players. The next step is making that step up, in order to be able to rival the very best.
Whilst England were romping to a comfortable victory last weekend, Australia were suffering in France, succumbing to a 33-6 defeat, the first time they had lost to the French in seven years. Indeed France were impressive, dominating in the scrum and producing a performance which the tourists couldn’t match. Yet we shouldn’t discount the Aussies. One defeat does not make them a bad side, and even though this isn’t the strongest ever Australia side, if England underestimate them on Saturday it could be to their demise.
A home victory of course will be expected at Twickenham, as England look to build form ahead of testing encounters against South Africa and New Zealand. Chris Ashton returns to the fold in place of Ugo Monye after suspension, the only change to the England squad. Ashton is clearly one of England’s talismanic figures, and along with Sharples and Alex Goode, who were both excellent against Fiji, he forms a threatening looking attacking unit. Add to that the direct running of Manu Tuilangi and the nippy incisiveness of scrum half Danny Care coupled with Toby Flood’s creativity, and England have the potential to unlock Australia’s defence.
Yet Australia’s backs are traditionally their strength, and one area where England will be looking to enjoy success is the scrum, just as France did last weekend. Dan Cole has established himself as one of the first names on the England team sheet, and he’ll be looking to put in a dominant display to exploit a potential weakness in the Australia side.
Traditionally against Australia England have looked to keep the game tight and restrict Australia’s running game, whilst dominating through the forwards. It will be interesting to see whether they stick to such tactics, or attempt to play a more expansive and creative game, which might be more suited to the style of their opponents. The talent is there in the England side, the pressure is now on to deliver and replicate the performance against Fiji and that of the French last weekend. Can they? Only time will tell.