England's Hard-Fought Victory Over Japan: A Comprehensive Analysis
England's resounding 59-14 victory over Japan at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday marked a much-needed end to their five-match losing streak. While the win provides a much-needed boost, the performance raised questions about their ongoing defensive issues and the overall effectiveness of their attack, despite glimpses of brilliance from certain players.
England's Forwards Dominate, While Backs Struggle
The match showcased a stark contrast between England's forward and back lines. The forwards, led by the impressive performances of Ben Earl and skipper Jamie George, dominated the scrums and mauls, securing several tries through sheer power and a conservative, unsubtle approach. The first three tries were a testament to this, highlighting the team's ability to exploit their size and strength advantage. Will Stuart, in particular, delivered a powerful performance, excelling in scrums, breakdown, and defense, even executing a remarkable 25-meter pass to Chandler Cunningham-South, leading to a try by Ollie Sleightholme. Conversely, the starting backs lacked cohesion and direction in their attacking plays, a consistent weakness throughout their losing streak. It wasn't until the introduction of Fin Smith, Tom Roebuck, and Harry Randall that England's attack finally gained some momentum.
The Backs' Continued Struggles and Potential Solutions
The lackluster performance of the backs, particularly Henry Slade, was a significant cause for concern. Slade's continued struggles with inaccurate passing and handling, along with his defensive weaknesses, have hindered England's attacking prowess for years. The fact that Japan managed as many line breaks as England speaks volumes about their shortcomings. The article highlights the need for the coaching staff to consider other options for midfield positions, such as Luke Northmore, Alex Lozowski, or Fraser Dingwall to evaluate the depth of their talent. The need for the team to explore alternative strategies to improve their attack cannot be overstated. Furthermore, the repeated lack of communication and cohesion among the players point to more systemic problems within the team’s attacking formations. Perhaps even considering giving Fin Smith a more prominent role at fly-half could breathe new life into England's attack.
Defensive Deficiencies: A Persistent Problem
Despite the win, England's defensive frailties remained a major point of concern. They missed a significant number of tackles, allowing Japan to make a considerable number of post-contact meters. The analysis delves into the specifics of England's defensive system, identifying issues with communication, spacing, and getting the right players in the right positions. The article mentions the system's reliance on precise execution and commitment, highlighting the shortcomings of the team's ability to fully implement the strategy. The significant number of turnovers and missed tackles indicate weaknesses in both player execution and coaching strategy. The defensive struggles, evident in matches against New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, resurfaced in this game as well.
The Impact of Coaching Turnover and Player Skill
The article raises the question of whether England’s defensive issues stem from coaching turnover or a lack of player skill and understanding. While coach turnover plays a significant role, the article suggests that the players' ability to execute the defensive strategy is equally critical. The shortcomings in communication, spacing, and defensive positioning all point towards the need for improvement in both coaching and player execution. Ultimately, the Six Nations will be the true test of whether England has addressed their defensive vulnerabilities.
Borthwick's Assessment and the Road Ahead
A win is a win, and for England, this victory was much-needed. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this victory does not fully address England's persistent issues. The article draws a parallel between Borthwick's situation and having an old, dysfunctional car. A win against Japan, though vital, doesn't mask deeper problems that need addressing. This win should serve as a stepping stone, not a conclusion. The team needs to learn from this and address their defensive weaknesses and lacking attacking cohesion before the Six Nations. The coaching staff must carefully evaluate their strategies, player selection, and communication to fully realize the team's potential. They have the opportunity to build upon this win, but to do so, they must address the lingering concerns highlighted in the analysis, and that means going beyond the simple scoring of tries. The long break before the Ireland match in Dublin in February provides a crucial window of opportunity to work on these areas.
Looking Ahead: England’s Path to Improvement
The resounding victory over Japan, while welcome, should not overshadow the need for substantial improvements in several key areas. The team's defensive vulnerabilities, evident in the high number of missed tackles and post-contact meters conceded to Japan, remain a significant concern. Similarly, the inconsistent attacking play from the backs demands immediate attention. While individual performances were occasionally impressive, like those of Tom Roebuck and Ben Earl, the team's overall tactical execution needs improvement. Coach Steve Borthwick's challenge is not merely to win matches, but to build a consistent, cohesive, and powerful team capable of competing at the highest level of international rugby. The road to recovery is not paved with simple victories, but requires a commitment to addressing systemic issues within the team's tactics, player execution, and coaching strategies. Only then can England hope to reach its true potential. The upcoming Six Nations will be the ultimate test of whether this team has truly learned from the lessons of its recent matches, or if this win against Japan was merely a temporary respite. The coming months will be critical in determining the future direction of this team under Steve Borthwick's leadership. England’s performance, for the large part, was cromulent, in that it was adequate but uninspired. They need to use the time wisely.
