The national rugby squad are aiming to adopt the attacking cricket ethos championed by their cricketing counterparts and deliver a early blow for the nation before the upcoming Ashes series. The head coach and members of his backroom team have held talks with the cricket coach and aim their side to make a fast and furious start to the Quilter Nations Series on Saturday.
Forward-Thinking Attitude Key
A collective ambition within the England squad to send a message over the autumn period, and the coach and his defence coach Wigglesworth have been learning from the cricket coach's expertise on the most effective ways to encourage a confident approach. “Our meeting with Brendon McCullum and his coaching staff recently,” revealed the defence coach. “It was a meeting and a drink in Manchester which was very enjoyable.
“My questions focused on the transformation of approaches in the national cricket side which was extremely valuable. We also got into the specifics of guiding someone personally and what that looks like. It’s hard to pinpoint one main thing because our conversation lasted for a considerable while and learned a great deal, but they have developed a good thing.
“We also want to be a squad that can win in multiple different ways and evolve because every game is unique. We feel we’ve got a dynamic squad so our intention is to compete accordingly.”
Building a New Era
Despite a run of seven consecutive wins in recent months, England followers are still awaiting the introduction of a spectacular new “Borthwick-style” era to match the attention-grabbing cricketing equivalent led by McCullum and the cricket captain. The autumn fixtures, though, present the chance to take a major leap with the draw for the global tournament scheduled to be conducted in December.
Defeating the Australian side on Saturday, hard on the heels of the tour team’s victorious campaign, would additionally help to counter Australia’s success in the recent first rugby league Ashes Test ahead of the beginning of cricket’s Ashes series. There are a number of keen cricket fans in the rugby side and Wigglesworth thinks the “great rivalry” with Australia motivates the two nations. “In my view, both sides genuinely relish competing with each other because there’s something there. With luck to stick one on the board on the weekend.”
Growth from Past Tours
The defence coach was additionally involved with the Lions management who achieved victory in the tour this summer and is convinced every English team members participating gained a lot from the experience. He has carefully resisted the urge to consult Geoff Parling, the ex- Australian staff member at the helm at Leicester, but says the intensity of the series has had “a major influence” on his coaching approach.
“When you work with such elite players, growth is natural, because they tend to be the best teachers. I thoroughly enjoyed it, learned loads, it was a memorable tour and success was achieved. Personally, the squad members have noticed a difference in the players who were privileged to participate in a Lions tour. Unless you’ve been on one, you might not feel like it. And the group who were in Argentina have also clearly developed. So the both groups have reintegrated really nicely.”
Tactical Refinement
The coach’s role with England has changed with him now presiding over the squad’s defence, with targeted support from defensive specialists and Byron McGuigan. In the corresponding fixture last season, the Wallabies took advantage of some unsettled defence to claim victory in the corresponding fixture, but the opposition may find tighter defence in the upcoming match. “We definitely aim for a dynamic defensive system,” commented the coach, also seeking to encourage his players to respond positively in tough moments.
“What I love about the sport is that each fixture is distinct and can be won in multiple styles. Is it wet? Officiating style? Each element go into the melting pot.” The former club scrum-half is furthermore convinced that empowering the team is the path forward for England rather than continuously over-controlling them.
“What I’m not going to do decide this defence needs altering based on my views and what I believe. As we evolve collectively, the more we are aware of what everyone wants mutually and what’s going to make us a really good squad. Subsequently the greater the squad members get to assume responsibility. Eventually you arrive at that ideal balance of autonomy that is effective, not freedom that is leading to failure.”
