mens
nations-championship
Steve Borthwick admits England they must quickly bridge the gap between Gallagher Prem and Test rugby if they are to be successful this autumn.
Australia’s visit to Allianz Stadium on Sunday opens the second phase of the inauguration Nations Championship with Borthwick aware that his players need to step up their work at the breakdown and in defence.
While Prem’s focus on attack has produced some exciting spectacles, it is inadequate preparation for the battles against the Wallabies, Japan and New Zealand.
The only round of European action so far this season has exposed English clubs to a different level of competition in defense and breakdown and they have duly won just one of their eight matches.
Top referee Christophe Ridley assisted in training at last week’s camp and also gave presentations to the squad in a bid to speed up their readiness to face Australia.
“The contact surface in Prem is different to Test rugby,” Borthwick said. “It was an example in Europe where English clubs lost more possession and won fewer possessions at the breakdown than any other nation.
“The second area is the emphasis and importance placed on defence. We have to make sure we make it difficult for the opposition to score.
“One of the challenges is that domestically we are judged by English referees, while at international level it is quite clear that we will never have English referees, so you have to get used to other interpretations.
“I liked the European circuit, because it is obvious that the players have to adapt. The best players are smart, and the best players adapt.”
“And I think it’s pretty obvious in the last six to eight months that we haven’t adjusted and handled moments the way we want to.”
England have collected 15 yellow cards in their eight Tests so far this year, including four in their last match against Argentina in July. Borthwick believes that continuing to attack is the solution to indiscipline.
“Honestly, we spend too much time on defense,” he said. “The way they are interpreted right now, as soon as you spend time on defense, there’s probably going to be a decision that goes against you.
“There’s been an exponential increase in the number of cards given – and not just from us. The vast majority of them are given when you’re defending in your own 22.”
England face mounting problems at half-back ahead of Monday’s squad announcement after Alex Mitchell accompanied Fin Smith and Archie McParland into the treatment room.
Mitchell joined his Northampton teammates in doubt against Australia after suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 28-14 win over Gloucester.
