The English rugby team is currently facing a challenging period, with a sense of uncertainty and a 'peculiar fog' hanging over their performance. This article delves into the recent struggles of the team, particularly in the areas of kicking strategy and discipline, and explores the implications of these issues for the team's future success.
The Kicking Conundrum
One of the key areas of concern for England is their kicking strategy. The team's ability to compete in the air has been a cornerstone of their success in the past, but recent performances have raised questions about their approach. The RugbyPass Six Nations review highlighted a decline in England's kick-chase, with the team falling behind France and Scotland in terms of successful receipts. This is particularly concerning given the team's recent 12-match unbeaten run, which was largely built on a strong kicking game.
In the match against South Africa, England's kicking strategy was exposed. The team struggled to compete in the air, with Springbok full-back Damian Willemse dominating the contestables. England's wingers were unable to compete effectively, and the team's strategy seemed impenetrable, with the wingers making catches facing their own goalline. This left many England players ahead of the ball, unable to re-ruck effectively or drop back from offside positions.
The issue is further compounded by the fact that four of England's contestables were not contestable at all, with the chaser arriving well after the catch had been made. This highlights a lack of clarity in the team's strategy, with ex-England scrum-half Ben Youngs commenting on the team's inability to work out their kick strategy.
The Discipline Dilemma
Another area of concern for England is their discipline. The team conceded a tournament-high eight yellow cards and one red card at the Six Nations, and at Ellis Park, they gave up 14 penalties and two yellow cards to South Africa's seven penalties and one card. This is a significant issue, as it has a direct impact on the team's ability to compete effectively.
The problem was encapsulated at the start of the second half, when England's failures in aerial combat and ill-discipline allowed the Springboks to take control of the game. The team's penalty count was five-to-one in favour of the home side, and they dropped to 13 men for the closing 10 minutes. This highlights a lack of consistency and control in the team's performance, which is a major concern for their future success.
The Way Forward
The RFU review into England's Six Nations performance concluded that the team's aspirations were clear, but the way in which they are being achieved is less so. The team needs to address the issues of kicking strategy and discipline if they are to consistently perform at the level expected of them. This will require a clear and consistent strategy, as well as a commitment to improving in these areas.
In my opinion, the team's current struggles are a result of a lack of clarity and consistency in their approach. The team needs to take a step back and reassess their strategy, with a focus on improving their kicking game and discipline. Only then can they hope to consistently perform at the level expected of them and reclaim their place as one of the top rugby nations in the world.
The English rugby team is currently facing a challenging period, but with a clear strategy and a commitment to improvement, they can overcome these issues and reclaim their place at the top of the rugby world.
