- Focus on Try Scoring for World Cup Success
- England’s Potential for Greater Ambition
- The Importance of Tournament Sport and Adaptation
I am confident that the World Cup champion will be the team that scores the most tries by the end of October. Putting aside personal preferences and philosophies, it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the most effective method to win rugby matches, and if it also looks good, so much the better.
Currently, the top four teams in the world average four tries per game: Ireland, France, South Africa, and New Zealand all score more than four. The thing that frustrates me the most about England is that I can see the team’s potential to perform with a similar strike rate.
I am persuaded that they are capable of playing with greater ambition, possessing a greater skill set than is currently on display, and simply scoring more tries. I comprehend the need for a framework, but I also believe it’s essential to recognize trends and the state of the game. And I am confident that England has the players capable of producing the same fluidity as the greatest teams in the world.
I will not be told that England does not have the proper group of game controllers in the right positions – 9, 10, 12, and 15 – or that our try-scorers out wide lack dynamism. Some centers can cross the goal line and also transfer the ball. How can they best connect all these connections to become the best versions of themselves? is the crucial question.
The only occasions we have witnessed it this summer were when they were down to 12 men against Wales and in the second half against Ireland.
In other terms, England played with urgency when it was necessary. They were pursuing scores when all of a sudden they awoke: there was urgency, speed, desperation, more attacking vigor, and more ball movement. Those instances provided a glimpse of the potential of this England team.
The turmoil that has surrounded England over the past few weeks may make things more difficult, but there is one foundational factor that gives me hope for the World Cup: the draw. Despite England’s lack of form and ongoing problems off the pitch, I believe that every other home nation would gladly trade positions with England. England must maintain their focus on their top priority despite the turmoil; they must keep the main thing the main thing.
A player cannot ignore the noise, especially in the era of social media. The most significant commotion must emanate from within the camp. I continue to believe that the voices they are hearing, whether it’s Steve Borthwick, Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes, or Ellis Genge, will be the loudest, but no matter how hard you try to block out everything else, it still seeps into the bubble you’re attempting to construct.
England should face Wales, Australia, or Fiji in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, once the fog of the discourse surrounding this team has been dispelled. The path to their desired destination should be unobstructed. Despite all the commotion, the most important aspect of a tournament is advancing to the later rounds.
Again, if I’m optimistic, I also consider how tournament sport is distinct from all others.
Saudi Arabia went on to win the Fifa World Cup in Qatar after defeating Argentina. That was not part of their plan, but as the tournament progressed, they were able to adapt. And as much as the dark clouds are orbiting England, things will feel different once they depart for France, land, and arrive at the World Cup. It’s time to go.
England would acknowledge that they are not where they would like to be, but if they can remain focused on advancing out of their group, and gain a bit of momentum, they are three victories away from hoisting the trophy. Suddenly, Farrell and Billy Vunipola are back, and the narrative surrounding the team can become significantly more positive. I’m not going ahead of myself because I still have a great deal of work to do, but when I look at the World Cup draw again, I can’t help but smile wryly.
Saturday’s match can serve as a springboard for their trip to France. Last week, I witnessed Fiji play France, and despite the final score, Fiji was incredibly competitive and appeared threatening and lethal. I’d love to see England move the ball more and get more touches on the ball – for that to be their first inclination. The set piece and striking game are well-rehearsed at this point, but I’m curious to see how England performs when they begin matches with the same attitude they’ve displayed at the end of their last two contests.
