England have just nine Test matches before the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, and are in the process of changing head coach.
Steve Borthwick should be at the helm in time to take charge of the Six Nations and then the World Cup warm-up fixtures.
The former England captain faces a big job to whip the Test team into shape in time for the global gathering in France, as Nick Purewal assesses.
Identity
The absolute priority will be clarity in all decisions and directives. The best route to delivering crystal clear messages to fellow coaches and players will be by setting out the desired identity of the group.
Eddie Jones’ England were at their best whenever they found the unapologetic, aggressive persona that matched the firebrand Australian coach. Borthwick’s more tempered personality will find favour with his players but he will also have to spark ambition and physicality in the squad.
Jones set the entire tone for his regime by selecting Dylan Hartley as his captain. Borthwick’s choice could well underline the wider outlook of the new set-up.
Game-plan
England spent too much time on future development and not enough time on the here and now in the last few months under Jones.
Borthwick will not have that luxury given the World Cup starts in September, so the new-look England must focus on clear, simple plans that will be easy to execute for the players – but also sophisticated enough to unlock opposing defences.
Borthwick has the tools and talent to manage all this, but the time factor creates extra stresses.
Selection
Jones had seemingly settled on Marcus Smith at 10 and Owen Farrell at 12, but the midfield combination still lacked balance. Manu Tuilagi continues to chase full power after wretched injury luck, while Henry Slade has added shape in strong cameos across the autumn.
The back-five of the scrum is another area in flux, with options available either to beef up the pack or focus on attacking the breakdown. Borthwick must choose a clear strategy and carry that through in selection terms.
Atmosphere
Borthwick will need to mend a split in mood between those central to Jones’ plans who enjoyed their England experience, and those fringe players who felt mistreated and disregarded.
A more inclusive set-up will doubtless bring extra dividend.
