Match Reaction - England v All Blacks - Steve Borthwick, Jamie George, and Scott Robertson
Nov 3, 2024
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Steve Borthwick, head coach of the England national rugby team, joins rugby star Jamie George and New Zealand's innovative coach Scott Robertson for a gripping analysis of the recent England vs. All Blacks match. They delve into critical moments that swayed the game, including the pivotal decision to substitute Marcus Smith. The guests reflect on the strong yet bittersweet performance from England, showcasing emerging talents and tactical strategies while sharing lessons for future matchups. Expect insights that tackle both resilience and ambition in rugby.
England's near victory against New Zealand highlighted the critical need for improved execution during high-pressure moments in matches.
The podcast emphasized the growth of the England rugby team, showcasing the contributions of younger players and the importance of learning from losses.
Deep dives
Missed Opportunity Against New Zealand
England faced a missed opportunity against New Zealand during the match, highlighting the thin margin between victory and defeat. Despite having a lead at one point, England failed to capitalize, allowing New Zealand to regain control. The team's performance reflected both strengths and areas for improvement, with the coach acknowledging their strategic play but noting that better execution in critical moments was necessary. As the situation unfolded, the psychological aspect became evident, with players expressing the disappointment of not sealing the win despite having been in a strong position.
Team Development and Player Performance
The discussion centered on the overall development of the England rugby team, which demonstrated significant growth despite the loss. Individual players, such as Tom Curry, received praise for their outstanding contributions, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad. The emphasis was placed on learning from past experiences and using them to propel the team forward in future matches against equally strong opponents. The acknowledgment of contributions from younger players like Cunningham-South reflects the positive trajectory of the team as they build towards greater success.
Strategic Choices and Tactical Adjustments
The tactical decisions made during the match, particularly the changes in half-backs, sparked conversation about their impact on the game's flow. The coaching staff believed these adjustments were necessary to maintain momentum and capitalize on the experience brought in by the substitutes. The players noted the need for improved execution in future matches, as well as the importance of maintaining discipline during gameplay. Additionally, there was a shared understanding of the need to adapt to the game's evolving dynamics and respect for features such as the Haka, which added to the intensity of the encounter.
England fell painfully close to a massive win against the All Blacks. Post-game, we hear from both coaches and captains, and they're asked some tough questions about where the game was won and lost, the big decision to take Marcus Smith off, and what both sides can take away from England's first game and New Zealand's second of the series.