How can England defend their 6 Nations title and break the All Blacks’ win-streak record?

By Joe Tyler 

Account Executive at Henman Communications.

On the eve of this year’s 6 Nations, Eddie Jones’ England arrive on the back of a record-breaking 2016, which saw them equal their own record of 14 consecutive wins. A Grand Slam in 2017 will ensure The Red Rose overtake the All Blacks’ 18 match unbeaten run.

Though Eddie Jones’ men certainly face a sterner test this year, here is what they need to do, to give them the best chance of victory:  

Confident, not complacent.

England’s exploits in 2016 were remarkable, given their dismal showing at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Though the raw ingredients were always there, Jones instilled a winning formula and steely mentality - transforming the fortunes of the team.

The assertion that ‘winning breeds confidence and confidence breeds winning’, is true in its primitive form. The danger for Jones’ men is that confidence translates to complacency. With England facing a tough opener against a French 15 capable of dismantling any team on their day, it is imperative that Eddie Jones’ men keep their feet firmly on the ground.

Eddie Jones came out recently and suggested that England have no world-class players, yet. Whilst this statement remains controversial, Jones’ intent is clear. The Australian is taking every precaution to ensure that England don’t get ahead of themselves and start from a clean slate. The fact that Jones has openly said that “you don’t defend a Grand Slam, you win it again”, reinforces this point. Whilst the parameters have clearly been put in place by the management, it remains to be seen how the players will react, come game-day.

England will be a marked team this year – something which Jones acknowledges: “We went through the example of what’s happened to Leicester and do we want that to happen to us? We’ve come up with some strategies we believe will help us overcome any complacency and keep pushing forward.” The idea that opponents will raise their game that extra 10% when facing England is a reality. England, like the All Blacks, must find a way to counteract this and embrace their newly found status as favourites and come up with a Plan B, even C, in order to remain unbeaten.

Discipline is decisive.

England skipper Dylan Hartley is key to Eddie Jones’ plans and England’s success. The Northampton Saints hooker offers his experience in the pack and is very reliable at the set-piece – something not fully appreciated until it’s not fully functioning. However, Hartley’s disciplinary record is abysmal. Having already served over 60 weeks of his career on the side-lines through suspension, including having just come off a 6 week ban for a swinging forearm, discipline is paramount.

Word Rugby has made their intentions clear in 2017, with a total clamping down on what they perceive as ‘dangerous tackling’ – both accidental and reckless. Whilst the lines remain blurred as the laws are in such early stages of implementation, it remains favourable to air on the side of caution.

Elliot Daly’s early sending off against Argentina in the Autumn Internationals, could’ve cost England dear. This time around, they certainly can’t afford to make a similar mistake – with a fiery French side intent on putting one over on their fiercest rival.

Discipline also encompasses decision making. The All Blacks are experts at converting pressure into points and making the right decisions at the right times. With the weight of expectation increasing, it is crucial that England maintain the pragmatic approach to rugby, which has served them so well.

Get over the gain line!

On the lead-up to this year’s 6 Nations, the England camp has been beset with injuries. Given the physicality of the modern-day game, this is hardly surprising. The English reaction will define how serious a threat they are to New Zealand. After all, the All Blacks’ Steven Donald went down in Kiwi folklore – the FOURTH choice fly-half kicking the winning penalty in the 2011 World Cup Final. 

England’s success in 2016 was established through laying firm foundations. A plethora of players were successful in getting over the gain line. The Vunipola brothers were central to this idea. The Saracens pair enabled the platform from which the backline could dazzle and deceive defences.

With James Haskell, Chris Robshaw, Joe Marler, Manu Tuilagi and Joe Launchbury among those ruled out for the opener and beyond, the depth of England’s squad will be truly tested. However, with injury comes opportunity, a point often reinforced by Jones and his wider coaching team.

The powerful Nathan Hughes has been in destructive form for Wasps this season and proved his worth in the autumn, when deputising at Number 8. Similarly, Jones will welcome the prodigal talent and 2016 Breakthrough Player of The Year, Maro Itoje, back into the fold. In the absence of many senior squad players, Itoje will be expected to take more responsibility with ball-in-hand – something which the young Saracen and former England U20 Captain should thrive on.

The strength of the English bench was another crucial factor to last year’s 6 Nations title and subsequent unbeaten run. With the likes of Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler and Ben Te’o set to start as substitutes, it remains critical that they add value and dynamism around the hour mark.

When does the action start?

England will begin the defence of their 6 Nations title next Saturday at Twickenham against an in-form France. Elsewhere, Scotland host Ireland at Murrayfield, whilst Wales travel to Rome to play Italy, next Sunday. Follow Henman Communications, who will be casting their expert eye over England’s exploits throughout the tournament!

More articles by Joe Tyler on his blog - https://mommasboy.wordpress.com/2016/12/

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