We won't call it quits on blitz

HENRY STILL CONVINCED SYSTEM WILL TAME BOKS

- Adam Hathaway

HENRY SLADE says England are not about to put up the shutters and go into their shell when world champions South Africa come calling on Saturday.

The England centre said Steve Borthwick's side will double down on their new system and look to blitz the Springboks.

In the previous meeting between the teams, the 2023 World Cup semi-final in France, Borthwick opted for a conservative kicking game plan with the intention of containing his opponents.

The England head coach nearly pulled it off, too, but since then has used an aggressive blitz defensive system instead. Now his players rush off the line to heap pressure on the opposition, and try to layer a more open attacking game on to that.

Australia picked the lock last Saturday in a stunning 42-37 win when they scored five tries. It condemned England to a second autumn reverse, and fourth defeat on the spin.