Freeman can push England to victory
The Rugby Paper|October 27, 2024
ANY analysis of England’s chances of beating New Zealand starts with the forwards.
JEREMY GUSCOTT
Freeman can push England to victory

The reality is that the England pack has not been consistently totally dominated, but nor has it dominated anyone, so I put it at about the same level as Ireland, Scotland, Argentina and Australia.

England do not have an intimidating pack at the moment, and these things tend to go in cycles. There are eras when countries forge a reputation in the forwards, such as Argentina’s scrum power during the 1980s and 1990s.

During most of 1990s England had a dominant pack, and this carried over into the Woodward era, and it included a big reputation at the scrum.

Now it is South Africa that has this dominance, with their size and technique setting them apart. They have always been big, and the scrum is part of their DNA, as it used to be with New Zealand from the 1970s to the 1990s.

South Africa’s biggest stars remain in the pack, with constant references to their ‘bomb squad’ front row bench, and their latest outstanding back rower, Pieter Steph du Toit. It reflects the pride their supporters take in seeing the opposition going backwards in every area of the forward contest.

South Africa have exceptional players like hooker Malcolm Marx, who are very skilful, as well as being big, tough, and very fit. Marx looks as if he could go for 100 minutes. France are similar up front, but more hot and cold, while New Zealand and Ireland are very consistent, but don’t impose themselves like South Africa.

I can’t remember the last time England had an intimidating front row, or a formidable pack – and as mobile as Ellis Genge is, and despite the presence of an accomplished all-rounder like Jamie George, and a good scrummager like Joe Marler – they have not dominated.

この記事は The Rugby Paper の October 27, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は The Rugby Paper の October 27, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE RUGBY PAPERのその他の記事すべて表示
Morris hat-trick lifts Steelmen
The Rugby Paper

Morris hat-trick lifts Steelmen

HOOKER Ieuan Morris came off the bench to settle matters for Ebbw Vale at Carmarthen Quins with his stunning second half hat-trick completing a 39-11 victory in Super Rygbi Cymru.

time-read
3 分  |
October 27, 2024
Joe keen to follow in family footsteps
The Rugby Paper

Joe keen to follow in family footsteps

JOE Ford is leading the charge to take Doncaster Knights to the promised land but says they have a long way to go before that becomes reality.

time-read
3 分  |
October 27, 2024
Robson keen to make it to the top with Coventry
The Rugby Paper

Robson keen to make it to the top with Coventry

COVENTRY ended the first five-match block of fixtures as the Championship’s only unbeaten side and full-back Charlie Robson has his sights set on promotion, and eventually playing for England.

time-read
1 min  |
October 27, 2024
Hancox joins the 200 club
The Rugby Paper

Hancox joins the 200 club

AFTER 10 years of donning the red, black and yellow shirt for Bournemouth, skipper Grant Hancox made his 200th appearance this month after their Regional 2 South Central clash against Winchester.

time-read
1 min  |
October 27, 2024
Bear keen to be a big hit Down Under
The Rugby Paper

Bear keen to be a big hit Down Under

FORMER Cornish Pirates back row Bear Williams has flourished in making the difficult transition from rugby union to league and has plans to play in Australia’s NRL. `

time-read
2 分  |
October 27, 2024
To play in two World Cups was a dream
The Rugby Paper

To play in two World Cups was a dream

RUGBY started quite late for me.

time-read
6 分  |
October 27, 2024
Call time on this pantomime ploy
The Rugby Paper

Call time on this pantomime ploy

THIS 60-second shot clock twaddle. If we must continue to plough down this blind alley it needs to apply from the moment the referee awards the penalty. If the authorities are going to put some stick about at least do it properly and with conviction.

time-read
4 分  |
October 27, 2024
Coetzee's pulling his weight again
The Rugby Paper

Coetzee's pulling his weight again

WHETHER he starts or comes off the bench, Jaco Coetzee is just happy to be contributing fully to Bath’s revival after an injury-hit start to his career in blue, black and white.

time-read
2 分  |
October 27, 2024
Murray's on a wing - and a prayer ...
The Rugby Paper

Murray's on a wing - and a prayer ...

BLAIR Murray began the week ‘in a state of shock’ at having gone from nowhere on one side of the world to the starting grid for the autumn Tests on the other.

time-read
3 分  |
October 27, 2024
We need to kick on after winning at last
The Rugby Paper

We need to kick on after winning at last

Paul Rees talks to Ethan Grayson who heard from two rugby legends after he helped Newcastle end their 25-match losing run

time-read
5 分  |
October 27, 2024