Freeman can push England to victory

ANY analysis of England’s chances of beating New Zealand starts with the forwards.

- JEREMY GUSCOTT

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.