England Players Thrive in Their Newfound Confidence

In his most recent column, former England World Cup champion Matt Dawson reflects on England’s stunning seven-try victory over Wales. He highlights Tommy Freeman’s standout performance in the center position and considers the insights that coach Steve Borthwick could glean from his French counterpart.

Not long ago, the England jersey seemed to weigh heavily on the players, creating a sense of pressure that stifled their natural abilities. They often played it safe, lacking the confidence to express themselves fully.

That has changed dramatically.

Today, the England shirt appears to empower the players, as if it grants them added strength. They have fully embraced their roles and the stage they are on, eagerly showcasing their skills to the spectators at Allianz Stadium.

The joy they find in the game is palpable, and as spectators, we share in that excitement.

Interestingly, it is this positive atmosphere surrounding the team that allows both coach Borthwick and the players to concentrate on the finer details of their game, even after a commanding 48-7 victory over Wales to kick off their Six Nations campaign.

There were no celebratory displays following the final whistle; instead, the players looked satisfied with their win yet focused on the challenges ahead. They understand the need to elevate their performance when they face a determined Scotland in Edinburgh this Saturday.

This mindset is commendable.

Tommy Freeman’s Emergence as a Star

Tommy Freeman is quickly ascending toward world-class status.

His contributions to Test rugby, characterized by speed, physicality, aerial prowess, and a relentless pursuit of the ball, are exceptional.

Having started all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against Australia last summer, Freeman has secured his spot on the England team as a reliable presence when healthy.

However, a question remains regarding the number Borthwick will assign to Freeman’s position.

This match marked Freeman’s 23rd appearance for England, yet it was only his third outing as a center.

Despite his limited experience in the midfield, he delivered an impressive performance against Wales.

He ran excellent lines, confidently challenging the heart of the Welsh defense or skillfully acting as a decoy, showcasing a natural chemistry with his Northampton teammate Fraser Dingwall, who played at number 12.

Together, they are evolving into a formidable and cohesive duo—a combination that England has been in desperate need of for some time.

Growing Depth in England’s Midfield

Once, the supply of centers was alarmingly scarce, but now there is a wealth of options available.

Ollie Lawrence, who is recovering from a minor knee injury, may return for the Scotland match. Max Ojomoh shone against Argentina in the autumn, while Seb Atkinson earned praise for his performances during the summer tour of Argentina.

This variety allows England to tailor their midfield strategy according to their opponents.

Whether they need a powerful presence or a swift distribution into wide channels, the versatility of their midfield selections is incredibly exciting.

South Africa, currently regarded as the benchmark in global rugby, showcases a similar adaptability.

Their mix of players such as Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse, and even Andre Esterhuizen enables them to approach the game in diverse ways.

Henry Arundell’s Impressive Performance

Henry Arundell’s first-half hat-trick certainly drew attention during the match against Wales, but it will be the subtleties of his game that truly impressed Borthwick.

Previously questioned defensively, Arundell demonstrated significant improvement in this area against Wales.

Standing at 6 feet and weighing 15 stone 2 pounds, he possesses both strength and speed, making him an imposing figure in defense.

Moreover, his clever positioning was notable during the match; he avoided getting isolated, as he has done in the past.

His time at Bath, under the guidance of Johann van Graan and defense coach JP Ferreira, has clearly advanced his skills in this aspect.

As the game progressed and England’s victory was assured, he also came off his wing, actively seeking opportunities to exploit with his pace.

This marks a new dimension in his game—no longer merely waiting for the ball on the periphery.

Looking Ahead to Future Challenges

Following the impressive first-round performances from both France and England, anticipation is mounting for their upcoming clash in Paris on March 14.

However, it would be unwise to assume a direct path from this opening weekend to a Grand Slam showdown on the final day.

Each team will face more daunting challenges before that encounter. The true test will be their ability to perform under pressure, particularly away from home in difficult conditions, as Scotland demonstrated during their loss to Italy.

While Borthwick remains focused on current tasks, one lesson to take from France is the importance of fostering a competitive atmosphere within the squad.

His counterpart, Fabien Galthie, made bold choices in squad selection for the tournament, leaving out seasoned players like Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, and Gregory Alldritt. They could return for future matches, or they may not.

The introduction of fresh faces, coupled with the urgency of fighting for one’s position, propelled France to an outstanding performance against Ireland.

Borthwick now possesses the depth to be equally daring in his selections, a scenario that is incredibly promising for the team.

As England prepares for the challenges ahead, their growing confidence and talent bode well for their future endeavors.