Four Weddings and a Funeral had just been released and Wet Wet Wet was high on the charts the last time the All Blacks were beaten at Eden Park. However, the visitors do not believe England’s defeat on Saturday is inevitable, with Steve Borthwick claiming the biggest expectation is New Zealand’s 30-year unbeaten run.
The head coach, who has been seeking to clear up the confusion surrounding the officiating in the first Test, is adamant his side still have enough energy for the end of the marathon season and was fired up by a throwaway remark from a New Zealand fan he encountered. Sunday in Dunedin. “There’s been a lot of talk this week about that record,” said Borthwick, who announced an almost identical line-up for the second and final Test.
“It’s not our record, it’s their record. They’re the ones who have to work hard to keep it. It’s not us. The pressure and expectations are on them. As I left Dunedin, a New Zealand supporter Said he thought we were doing a good job but then he said, “You’re going to get beat next week and we’re going to beat you with style.” So there was an expectation that New Zealand would beat us in style.
“We were really disappointed we didn’t win last weekend. They talked a lot about relief afterwards. We did create some pressure by watching them and understanding what was going on in their coaching box. Hopefully we can do it again at this point.
Borthwick also said he felt “a sense of challenge” in the squad after confirming Fin Baxter to replace the injured Joe Marler as a first-choice backbone. desire”. The 22-year-old Baxter has withstood a rigorous test as he came on as a substitute in Saturday’s 15-16 defeat and has now been awarded the No.1 jersey, with substitutes including Sale’s Bevan Lord.
It may not be entirely a coincidence, then, that the subject of scrums came up during England’s routine pre-match chat with Australian referee Nick Berry. “He was in touch last week as an assistant referee, so he has a good understanding of all aspects of the game,” Borthwick said.
“We’ll ask him about the areas he sees and what he thinks about this weekend’s game. Obviously, the scrum will be one of those areas. We’ll ask Nick Berry for his perspective and we’ll bring up what we see and have a conversation.
Borthwick has never publicly discussed the umpiring interpretation, but several England front-row pundits have questioned the legality of Ethan de Groot’s altercation in the first Test. Jamie George has hinted England have similar feelings. “What people say is there, and it’s clearly visible,” the tour leader said.
“We’ve had some good feedback from World Rugby about their views on this. We have full confidence in Nick Berry to make sure he makes the right decision. There are [also] I think there are definite technical changes we can make that will make the picture clearer.
With Dan Cole preparing to make his 115th game in the second half, which would make him English rugby’s most capped male forward, the battle for the front row will once again be crucial.
It all helps add extra spice to what could be a gripping game, with the only change from the All Blacks’ starting XV being Finlay Christie replacing the injured TJ Perenara ) appears at half-time of the scrum.
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Borthwick even cites academic studies that suggest the concept of home field advantage in sports is largely due to rowdy crowds subconsciously influencing officials. “Every study I’ve read shows that it depends on the impact [home advantage] It has an impact on referees,” he said. “They started looking at it through COVID-19, when there were no supporters, and the impact that had on referees. You have to read the social science of it… but it generally has an impact on referees.
Understandably, England are also keen to take inspiration from their footballing cousins Germany. They were as excited as anyone about the semi-final against the Netherlands, with Marcus Smith organizing a medley of football-themed songs on the team bus and Aston Villa fan George being particularly appreciative. Ollie Watkins’ winning goal.
“Gareth Southgate texted Steve and said they were at our game on Saturday, which was pretty cool,” George said. “We just hope we can keep the positive curve for UK sport going.”
Borthwick, who has been in regular contact with Southgate since taking over as England coach, said he still has “huge respect” for his round-ball rival. “He has been very helpful and supportive to me. He came to talk to the team before the Rugby World Cup and I met him this year and listened to his opinion on some things.
“I’m delighted to see his team progress. England are always under pressure – whether it’s football, rugby or cricket. The way he’s dealt with it, led the team and made the players believe in it Process… Now they are competing in the finals.
