England's current team is on a charge like no other, and former scrum-half Matt Dawson can't believe his eyes. It was a year out from the 2003 Rugby World Cup when he witnessed England's scrappy win against Australia at Twickenham. Martin Johnson was in charge then, a player-coach known for his no-nonsense approach to the game.
At half-time, Johnson told his team to be more aggressive in defense and stay in Australia's 22 for as long as possible. He wanted to see if the Australians could handle the pressure. The final 20 minutes were excellent, with Ben Cohen scoring a try that turned the game around.
Dawson recalls how different England is now compared to the past decade. Steve Borthwick has developed as a Test coach and his team has become stronger and more confident. Dawson praises Maro Itoje, who brings maturity and leadership to the squad. The captain's conversations with teammates at half-time are insightful and informative.
What impresses Dawson most about this England team is their ability to win games through individual brilliance. Players like Ollie Lawrence and Fraser Dingwall have skills that make them difficult opponents. Lawrence is no longer just a runner but also has soft hands for creating opportunities, while Dingwall's facilitator role at inside centre helps get the best out of his teammates.
Dawson notes that players like Will Greenwood and Richard Hill used to quietly go about their business in big games but were still very effective. The current England team has 30 players who are comfortable starting or being on the bench, creating a rhythm that gives them an edge over their opponents.
The most striking aspect of this team is their ability to bring energy and impact from the bench, led by Henry Pollock's infectious enthusiasm. Players like Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, and Tom Curry have adopted elements of Pollock's approach, adopting a more positive mindset on the field. The bench becomes a "this is our moment" vibe, with everyone swept up in Pollock's vortex.
Overall, Dawson can't believe how far this team has come. They are now on a charge like no other, and their ability to win games through individual brilliance will be key to their success in the upcoming World Cup.
At half-time, Johnson told his team to be more aggressive in defense and stay in Australia's 22 for as long as possible. He wanted to see if the Australians could handle the pressure. The final 20 minutes were excellent, with Ben Cohen scoring a try that turned the game around.
Dawson recalls how different England is now compared to the past decade. Steve Borthwick has developed as a Test coach and his team has become stronger and more confident. Dawson praises Maro Itoje, who brings maturity and leadership to the squad. The captain's conversations with teammates at half-time are insightful and informative.
What impresses Dawson most about this England team is their ability to win games through individual brilliance. Players like Ollie Lawrence and Fraser Dingwall have skills that make them difficult opponents. Lawrence is no longer just a runner but also has soft hands for creating opportunities, while Dingwall's facilitator role at inside centre helps get the best out of his teammates.
Dawson notes that players like Will Greenwood and Richard Hill used to quietly go about their business in big games but were still very effective. The current England team has 30 players who are comfortable starting or being on the bench, creating a rhythm that gives them an edge over their opponents.
The most striking aspect of this team is their ability to bring energy and impact from the bench, led by Henry Pollock's infectious enthusiasm. Players like Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, and Tom Curry have adopted elements of Pollock's approach, adopting a more positive mindset on the field. The bench becomes a "this is our moment" vibe, with everyone swept up in Pollock's vortex.
Overall, Dawson can't believe how far this team has come. They are now on a charge like no other, and their ability to win games through individual brilliance will be key to their success in the upcoming World Cup.
! Back in my day, we didn't see this level of talent comin' outta nowhere 
. The way they're playin' now, with all that individual brilliance and teamwork... it's like magic 
️. I mean, players like Ollie Lawrence and Fraser Dingwall are the real deal 
, and Maro Itoje is a proper leader 
. And can you believe how good the bench is? 
. It's a brave new world for English rugby, and I couldn't be more excited to see what the future holds 
.
it's like steve borthwick has brought a whole new level of confidence to the team and maro itojé is literally the real deal 
they're so different from when I watched them back in '03 
. Dawson's got a point about how Steve Borthwick's coaching has made all the difference, and that Maro Itoje is a total game-changer 
. The way Lawrence and Dingwall are playing is insane! 
And have you seen the bench come off the line? 
it's like they're all hyped up on Henry Pollock's energy 
. It's gonna be tough for them to lose, they've got that 'we believe in each other' vibe going on 
. Bring on the World Cup! 
, like what's gonna happen when the ocean decides to take back its land? we're already seeing more frequent and intense natural disasters, it's getting real 
anyway, back to rugby, this England team is on fire 
it's like, we need to focus on our health and wellness, not just our sports teams 
. And you know what? I think that's what's going to take them to the next level - not just their skills on the pitch, but the way they support each other off it 
.
Matt Dawson is spot on about Steve Borthwick being an amazing coach - he's really taken the squad to the next level. And the bench players, oh man... Henry Pollock's energy is infectious 
! I mean, Matt Dawson's story about Steve Borthwick's coaching evolution is so true 
. This team has come so far since the Martin Johnson days 
. The players are so skilled and confident now 