🔗 Share this article

The national rugby team are working to adopt the Bazball philosophy pioneered by their cricketing teammates and land a early blow for the nation ahead of the upcoming Ashes series. The head coach and assistants of his coaching team have conducted discussions with the cricket coach and aim their players to begin with a quick and aggressive kickoff to the Quilter Nations Series in the coming days.

Confident Attitude Key

There is a shared desire within the England camp to show their quality over the autumn period, and Borthwick and his defensive coach Wigglesworth have been consulting McCullum's brain on the most effective ways to promote a winning outlook. “We met Brendon McCullum and his coaching staff recently,” revealed Wigglesworth. “We had a sit down and a drink in the city which was highly productive.

“I asked how he changed approaches in English cricket which was highly enlightening. We also discussed the specifics of training someone personally and practical applications. It’s hard to pinpoint a single takeaway because we sat for a good period of time and gained numerous insights, but they have developed a winning formula.

“We also aim to become a side that can win in multiple different ways and adjust because each match is unique. We feel we’ve got a versatile squad so we want to compete accordingly.”

Forging a Modern Style

Despite a run of seven straight successes this year, England followers are still awaiting the introduction of a impressive new “Borthball” era to match the dynamic style seen in cricket overseen by McCullum and the cricket captain. The autumn fixtures, nevertheless, provide the opportunity to take a important advance with the group selection for the next World Cup set to be made in winter.

Beating the Australian side on Saturday, coming after the Lions squad’s victorious campaign, would additionally contribute to counter the Aussies' victory in last weekend’s first rugby league Ashes Test prior to the beginning of the upcoming cricket. There are a number of avid cricket enthusiasts in the rugby side and the coach thinks the “intense competition” with the Wallabies motivates each side. “I think, both sides genuinely relish competing with one another because the rivalry is unique. Hopefully to secure a win on the weekend.”

Learning from Past Tours

Wigglesworth was also part of the backroom team who tasted success in Australia recently and thinks every English coaches and players participating gained a lot from the tour. He has tactfully resisted the urge to consult Geoff Parling, the ex- Australian staff member currently leading at Leicester, but says the challenges of the series has had “a significant effect” on his style.

“Operating with top-level athletes, growth is natural, because they are often the greatest educators. I absolutely loved it, developed significantly, we had a great time and we were victorious. I think, the players have seen a change in the players who were privileged to participate in a Lions tour. Unless you’ve taken part, you may not appreciate it. And the group who were in Argentina have likewise definitely grown. So the both groups have come back together very well.”

Tactical Refinement

The coach’s responsibilities with the national side has evolved with him in charge of the squad’s defence, with targeted support from defensive specialists and coaching staff. This time last year, the Wallabies exploited some defensive uncertainty to win the corresponding fixture, but the opposition could encounter fewer holes this time. “Our aim is to aim for a dynamic defence,” commented the coach, additionally aiming to encourage his squad to bounce back in challenging situations.

“One great aspect about the game of rugby is that each fixture is distinct and can be won in different ways. Is it wet? Officiating style? These factors contribute to the game plan.” The former club scrum-half is also adamant that giving responsibility to the squad is the best approach for the side rather than always micro-managing them.

“I won’t decide this defence needs altering due to my preferences and my philosophy. The more we evolve collectively, the greater we are aware of shared goals from each other and what’s going to make us a really good squad. Then the more the squad members can drive standards. In time you reach that ideal balance of autonomy that is productive, not freedom that is doomed to disappoint.”