England’s rugby squad will not gain any tactical advantage from former Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones, as neither England’s players nor senior staff have been in contact with him ahead of their match against South Africa. Despite Jones reportedly continuing in a remote analytical role with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), England’s senior assistant coach, Richard Wigglesworth, and center Henry Slade both indicated they have received no input from him in their preparations.
Jones, who resigned as England’s defensive coach after the team’s recent summer tour, remains contractually tied to the RFU, but he has not actively contributed to the current coaching strategy, which is now led by Joe El-Abd. Wigglesworth noted his lack of contact with Jones and the seeming disconnect regarding analysis, though he acknowledged that South Africa’s style of play has evolved since Jones was part of their coaching staff. Slade echoed Wigglesworth’s comments, confirming that the team has primarily worked with El-Abd and internal defensive leaders to establish an effective defensive system without any input from Jones.
With El-Abd at the helm of England’s defensive efforts, the team has continued to employ a “blitz” defensive approach originally implemented by Jones. However, Slade pointed out the challenges this aggressive system poses, especially when players are not fully synchronized. He observed that the “blitz” defense requires total commitment and cohesion, and when players vary in their approach, it creates visible vulnerabilities. As one of England’s defensive leaders, Slade emphasized the need for alignment within the team to make the system effective, noting the need for improvement following their recent 42-37 loss to Australia.
Compounding England’s defensive challenges is a recent rule enforcement on “escort runners,” players who block opponents from pursuing high kicks. The clampdown has had significant implications for England’s gameplay strategy, according to Wigglesworth, who believes that the new enforcement has changed the dynamics of play. Wigglesworth commented that the change is leading to an increase in contestable kicks, which disrupts traditional attacking and defensive structures. Players now risk penalties when they impede opponents in this way, introducing new challenges and altering the flow of the game.
The timing of the rule enforcement is particularly relevant given England’s upcoming match against the Springboks, who are adept at capitalizing on contestable kicks. Wigglesworth pointed out that the increased reliance on kicking aligns well with South Africa’s strengths, making them a formidable opponent under the current rules. He anticipates that England will need to be especially adept at handling the Springboks’ kicking game to avoid giving away possession or penalties.
Slade also voiced his concerns about the enforcement of the escort rule, which he fears may create more disruptions. The change aims to promote cleaner contests for high balls, but Slade suggested it might result in a more fragmented game with more stoppages, as well as an increase in scrums. Slade expressed his mixed feelings on the rule’s impact, noting that while it promotes unstructured attacks, it may also slow down gameplay, particularly with more scrums occurring due to contested kicks. He added that the increase in aerial contests is altering the defensive and offensive setup of teams, creating new challenges in maintaining momentum and fluidity in play.
As England faces the Springboks, these rule changes and the lack of input from Jones add complexity to their preparation. The team must adapt quickly to both the Springboks’ tactical strengths and the modified regulations surrounding high-kick contests. England’s coaching team, led by El-Abd and Wigglesworth, will need to strategize effectively to ensure the players can manage South Africa’s proficiency in the air, while maintaining cohesion within their defensive systems.
In the buildup to their match against South Africa, England’s defensive stability and adaptability will be under scrutiny. The team’s ability to navigate both internal and external challenges could prove pivotal in their pursuit of a more robust performance, as they aim to counter South Africa’s tactical advantages and adapt to a shifting game environment.
