England's rugby players are aiming to embrace the attacking cricket philosophy pioneered by their cricketing teammates and deliver a significant blow for the country before the forthcoming Ashes series. Steve Borthwick and staff of his coaching team have conducted discussions with Brendon McCullum and want their players to get off to a rapid and intense kickoff to the Quilter Nations Series in the coming days.
Forward-Thinking Attitude Key
A collective ambition within the England setup to show their quality over the coming weeks, and Borthwick and his defence coach Wigglesworth have been learning from McCullum's insights on the best ways to promote a confident approach. “We met the cricket strategist and his coaching staff recently,” shared Wigglesworth. “It was a sit down and a drink in Manchester which was very enjoyable.
“My questions focused on how he changed mindsets in the national cricket side which was extremely valuable. We also discussed the technicalities of coaching someone personally and what that looks like. It’s hard to pinpoint a single takeaway because we sat for a good period of time and learned a great deal, but they’re on to a winning formula.
“Additionally want to be a team that can triumph in diverse styles and adapt because each match is different. Our belief is we possess a versatile squad so we want to perform in that manner.”
Building a Modern Style
In spite of a run of seven consecutive victories in recent months, England fans are still awaiting the introduction of a impressive new “Borthwick-style” approach to rival the attention-grabbing cricketing equivalent led by the cricket coach and the cricket captain. The next month, nevertheless, present the prospect to make a major step forward with the draw for the global tournament set to be conducted in winter.
Overcoming the Australian side on the weekend, hard on the heels of the tour team’s summer series triumph, would further assist to respond to the Aussies' success in last weekend’s league match prior to the beginning of cricket’s Ashes series. There are a number of avid cricket fans in the England rugby squad and the coach believes the “great rivalry” with the Wallabies inspires each side. “Personally, each team really enjoy playing against each other because there’s something there. We aim to secure a win on Saturday.”
Learning from Experience
The defence coach was additionally part of the tour coaching staff who won the series in Australia recently and is convinced every English staff and squad involved learned a lot from the tour. He has tactfully resisted the urge to seek advice from Geoff Parling, the ex- Wallaby assistant coach currently leading at the club, but notes the intensity of the campaign has had “a significant effect” on his methods.
“Operating with world-class talent, growth is natural, because they tend to be the top instructors. I thoroughly enjoyed it, learned loads, we had a wonderful period and success was achieved. In my opinion, the squad members have noticed a transformation in the individuals who were lucky enough to participate in a elite campaign. Until you’ve taken part, you might not appreciate it. And the squad who were in Argentina have likewise clearly developed. So the two have reintegrated extremely smoothly.”
Defensive Evolution
The coach’s role with the national side has shifted with him currently overseeing the squad’s defence, with targeted support from Joe El-Abd and coaching staff. This time last year, the Wallabies capitalized on some defensive uncertainty to claim victory in the same match, but the opposition may find fewer holes now. “Our aim is to aim for a dynamic defence,” stated Wigglesworth, also aiming to inspire his players to react well in challenging situations.
“One great aspect about the sport is that all contests is different and can be settled in different ways. Weather conditions? Officiating style? All these things form part of the overall picture.” The ex- Saracens and Sale player is also certain that giving responsibility to the squad is the way ahead for the side rather than constantly directing every move them.
“I won’t decide our defensive system needs altering based on my views and my philosophy. As we evolve collectively, the greater we are aware of each other’s expectations mutually and what will create us a highly effective side. Then the more the squad members can assume responsibility. Eventually you arrive at that optimal point of empowerment that is successful, not freedom that is doomed to disappoint.”
