Ex-England fly-half Andy Goode has set a ‘very least’ target for Steve Borthwick’s charges during the Autumn Nations Series.
England host Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina in consecutive weekends at the Allianz Stadium this November, and after a disappointing Autumn last year, Goode believes there is reason to be confident in 2025.
This after Borthwick’s side impressed against Argentina in July while several stars were away with the British and Irish Lions.
The addition of Lee Blackett to the coaching staff is also cause for excitement for the fans, according to Goode, with the former Wasps and Bath coach having an immediate impact during the mid-year internationals.
Lee Blackett’s impact
This has shifted the attention away from the usual chat about the forwards to one about the backs, with selection for the former now pretty settled despite the injury setbacks.
“In the past, most of the focus would have been on the forwards but, aside from No.8, there’s a settled look to the likely starting pack even with the Curry brothers and George Martin on the sidelines,” Goode wrote in his Rugby Pass column.
“There’s experience, size and power up front and that’ll obviously be a big part of England’s game, but there’s much more to them than grunt and a good kicking game now, and I’m so excited to see the Lee Blackett effect now he’s permanently installed as attack coach.
“England scored 13 tries on the summer tour and every team he’s coached over the last decade or so has been a joy to watch, so it’ll be fascinating to see how much of an effect he’s managed to have already.”
Owen Farrell’s exclusion ‘makes complete sense’ as new England ‘fulcrum’ emerges
England squad: Five takeaways as Steve Borthwick’s job ‘made harder’ by new ‘conundrum’
England’s target
Building on the momentum from July is crucial for Borthwick’s men and the former playmaker says that the team should be targeting three wins from four which would also set them up well for the Rugby World Cup draw that takes place in early December.
“It’s funny how quickly things change, and England had to ride out a tough autumn last year where Borthwick made some errors of judgement and they lost narrowly to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, only beating Japan,” he added.
“This time around, four wins out of four might be a stretch, but you could certainly make a case for it and three wins at the very least is what the men in white will be looking for.
“Momentum is massive in sport and England have it right now, Borthwick deserves credit for his personal evolution, the squad is taking shape and the final pieces of the jigsaw are being added. The loss of Willis is a blow, but it isn’t likely to knock England off course now and an exciting autumn lies ahead.”