England and New Zealand Have Work to do Ahead of the 2027 World Cup
New Zealand and England recently locked horns in a captivating showdown that showcased the prowess of two of the sport’s most formidable rugby union teams.
The All Blacks twice emerged victorious to ensure that England’s wait for a first victory on New Zealand turf for over two decades continued. The home side claimed a narrow 16-15 victory before following up with a 24-17 win a week later.
The series served as a crucial yardstick for both sides, offering a glimpse into their respective potentials ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The All Blacks proved their credentials against England, showcasing why they are rated as one of the favourites to lift the prestigious trophy.
The betting sites listed at BettingTop10 rate them as 5/2 shots to lift the trophy, while England are available at odds of 8/1. However, with the two sides poised to lock horns once more in November, sports bettors may feel it makes sense to wait before wagering on the tournament.
England are on the Right Track
England's summer rugby tour of New Zealand concluded with a familiar feeling of ‘what if’ after a 2-0 series defeat against the All Blacks.
While the scoreline suggests the home side were dominant, there are reasons for cautious optimism in the England camp. They displayed a competitiveness that hasn't always been present.
Vice-captain Henry Slade and head coach Steve Borthwick believe their performance is a sign of England's upward trajectory, evidenced by their close encounters with rugby’s top teams throughout 2024.
Slade was one of England's standout performers during the two-test series. The Exeter Chiefs centre showed what a canny operator he is in the engine room. He proved his worth across the two games and deserves credit for overseeing a solid defensive operation.
England’s recent aggregate score against the ‘Big Four’ - South Africa, Ireland, France and New Zealand - stands at 101-111, proving they’re on the right track, but there's still work to be done.
Borthwick has acknowledged areas for improvement, including maintaining pressure on the scoreboard in tight games, solidifying the scrum and developing a sharper tactical edge.
The manager has been integrating new talent, handing debuts to eight players in 2024, including Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
The 21-year-old produced an impressive shift in the first clash against the All Blacks, making some vital defensive reads and threatening either side of the ball all evening. He also bagged a screamer in the second match, capping a remarkable rookie season in style.
Borthwick's challenge is to accelerate the learning process for the youngsters and bridge the gap between promise and consistent performances.
England's fighting spirit could be a solid foundation for future success. The team's next crucial challenge is a rematch against the All Blacks at Twickenham in November, where they’ll be keen to address previous mistakes and secure better results.
New Zealand Display Some Weaknesses
New Zealand triumphed in a hard-fought two-test series against England, marking the first notable scalp of Scott Robertson’s tenure.
However, the series win came with a side of introspection, as the All Blacks displayed vulnerabilities that require urgent attention.
Despite securing a clean sweep, both matches saw a worrying trend for New Zealand fans. England raced ahead in each encounter, forcing the All Blacks to stage dramatic comebacks.
Beauden Barrett’s decisive performances proved crucial for the All Blacks. His impact off the bench included a match-turning try assist and crucial defensive plays that helped stem the English tide.
Despite their victories, Robertson's All Blacks didn't always look convincing. The team struggled with handling errors and a lack of cohesion, especially in the early stages of each test.
It is likely a teething issue as the players adjust to a new coaching set-up. However, it's an area that needs improvement before the team faces tougher challenges.
Another major issue for the All Blacks was their set-piece execution, especially the line-out, which saw several losses and errors. England capitalised on the All Blacks’ line-out weaknesses, but they couldn’t maintain their energy and ran out of steam in the final quarters.
New Zealand’s ability to adapt in the closing stages, driven by Barrett’s off-the-bench contributions, preserved their unbeaten record at Eden Park.
However, Robertson needs to address the key issues quickly if the All Blacks are to maintain their unbeaten streak against England when both sides renew hostilities in November.
England will be keen to build on their positives and address their shortcomings, while the All Blacks must refine their game plan under Robertson and showcase their ability to adapt to a new era.
The outcome of the November test will not define the 2027 World Cup, but it will provide valuable insights into the direction both teams are heading.
