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England's rugby players are aiming to adopt the attacking cricket ethos championed by their cricketing colleagues and land a pre-emptive statement for the country ahead of the upcoming Ashes series. The head coach and staff of his backroom team have held meetings with Brendon McCullum and aim their side to get off to a quick and aggressive opening to the Quilter Nations Series this weekend.

Confident Approach Key

A shared ambition within the England squad to make a statement over the autumn period, and Borthwick and his defensive coach Wigglesworth have been picking McCullum's expertise on the best ways to encourage a positive approach. “Our meeting with Brendon McCullum and his support team a few weeks ago,” explained Wigglesworth. “We had a sit down and a drink in the city which was quite insightful.

“I asked the transformation of approaches in the national cricket side which was extremely valuable. But then got into the details of coaching someone personally and practical applications. I wouldn’t want to say one main thing because our conversation lasted for a considerable while and gained numerous insights, but they’re on to a effective strategy.

“We also aim to become a team that can win in multiple different ways and evolve because all fixtures is distinct. We feel we’ve got a dynamic squad so we want to perform that way.”

Developing a Modern Style

Despite a streak of seven consecutive wins this year, England followers are still anticipating the launch of a exciting new “Borthwick-style” approach to rival the attention-grabbing style seen in cricket spearheaded by the cricket coach and the cricket captain. The autumn fixtures, however, present the opportunity to take a important step forward with the fixture allocation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup set to be announced in December.

Defeating the Australian side on the weekend, hard on the heels of the Lions squad’s summer series triumph, would also assist to offset the Aussies' win in the previous opening clash prior to the start of cricket’s Ashes series. There are several keen cricket fans in the national team and Wigglesworth thinks the “historic contest” with the Wallabies motivates both teams. “In my view, the two squads genuinely relish facing each other because there’s something there. We aim to stick one on the board on Saturday.”

Development from Experience

The defence coach was additionally a member of the backroom team who achieved victory in Australia in the past season and believes every English team members taking part gained plenty from the campaign. He has carefully resisted the inclination to seek advice from Geoff Parling, the ex- Australian staff member currently leading at Leicester, but states the challenges of the tour has had “a big impact” on his methods.

“When you work with such elite players, you can’t help but learn, because they tend to be the best teachers. I thoroughly enjoyed it, gained invaluable insights, it was a memorable tour and success was achieved. In my opinion, the squad members have seen a change in the individuals who were fortunate to go on a prestigious series. Unless you’ve experienced it, you may not feel like it. And the squad who were in Argentina have likewise improved markedly. So the two have merged really nicely.”

Defensive Refinement

The coach’s role with the national side has changed with him in charge of the squad’s defensive systems, with expert guidance from defensive specialists and Byron McGuigan. Previously, Australia took advantage of some gaps in the line to win the same match, but the visitors could encounter tighter defence this time. “We definitely desire a aggressive defensive system,” stated the coach, additionally seeking to motivate his squad to respond positively in adversity.

“What I love about the match is that every game is different and can be won in multiple styles. The pitch? Referee decisions? Each element form part of the melting pot.” The former club scrum-half is also certain that trusting the team is the path forward for England rather than continuously micro-managing them.

“My approach is not decide our defensive system has to change based on my views and my philosophy. As we develop as a unit, the more we know what everyone wants from each other and what’s going to make us a highly effective side. Subsequently the greater the players can drive standards. In time you get to that sweet spot of empowerment that is successful, not freedom that is doomed to disappoint.”