England rekindled hopes of reaching the Nations Championship final at Allianz Stadium on November 29 after dismantling Australia 45-22 on Sunday.
Here, we look at five things we learned from the autumn opener.
Show of force for Borthwick
That England’s players are fully behind their head coach was the only conclusion to draw from a seven-try rout of the Wallabies. Steve Borthwick had been thrust into the spotlight by a report claiming there was squad unrest over the environment he had created, which came to a head on the July tour. A show of loyalty at Twickenham was promised by senior players and the team duly delivered, producing one of the most impressive performances of Borthwick’s reign to remove the doubt lingering over whether he will still be in place for next year’s World Cup.
Pollock shows his versatility
An afternoon that ticked so many boxes was headlined by Henry Pollock’s successful conversion from back row to wing, where he replaced the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Two tries and his customary theatrics lit up the flamboyant 21-year-old’s 40 minutes on the pitch and it is to Borthwick’s credit that he has uncovered another ‘hybrid’ player capable of covering multiple positions, following in the footsteps of Ben Earl, who is now an option at inside centre as well as back row.
Fitness concerns dog England gamebreaker
Recalling the damage he inflicted upon Argentina in their last outing, England launched Feyi-Waboso as frequently as possible on Sunday and were rewarded with a series of explosive carries from a wing who specialises in beating multiple defenders. But fitness continues to be a concern for this world-class talent, who was withdrawn at half-time because of an ankle injury that jeopardises his involvement against Japan on Saturday. Another campaign could be wiped out by injury and England need their most dangerous runner fit if they to challenge for the World Cup.
No cards, no problems
In a pleasing development, England stamped out the ruinous disciplinary flaws that produced 15 yellow cards in their previous eight Tests this year. For once they kept 15 players on the field and flourished as a result, conceding only seven penalties as they racked up their highest points total in the fixture. It follows a pledge made by Borthwick’s players to each other during a camp in the build-up to the autumn to end a weakness that was undermining their game.
Advantage England
Henry Slade commanded the midfield in a man-of-the-match display and there were a host of standout performers as England gained a psychological edge on Australia by destroying them in their last meeting before a projected quarter-final collision at the World Cup in Sydney on October 31. Much can happen between now and then and surely the only way is up for the Wallabies given their Twickenham misfire, but Borthwick’s men will fancy their chances if they meet again in a year’s time.