“It’s going to be a tough game. They’re coming off the back of not a good season, they’re coach is under pressure and the players are under pressure. But, they know if they beat England at Twickenham then their whole season turns around.”
As you’d expect Eddie Jones hit the nail on the head when it came to context of this match for this afternoon's opponents. Argentina’s season has been challenging and yet all of the angst would go away in the blink of an eye if they delivered a win today. Whilst publically their Daniel Hourcade has batted the pressure back onto England, we all know that the pressure on England pressure is not the same as Argentina's in fact, it's of a totally different form.
England’s pressure comes from their relentless drive to improve and of course the key difference between them and Argentina is that they’re working off a platform of victories and the confidence that, that provides. Eddie Jones’ side have been focused on this game since they came together for their first camp in August and without question their intention is to make a statement this afternoon. A statement that highlights their continued evolution and development as a side and a statement that’s delivered from by through a slightly ‘new look’ team.
England’s pressure comes from their relentless drive to improve and of course the key difference between them and Argentina is that they’re working off a platform of victories and the confidence that, that provides. Eddie Jones’ side have been focused on this game since they came together for their first camp in August and without question their intention is to make a statement this afternoon. A statement that highlights their continued evolution and development as a side and a statement that’s delivered from by through a slightly ‘new look’ team.
At the heart of that ‘new look’ is Exeter Chiefs’ Henry Slade. The Exeter Chief, like others that Eddie Jones has brought into the squad, hasn’t been thrown in from day dot and instead he has had work incredibly hard on his game in order to earn this start. Yes, Owen Farrell is being rested however we all know that Eddie Jones doesn't hand out starts during the autumn internationals on a whim. If Slade wasn't up to scratch and hadn't delivered the improvement that Jones had asked of him, then he wouldn't have got a look in.
According to his international head coach the centre has learned to work on the ‘little things’ on top of his natural game and what a natural game it is too. His left foot will add a useful kicking option, his feet and ability moving forwards will keep Argentina guessing outside of George Ford and the both of them will create so much for others flat to the line. In short the skills of England's 10, 12 and 13 today are of the highest order and it's a combination that should ooze class and creativity from the word go, despite the slightly slippery conditions here at Twickenham.
According to his international head coach the centre has learned to work on the ‘little things’ on top of his natural game and what a natural game it is too. His left foot will add a useful kicking option, his feet and ability moving forwards will keep Argentina guessing outside of George Ford and the both of them will create so much for others flat to the line. In short the skills of England's 10, 12 and 13 today are of the highest order and it's a combination that should ooze class and creativity from the word go, despite the slightly slippery conditions here at Twickenham.
“We’ve got to make sure that at the start of the game we set the standard and the tone of the game and that’s going to start up front. It’s going to start with the forwards, with Dylan and the front row and it goes back from there. That’s the aim of the game, to put our stamp on up front."
The start. It’s always key but when it comes to playing against a team that you should beat well then it becomes even more important to set the tone.
Eddie Jones broke it down very simply on Thursday afternoon (above) and he is absolutely right. If England’s forwards dominate, own the gain line and own the collisions then the exceptional capabilities and qualities of this hugely exciting backline can thrive.
The long and the short of it today at Twickenham Stadium is that this England side selected has the ability to turn heads with their output later. I’ve not discussed the bench but, when you read the names on it, I don’t need to say too much do I? England’s 'finishers' are individuals that could easily start for this side and all will be chomping at the bit to get out there later. Sam Simmonds' chance has come a little sooner than he expected and today marks the start of a big window of opportunity of him while wouldn't it be great to see Semesa Rokoduguni arrive into the mix in the second half?
The only issue that could de-rail and this all-court performance that I've been discussing and hoping for is the drizzle that's descended on Twickenham Stadium. As yet it hasn't ceased however, I remain hopeful that come kick-off the weather will have sorted itself out! Regardless of the elements I expect to see England make a statement and make it well at the start of this 2017 Old Mutual Wealth Series.
The only issue that could de-rail and this all-court performance that I've been discussing and hoping for is the drizzle that's descended on Twickenham Stadium. As yet it hasn't ceased however, I remain hopeful that come kick-off the weather will have sorted itself out! Regardless of the elements I expect to see England make a statement and make it well at the start of this 2017 Old Mutual Wealth Series.
England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 George Kruis, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Nathan Hughes. Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Danny Care, 22 Alex Lozowski, 23 Semesa Rokoduguni.
Watch the match live on Sky Sports Arena from 2.00pm. Kick-off is 3pm.
