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The national rugby team are striving to implement the Bazball ethos led by their cricketing colleagues and land a significant statement for the nation in the run-up to the upcoming Ashes series. Steve Borthwick and assistants of his backroom team have conducted talks with Brendon McCullum and aim their squad to begin with a rapid and intense opening to the Quilter Nations Series on Saturday.

Confident Attitude Essential

There is a shared ambition within the England setup to make a statement over the coming weeks, and the coach and his defensive coach Wigglesworth have been consulting the cricket coach's brain on the optimal ways to promote a winning mindset. “Our meeting with Brendon McCullum and his support team last month,” shared the defence coach. “We had a meeting and a break in the city which was quite insightful.

“My questions focused on the transformation of approaches in English cricket which was extremely valuable. We also explored the details of coaching someone personally and how that works. It’s hard to pinpoint one main thing because we sat for a good period of time and gained numerous insights, but they’re on to a winning formula.

“We also aim to become a squad that can win in various manners and adjust because every game is unique. We feel we’ve got a flexible squad so we want to perform accordingly.”

Developing a Modern Style

In spite of a run of seven consecutive victories over the past season, England supporters are still hoping for the launch of a spectacular new “Borthball” approach to rival the dynamic aggressive cricket model led by the cricket coach and the cricket captain. The coming weeks, nevertheless, present the opportunity to take a significant step forward with the group selection for the 2027 Rugby World Cup due to be made in December.

Beating the Australian side on the weekend, following closely the British & Irish Lions’s victorious campaign, would additionally contribute to counter the Aussies' win in the previous first rugby league Ashes Test prior to the commencement of the cricket Ashes. There are several dedicated cricket enthusiasts in the England rugby squad and Wigglesworth thinks the “great rivalry” with Australia drives the two nations. “I think, the two squads truly love competing with each other because there’s something there. Hopefully to stick one on the board on Saturday.”

Development from Elite Environments

Wigglesworth was also a member of the tour coaching staff who achieved victory in Australia this summer and thinks all the English coaches and players participating learned a lot from the campaign. He has tactfully declined the temptation to consult the former Wallaby coach, the recent Wallaby assistant coach at the helm at Leicester, but says the challenges of the tour has had “a big impact” on his style.

“When you work with top-level athletes, you can’t help but learn, because they’re usually the best teachers. It was a fantastic experience, learned loads, we had a memorable tour and we were victorious. In my opinion, the squad members have seen a change in the lads who were lucky enough to go on a Lions tour. Until you’ve experienced it, you may not understand. And the team who were in the tour have also definitely grown. So the both groups have come back together really nicely.”

Defensive Refinement

The coach’s position with England has shifted with him currently overseeing the squad’s defensive systems, with specialist input from defensive specialists and Byron McGuigan. In the corresponding fixture last season, the Wallabies took advantage of some gaps in the line to win the equivalent game, but the opposition may find tighter defence this time. “We definitely want a aggressive defensive system,” stated Wigglesworth, also aiming to inspire his players to react well in adversity.

“One great aspect about the sport is that every game is different and can be won in multiple styles. Is it wet? What’s the referee doing? These factors go into the game plan.” The former Saracens and Sale scrum-half is furthermore adamant that giving responsibility to the squad is the path forward for England rather than always directing every move them.

“What I’m not going to do go this defence requires adjustment because of me and what I believe. The more we grow together, the more we are aware of shared goals mutually and how to build us a really good side. Subsequently the more the players are able to drive standards. Eventually you arrive at that sweet spot of trust that is successful, not freedom that is leading to failure.”