England's emphatic 45-22 victory over Australia in the Nations Championship on Sunday marked a significant leap forward for Steve Borthwick's squad, according to former England World Cup winner Matt Dawson. The record points tally against the Wallabies provided a timely boost at the start of the autumn series, especially after a challenging beginning to the year.
A Statement Performance
England were precise, disciplined, and creative, denying Australia any meaningful foothold in the match. Dawson admitted he had expected a tougher contest from the Wallabies but believes the result speaks more to England's excellence than Australia's shortcomings. "I am not saying it was perfect by any stretch, but overall it was a massive step up from the Six Nations and even from the summer Nations Championship games," he noted.
The build-up to the match was overshadowed by a newspaper article alleging player unrest over Borthwick's leadership at the end of the summer tour. Rather than derail the squad, the criticism appeared to galvanise them. "When you are inside those international camps, you stay tight and become very sensitive to any kind of criticism. It draws you together and creates determination," Dawson explained.
Intensity and Accuracy on Display
England's intensity, accuracy, and discipline were evident throughout, addressing the very areas that have been questioned over the past nine months. Dawson praised the tactical approach, noting that the decision-making was controlled and the side looked well-drilled from the outset.
The back three of George Furbank, Tommy Freeman, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso caused constant problems for Australia, with Fin Smith and Henry Slade also integral to the attacking shape. "There is something in that backline that may allow us to see the Slade we see for Exeter, the one we have not seen as much for England," Dawson suggested.
Feyi-Waboso's X-factor was undeniable, with his early disallowed try showcasing his ability to beat defenders with pace and footwork. "When you have players like him who can do that regularly, you gain momentum," Dawson added. The difference in ruck speed and momentum was stark, with England pushing Australia back and creating space for line-breakers like Ben Earl and Henry Pollock.
Fin Smith and the Bench Impact
Fin Smith impressed as a general, controlling the game with safe hands and clear communication. Dawson highlighted the vision of Slade and the threat of the back three, noting that if given half a chance, they will bust the line and finish opportunities. "There were moments where, if New Zealand were doing it, everyone would be raving about how complete those tries were," he said.
Henry Pollock came off the bench to play on the wing after Feyi-Waboso's injury and scored two of England's seven tries. "He has got a winger's speed, the step, great hands, and the power that other wingers do not have. He is going to be a handful," Dawson said. While Pollock's versatility may see him labelled as a significant bench player, Dawson sees it as a fantastic weapon for England.
The entire bench made a difference, reflecting well on Borthwick's selection, which has previously come under fire. "It does not mean the autumn will go swimmingly just because he got one right, but the selection was right, the gameplan was more expansive than I expected, and they nailed the execution," Dawson stated.
Looking Ahead
Tactically, Dawson loved the balance of England's performance: a dominant set-piece, driving mauls, and aggressive defence. However, he stressed the need for consistency. "Can they maintain that discipline and decision-making under more pressure, particularly against New Zealand? They have the assets to overpower Japan, but can they do it by giving away fewer than 10 penalties and keeping 15 on the pitch for 80 minutes?"
If England can tick those boxes, they will carry huge momentum into the New Zealand clash. For now, the record win over Australia is a promising sign that Borthwick's side is moving in the right direction.
