After a long wait, England’s rugby team finally kicked off their November Test series with a convincing win over Australia, and there’s plenty to unpack from that performance.
Steve Borthwick’s squad showed glimpses of the quality that could see them triumph in all four of their autumn fixtures, but the first victory is just the beginning.
A Win That Shows Promise, but Highlights Work to Do
England deservedly beat Australia, finishing 25-7, and while that scoreline looks comfortable, there are clear areas for improvement.
The biggest focus has to be the breakdown. England gave away 13 penalties and lost possession six times in contact situations.
Against Australia, this didn’t cost them too much, but when New Zealand comes calling later this month, those mistakes could be far more costly.
Borthwick himself acknowledged the issue after the match: “We didn’t do our jobs well enough.
We have some work to do in that area this week.” That honesty is encouraging and shows the team understands what needs to be fixed before the next challenge.
Physicality and Intensity: England’s Strong Suit
One of the standout positives from the game was England’s sheer physical presence.
Watching the team live at Twickenham, it’s clear they carry real strength in the forwards.
At half-time, the lead was only 10-7, but the second half saw the impact of the bench come through brilliantly.
Players like Henry Pollock, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, and Tom Curry brought an extra layer of energy, lifting intensity to a new level.
Pollock, in particular, made a huge impression.
In just two appearances as a replacement, he has already scored three tries in 36 minutes of play—a remarkable contribution for any player.
His force of personality and energy make him a unique asset for England.
Tactical Choices and Room to Grow in Attack
England’s kicking game, led by Alex Mitchell and George Ford, was smart given the wet conditions, but it also limited opportunities for the outside backs to shine.
Tommy Freeman, for example, had a quiet match, but this was more about the game plan than his performance.
Freeman is still developing in the No 13 jersey, and he should remain a key part of the backline as he grows into the role.
The tries from Ben Earl and Pollock showed that England can capitalize on contestable kicks, and there’s promise for more creativity as the squad becomes more fluid in attack.
Looking Ahead: Fiji and the All Blacks
Next up is Fiji, who pose a different kind of challenge.
While England’s forwards made a huge impact against Australia, Borthwick is likely to keep Pollock on the bench for now, trusting in the consistency of his selections.
Fiji should not be underestimated—they famously beat England at Twickenham in a warm-up match before the 2023 World Cup, a lesson Borthwick will be keen to remind his players of.
The real test, though, will be against the All Blacks.
If England can tidy up their breakdown issues and maintain possession effectively, they have every chance of claiming victory.
Success in that game will define England’s autumn campaign, but the team is in a strong position to rise to the challenge.
A Positive Trajectory
With eight consecutive wins under their belt, England are building momentum.
A victory against Fiji would extend that run to nine, setting the stage for a showdown with New Zealand.
The autumn series has started well, and with continued focus on key areas, England’s team could be on the cusp of something very special.