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The Autumn Internationals: Borthwick’s Roses are Ready to Roll

October 30, 2024
Twickenham Stadium

England Rugby are back in action, accompanied with a forgotten confidence as a new generation takes centre stage.

For any English rugby fan, no occasion is more prominent than an international at HQ. Such a blockbuster makes the mouth water, attracting support from all corners of the globe. These games are like gold dust, and all but guarantee an absolute thriller.

This Autumn, we have four.

The Southern Hemisphere are treating us to a quartet of battles against the English, hosted over consecutive November Saturdays in West London. Three of these clashes are already sold out, amplifying the atmosphere of the month’s events.

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Up first: The arch nemesis. For years, the All Blacks treated Twickenham like a playground, rocking up on a cold Winter’s afternoon and leaving with all the laughs on the regular. Facing them became more of a chore than a spectacle, as defeat seemed accepted even before the coin toss.

Yet, more recently, a rebuilding phase has left the once powerhouses there for the taking, after a famous Summer loss to Argentina and World Cup Final defeat to the Springboks. Unfortunately for England though, the side they’re so close to beating is fresh off the back of a 60 point outing in Yokohama. Ouch.

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Second: G’day mate. The Wallabies come to town with one thing in mind – vengeance. In their last 11 encounters, Australia have won just once, edging out a thriller in Perth before England struck back in Brisbane and at The G. Not a good track record.

However, this team is exciting. An injection of fresh faces such as Noah Lolesio and Max Jorgensen have sparked firepower in a backline longing for flair. Near misses throughout the Rugby Championship will surely motivate Joe Schmidt’s young side to break the glooming recent tradition of our Ashes rendition.

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Game three: The best in the world. Oh this one, this will be fireworks.

Rassie and the boys are back in town on a three week vacation. The back to back world champs have assembled a 23 that looks as if it could cruise past the three home nations they face in November. Mind you, their second team looks just as capable.

South Africa will be looking to pounce on a kafuffle surrounding “one of their own”, as their former defence wizard Felix Jones has found himself jailed at the hands of Steve Borthwick’s best man. A decision that has caused a media frenzy… I have an inclination of how this one’s going to play out. I’ll keep it to myself.

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And finally: The Brave Blossoms. Eddie Jones back at the Allianz. I wonder what reception he’ll get…

England face Japan to round off the Autumn series in what is being dubbed as the ‘most winnable’ fixture of the lot. The visitors have faced tough opposition this year, already losing to a 50-point England performance before being embarrassed by a mediocre Georgia side. There’s room to grow, but it’s no mean feat.

Although, these blossoms are ready to bloom. With a strong track record on English soil, you’d assume Japan fancy their chances. If their backs get quick ball and attack reminiscent of 2015, we’re all in trouble.

One thing is for certain, though. This England side are slowly finding their feet. An identity is being crafted and the ship is somewhat heading in the right direction. November is Borthwick’s chance to turn the screw. The perfect opportunity to lay groundwork for a key Six Nations.

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So… matchday one. The Magician vs The Smiling Assassin. Get your popcorn ready.

Author

  • Jamie Morrall

    Jamie is a sports broadcast journalist in London, whose main sporting interests lie in Rugby and Boxing. With experience consisting of live presenting and hosting on an award-winning student radio station, he won't shy away from discussing a good story. Furthermore, Jamie has a strong track-record growing social media channels, having amassed 10M+ TikTok views for his pizza business... and no, they don't sell pineapple. www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemorrall