Ford and Blackett rise as England begin bid for World Cup contention

Date: Saturday, November 1 Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

England have yet to establish themselves as a genuine contenders for the Australian Rugby World Cup in 2027.

With victories over Ireland in 2024 and France this year, England has shown signs of potential in the next two years, and new players have given Steve Borthwick’s side new life.

But they are still far from the top table, ranking fifth in the world rankings, despite having won a Six Nations title since 2020 or a notable victory over one of the southern hemisphere’s elite since 2022.

The chances of that narrative being changed by the autumn matches against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Argentina.

Two years after the showpiece event, it’s not a bad idea to be on the fringe of the world’s best, but the time has come to make a decision.

England captain Maro Itoje stated to BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly that “the ceiling for this team is right up at the sky.” You want to win trophies when you represent England, such as World Cups and Six Nations.

This team has no doubts about that goal. We must collaborate, coordinate, and foster a sense of unity.

“We must win games like the one we have in front of us]against Australia to achieve those goals.” This weekend is very important because of this.

England have now won seven games after their disappointing opening Six Nations defeat to Ireland.

Some of their best rugby under Borthwick was showcased in an impressive series victory in Argentina while their British and Irish Lions were away in Australia.

Late-game errors cost England last autumn when both the Wallabies, who are now much stronger, and the All Blacks won.

In an effort to maintain intensity well into the match, Borthwick has placed six Lions on the bench for the game against Australia, including Ellis Genge and Tom Curry.

Although there are improvements and more depth being added, England must now start beating the best consistently.

When the game becomes a little stale, Itoje said, “It’s about how hard we are willing to work to fix problems.”

It’s about how we react and support one another when faced with hardship.

With 102 international caps, Itoje noticed a change after returning to camp after serving as a Lion, and Ford’s leadership and high training standards were key factors in his choice.

Itoje said, “I didn’t train in the first mini-camp.” When I watched training, I was surprised at how intense it was.

“This is pretty full-on,” I thought as I walked through the training. Being a part of the team and seeing what we can do over the weekend are both exciting.

After helping the team win three games from three in the summer, former Bath coach Lee Blackett has been appointed England’s full-time attack coach.

His expansive style, which helped Bath win the Premiership title last season, has quickly been adopted, and Ford has played a key role in putting his ideas into practice.

Tom Roebuck, Freddie Steward, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, the back three of Saturday’s summer tour, are familiar with Blackett’s style.

Tommy Freeman, the starting Lions wing, will be the subject of much discussion over the weekend.

After only one warm-up match against Fiji, Schmidt’s side entered the opening Test unprepared due to a 2-1 Lions series defeat in the summer, leaving them with plenty of “what ifs.”

Will Skelton will miss Saturday’s game because it falls outside the international window for the release of overseas players, which was a big factor in the series. The intimidating La Rochelle lock will also miss Saturday’s game.

Additionally, Schmidt is unable to pick experienced fly-half James O’Connor, who is currently with the Leicester Tigers, and Exeter Chiefs duo Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper, who will succeed Les Kiss as head coach next year.

Although the timing of the Test may still favor England, who could have chosen from a full-strength squad, he can still call on two real game-changers in outside center Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and flanker Rob Valetini.

In the world rankings, the Wallabies are two places below Borthwick’s side after defeating South Africa and Argentina in a recent game.

A win on Saturday would not automatically make England World Cup contenders, but a more composed, clinical performance would demonstrate their unwavering commitment to achieving that goal.

However, a home defeat would indicate that they will continue to lead the pack in the post-world elite, despite the fact that their opponents, who have played Tests in September and October, are arguably more knowledgeable.

Without a doubt, winning the Webb Ellis Trophy would be a dream, according to Itoje. “The true pinnacle of rugby is lifting that trophy,” Itoje said.

I want to be a part of it, and this team, in my opinion, can do it.

Cowan-Dickie, Genge, Stuart, Coles, T. Curry, Pollock, Spencer, and F. Smith are the replacements.

Kellaway, Jorgensen, Suaalii, Paisami, Potter, Edmed, Gordon, Bell, Pollard, Tupuo, Frost, Williams, Valentini, McReight, Wilson (capt.), and others.

James Doleman (New Zealand) and Craig Evans (Wales) serve as assistant referees.