England have a chance to set up a marker before the World Cup in Dublin. Photo: PA/Brian Lawless
Could this be the moment when England's sluggish World Cup preparations finally come to life?
The controversy that raged all week after Owen Farrell's red card could cast a shadow over Steve's team Borthwick.
But as unbelievable as it sounds, amid the worry and frustration over outward outrage over Farrell's tackle on Wales striker Thane Basham and the ensuing disciplinary process, there could still be something of a silver lining for England.
Reading between the lines of Borthwick's spirited and impassioned defense of his captain at the press conference upon the England team's arrival in Dublin on Thursday evening, one could sense that the incident also served as a rallying cry for a team to come together as they attempted to create a new identity in the quest to the World Cup.
Borthwick's frustration is genuine that the disciplinary process that first acquitted his captain by downgrading a red card to a yellow has now been challenged by World Rugby and is now interrupted for another week.
But smart coaches also exploit such traumatic events, to their advantage. If Borthwick was looking for a crucial moment to get closer before leaving for France, their captain's plight provided a scenario that could be used.
There was already a feeling in the group that their 12-man rearguard against Wales to snatch victory at Twickenham had given them a cornerstone from which to build some momentum. Now the internal outrage over the treatment of their captain seems to have had a stimulating effect on the team's morale.
«This week's theme was England,» one source said.
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'England' that was the topic in this week's workout. Photo: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns
Imagine this week's internal messaging: “You thought this was going to be easy? The bases are set against us. We'll have to do it ourselves.”
What also became apparent was how strong Farrell's leadership is valued within the band. It is said that his mere presence in a group increases the intensity of training by 10 percent. Now that the world and his dog seem to be having fun in the Saracen hemisphere, any sense of clubbing seems to have melted away.
The call for the Rugby World Cup has now once again cast doubt on his participation in the start of the World Cup — even a three-week ban, a half-point sanction for a dangerous tackle to the head, would have ruled him out of England's most important pool match. first match against Argentina on 9 September. Thus, the team was left with no choice but to roll up their sleeves and prepare for the worst.
The Plan B variant of George Ford starting without Farrell in the center but instead with the powerful Manu Tuilagi now looks like Plan A. Joe Marchant, who played outside of Tuilagi on Saturday, was one of the success stories of the two games against Wales . while Ford's distribution and vision will be key in an attempt to bring out the attacking prowess of flankers Elliot Daly and Anthony Watson, who will be asked to roam behind their midfield.
The stack in front is charged with power. Ben Earl is vying for an open wing start, Tom Curry is still battling an ankle injury, and Courtney Lowes will offer a more subdued but equally effective leadership style in Farrell's absence.
It is important to remember the context of what is effectively another «pre-season» test game. But with Ireland picking what is their forte and trying to fix what they felt was under par in their Six Nations Grand Slam win over England in March, Borthwick should get a clear picture of how resilient and adaptive his side is. A win would completely change the dynamic, but it feels like a loss to the world's number one team could do the same.
A few words about Farrell. It's hard to imagine a more eventful and emotional week for a player before what could be his last World Cup.
It was a bad tackle, and the disciplinary procedure had no effect on it. help with the image of the game. However, to see the heartfelt reaction of his father Andy, head coach of the Republic of Ireland, on Thursday when his son shed light on how hard this has been for the family.
The Farrells have always displayed a completely professional and emotionally resilient appearance while facing challenges of coach-player dynamics. But it was hard not to be moved to see Farrell Sr.'s mask slipped from his desperation over the personal attacks on his son.
Warren Gatland, chief of Wales, who has been critical of Farrell's tackling technique that resulted in his player being pulled out of the competition for failing a head injury evaluation, agrees that the personal taunts have «crossed the line».
Manu Tuilagi is back at the center of the England team. Photo: Reuters/Andrew Cooldridge. The New Zealand press went below the belt during the Lions tour in 2017, when his son Byrne played against tourists, and said he understood Andy Farrell's reaction.
“What I love about sports is having opinions and differences of opinion and creating a little debate, and so a lot of people said they thought it was a red card,” Gatland said.
“But when it's getting personal and that's what it's become, it's just unacceptable, it crosses the line.
«It's just a loud minority that people pay attention to and that's just disappointing to me because Owen of that doesn't deserve it.
«I remember a headline in the New Zealand Herald the day we played Barbarians and it was like 'Gatland Targets Barbarian Weakness — His Son'.» They [the Farrells] have a professional look and poise, but I always talk about the importance of family and how it comes first. I remember walking up to Breen before that game and he was halfway there and I hugged him and said, «Man, I hope you play well tonight.» This is what you want for your family.
«I totally understand Andy's reaction to this because he really wants to support his son and he obviously saw what was said.»
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