Matt Dawson: Ireland Game Could Be England’s ‘Line in the Sand’

World Cup champion Matt Dawson, in his BBC Sport column, offers his thoughts on the recent weekend’s games and evaluates the current form of the home nations. England’s victory against Japan in the autumn was a dominant display, yet it offered limited significant advantages for Steve Borthwick’s team. Such matches present a challenge for motivation, particularly following previous losses to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Nevertheless, Dawson observed several strong individual displays, effective continuity, and control in set-pieces. The difficulty with these kinds of fixtures, he notes, is that performance levels often do not match those of the preceding week. Dawson expressed hope that England would gain valuable lessons from their win, believing they can apply aspects of it to crucial upcoming matches, a characteristic of top teams and players. He questioned if Tommy Freeman would attempt a behind-the-back pass for a game-winning try against South Africa, stating, “I would encourage him to do so.” He acknowledged it “looks fancy and risky” but highlighted the “incredible skills” of these players, wishing to see more such plays. Despite numerous positive aspects, Dawson anticipated that the primary focus of the autumn’s four-week review would regrettably center on defence. He reiterated that the performance against Japan did not reach a standard where England could realistically expect to overcome formidable opponents like South Africa, which serves as a benchmark. Dawson stated, “I wouldn’t bin the blitz defence as a whole.” He explained that elite blitz defence teams understand precisely when to implement it, intensify it, or reduce its aggression. He noted that altering direction at maximum speed is exceptionally challenging, and the nuanced adjustments required in a defensive line are particularly complex. When executed effectively, with control over ruck speed, this defensive strategy becomes overwhelming and extremely difficult to penetrate. Dawson identified England’s primary defensive problem as their continuous application of this method. He argued that international attacks are too sophisticated, citing how “a very average Japan side caused England half a dozen moments of trouble in defence and made them look really shabby.” He suggested the team requires more adaptability and flexibility, needing to grasp when to adopt a less aggressive defensive posture while still achieving the desired result. As an example, he pointed to New Zealand’s defence against Ireland in last year’s World Cup quarter-final, where they “were fast out of the blocks and then drifted, inviting the opposition to run a move and then snuffed it out.” He concluded that improvements would materialize over time, acknowledging that new defence coach Joe El-Abd “hasn’t been there that long,” adding, “I wouldn’t chuck the baby out with the bathwater just yet.” Fin Smith made a strong impression after being introduced from the bench. However, Dawson remarked that if he were to choose a fly-half appearance during England’s four autumn fixtures, the final 20 minutes against Japan would be his preferred option, as Japan “had just been beaten up and are out of the game.” Effective fly-halves continuously observe and dissect the match. Dawson affirmed that Fin Smith is undoubtedly a highly skilled fly-half, and he would have enjoyed seeing him direct play. Yet, he noted that Fin currently faces significant competition, given the substantial decision involved in benching Marcus Smith from the number 10 position. He speculated that this could mark “the beginning of the battle of the Smiths going forward.” While Fin is characterized as a somewhat different player, appearing “more strategic rather than individual,” Marcus has been central to many of the successes achieved during this autumn series. Dawson considered this a welcome predicament for Borthwick, believing it fair for Fin to receive a playing opportunity. He suggested the head coach would gain from observing Fin start at number 10, as it would enable the team to adopt a varied playing style. Marcus, meanwhile, has been England’s standout performer throughout the autumn. He is described as a composed individual who will undoubtedly scrutinize his own displays and aspire to be the fly-half who concludes matches decisively. Dawson anticipated Marcus would return as an improved player for the Six Nations, a progression he has demonstrated during this Autumn Nations Series, noting he “is a better player than he was last year.” Dawson expressed that “the Six Nations can’t come soon enough for England.” He acknowledged that, given their home results, many might foresee a challenging tournament for Borthwick’s squad. However, he believed the England players would be eager to compete and likely wish to begin playing the following week. He sensed their momentum growing, stating that “the proof will be in the pudding as time goes by.” If England dedicates further effort to their defensive structure and systems, Dawson predicted they would have a successful Six Nations campaign. He conceded that the initial match against Ireland is “a huge game,” played away against “one of the top sides in the world,” but suggested “it could be a line in the sand and a real starting point for England.” The team has demonstrated its capability to position itself for victory in significant contests. Dawson doubted whether Ireland retains the exact same strength as 18 months prior, advising to recall “what happened at Twickenham this year when they last met each other.” While “Everything says Ireland will win that game,” he posited that if England can consolidate their strengths, benefit from “the bounce of the ball or the odd call,” and ultimately secure a win, “then maybe that will be the launchpad.” Overall, Dawson anticipated a favorable assessment of the autumn period. He noted that the team would be disappointed by the Australia game, as victory “was in their grasp,” but highlighted that England’s current rugby style is captivating fans, leading them to “come out in their droves.” Dawson asserted that “Nobody in the history of sport has just stepped into a legend’s boots and it’s all gone brilliantly into the next iteration of Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson or Johnny Sexton.” He stressed the necessity for patience. Ireland possesses three promising fly-halves, with Sam Prender