England and Tonga shared a physical battle one that finished off the weekend well and tonga proved staunch opposition in England’s first game. From the games beginning Tonga and England brought full blooded ferocity with close quarters being the theme of the opening salvoes.
Whilst lacking the open play skills of Fiji, Tonga brought a physicality that England on occasion struggled to cope with. However, while the result was never really in doubt it was of benefit for England able to get players up to World Cup intensity in a game unlikely to derail them to the extent of 2015.
It was clear that Eddie was ready for this first game, his four years of preparations finally put in place as he began to finally build his masterpiece. His preferred midfieldback, using the talent of George Ford, the aggressive Farrell and the baulking Tuilagi. While the back line has gone through many iterations, it has come together in time for the world cup.
But whilst the backline usually are the media’s focus, it has been the forwards where England have struggled, unable to get a true sevensicne 2015, Eddie has found his men in Ludlam, Curry and Underhill. The physical nature of these 3 are perfect to see Eddie’s plan.
In the first minute of the game v Tonga, England brought a physical nature, Underhill and Lawes combine to begin a tackle in which Sinckler gets pinged for not rolling. But the very nature in which England attempted to assert dominance and show their strength is interesting. They attempt to hold up a Tongan player rather than attempting to settle in and let Tonga burn themselves against an English defence. While the outcome is negative, England have set their stall out.
Just a minute later they are at again.. Vunipola the final piece of the back row jigsaw combining with Marler to hold up the Tongan attack. With farrell joining the three of them show the strength of England. It may also however show a slight weakness, as against better teams if they try this tactic they may get pinned in again. Also against dominant carries it is difficult with Vuinopola able to catch the Tongan before he can change his height. A key game in exploiting this was Wales in the Six Nations. While the line speed helps England it can also wear them out. However this picking holes and weaknesses for the sake of it. England were rusty but the strength and solidity of their line with the bedding in of technique was the main aspect of Tonga, not the ability to score 90 points.
In defence England also didn’t switch off. Compared to 38 all draw at Twickenham, England maintained pressure and didn’t let Tonga to get a score. That being said, they will want to sure up their defence, with Tonga able to get out of their own 50, 50% of the time a Stat which will become higher against teams with stronger carriers, and most importantly kicking games.
The English were rusty, against tonga. The intensity exposed England not apparently ready for a world cup mentality at times. Physically they matched Tonga and bettered them on most occassions but at times they made stupid errors, generally brining the jury against the performance.
One example of this was in the 24th Minute when England gave away a penalty for forming a maul before contact. These sort of basic errors shouldn’t be made by a team of England’s level. THey also seem to completely rely on Billy Vuinopola. Whilst it is not completely unheard of for a team to rely on one player, England change completely when he is unsuccessful.
A huge it from Tonga sent Billy crashing back, leaving his support in front and allowing Tonga to compete and shut down England’s attack. More worryingly perhaps was Joe Marlers reaction, rather than dealing with the ruck he stays offside and ha wordswith Tonga rather than approaching the job at hand.
Following this England begin to throw the ball around. Farrell and Youngs struggling to focus. Whilst partially down to the urgency caused by the need to quickly remove the ball from a less than secure ruck, you would expect better of Farrell and Yougns given their experience. This lack of calmness when under ferocious pressure may just cause England to waste chances.
At the next ruck England are also slow to resource it. Underhill having already cleared the previous ruck has to attend it again with Tonga getting 3 players in the same space where there is one Kyle Sinckler who has to try and clear up the mess he has received. This careless pla does show a slight crack in England, one perhaps not easy to fix.
Im sorry this post has been incredibly England centric but Tonga offered incredibly litte.THis mainly due to an efficient England. England prevented Tonga so much that Tonga hadn’t started an attack in the England 22 before the 55 minute. They were playing poorly, but offered some opportunities they just couldn’t finish. They did finish with 2 chances in England’s 22, but from the entire game lacked any bite in attack as opposed to they’re passionate defence. Tonga scored only 0.1 points per opportunity showing a need t get stronger, but perhaps more due to England’s stifling than Tonga’s own failings.
Looking forward Tonga will get better, the pool is one full of upsets, with Strong teams throughout so whilst they may sneak a win it seems unlikely but the pure Tongan ferocity led to problems for England. England survived and for all the talk of them looking poor, this seemed to be down to a game against not so great opposition, whilst them also struggling to control some areas of the game. It was still a marker but not perhaps as big as they were expected to put down.
The Analysis Guy 