Steve Borthwick’s England senses a golden opportunity ahead of their second Test against the All Blacks, while Ireland and Wales face daunting tasks in their series against South Africa and Australia, respectively, all live on Sky Sports.
England’s Opportunity to Beat the All Blacks on New Zealand Soil
In the final quarter of last week’s Test in Dunedin, England led New Zealand, eyeing their first win on Kiwi soil since 2003. Though they ultimately lost by a point, England knows they are very much in contention. The All Blacks are under immense pressure from their media and public ahead of the second and final Test at Eden Park. England’s form has seen a significant turnaround since the 2024 Six Nations, where they denied Ireland a Grand Slam, showcasing their ability to play on the front foot rather than relying on negative tactics.
Key players for England include Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who has shown game-changing potential, and the Northampton trio of Alex Mitchell, George Furbank, and Tommy Freeman. Inside-centre Ollie Lawrence has emerged as one of the best in his position, while Chandler Cunningham-South and George Martin are seen as mainstays of the forward pack. The resurgence of Maro Itoje and Sam Underhill to their 2019 form further bolsters England’s chances.
Ireland’s Uphill Battle Against South Africa
Ireland heads into the second Test against the World Cup-winning Springboks missing several key players, including Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, and Jack Conan. The Irish outlook has darkened further after a bruising opening Test defeat in Pretoria, compounded by serious injuries to Dan Sheehan and Craig Casey.
The first Test saw controversial TMO calls against Ireland, including a disallowed James Lowe try and a contentious Cheslin Kolbe try for South Africa, adding to Ireland’s frustrations. Head coach Andy Farrell has acknowledged the challenges but remains focused on addressing the inconsistencies and moving forward.
Pressure Mounts on Gatland as Wales Struggles
Warren Gatland’s Wales faces immense pressure after seven consecutive losses, including a wooden spoon finish in the 2024 Six Nations and a recent defeat to Australia. The team has transitioned from an experienced, successful squad to a young, struggling side unable to secure victories.
Gatland, who previously guided Wales to three Six Nations Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals, now faces calls for change. Despite the challenges, Gatland emphasizes the need to keep working hard and developing the team’s ability to handle pressure and turn close games into wins.
Credit: Sky Sports
