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The national rugby players are striving to embrace the attacking cricket philosophy pioneered by their cricketing colleagues and strike a significant impact for the team in the run-up to the forthcoming Ashes series. Steve Borthwick and members of his coaching team have conducted discussions with the cricket coach and desire their side to make a rapid and intense start to the Quilter Nations Series in the coming days.

Forward-Thinking Approach Crucial

There is a collective desire within the England camp to show their quality over the next month, and the coach and his defensive coach Richard Wigglesworth have been learning from McCullum's insights on the most effective ways to promote a winning mindset. “We met Brendon McCullum and his support team recently,” explained the defence coach. “We had a chat and a break in the city which was highly productive.

“My questions focused on how he changed attitudes in the national cricket side which was extremely valuable. We also discussed the specifics of training someone personally and how that works. I wouldn’t want to say one main thing because our conversation lasted for a extended period and took loads from it, but they have developed a good thing.

“We also aim to become a side that can triumph in various manners and evolve because all fixtures is different. Our belief is we’ve got a dynamic lineup so we want to play in that manner.”

Forging a New Era

In spite of a sequence of seven straight victories over the past season, England supporters are still anticipating the launch of a spectacular new “Borthwick-style” era to compare with the eye-catching style seen in cricket spearheaded by McCullum and the cricket captain. The next month, however, offer the chance to take a significant leap with the draw for the global tournament scheduled to be announced in winter.

Overcoming the Wallabies on the weekend, coming after the tour team’s recent tour success, would further contribute to counter the Aussies' victory in the recent opening clash before the start of the cricket Ashes. There are multiple dedicated followers of cricket in the national team and the coach thinks the “intense competition” with the Wallabies drives each side. “I think, each team really enjoy competing with each other because the rivalry is unique. Hopefully to secure a win on the weekend.”

Development from Past Tours

The defence coach was additionally involved with the Lions management who won the series in Australia in the past season and thinks every English staff and squad taking part benefited from much from the campaign. He has diplomatically resisted the urge to seek advice from Geoff Parling, the recent Wallaby assistant coach now in charge at Leicester, but states the demands of the tour has had “a major influence” on his style.

“When you work with such elite players, growth is natural, because they’re usually the top instructors. I absolutely loved it, gained invaluable insights, we had a memorable tour and we were victorious. In my opinion, the squad members have seen a change in the lads who were privileged to participate in a prestigious series. Unless you’ve been on one, you may not feel like it. And the squad who were in Argentina have likewise definitely grown. So the both groups have reintegrated extremely smoothly.”

Defensive Refinement

The coach’s position with the national side has changed with him in charge of the squad’s defensive systems, with expert guidance from defensive specialists and coaching staff. Previously, Australia capitalized on some defensive uncertainty to claim victory in the equivalent game, but the opposition may find more resistance now. “Our aim is to desire a dynamic defensive system,” commented the coach, additionally seeking to motivate his squad to react well in challenging situations.

“One great aspect about the sport is that each fixture is different and can be settled in different ways. Is it wet? What’s the referee doing? Each element contribute to the melting pot.” The former Saracens and Sale player is also adamant that giving responsibility to the squad is the path forward for England rather than constantly over-controlling them.

“I won’t decide our defensive system requires adjustment because of me and what I believe. As we grow together, the more we know shared goals within the team and how to build us a successful side. Then the more the squad members are able to take a lead. In time you arrive at that ideal balance of autonomy that is productive, not delegation that is leading to failure.”