Ben Youngs has shed light on England's tactical playbook as they gear up for a fiery encounter against Scotland in the Six Nations at Edinburgh. With the recent team announcement by Steve Borthwick favoring Maro Itoje and Luke Cowan-Dickie as starters, the dynamics on the field are poised for a shakeup. As England looks to dominate the Calcutta Cup match, the integration of a high-kicking game from the outset is anticipated.
Youngs, in an in-depth discussion on the 'For The Love Of Rugby' show, highlighted the strategic shift in England's game plan. "They will go to the air, try to win back the contestable. We saw France do it against Ireland and win. We’ll see more of it from England up in Scotland," he explained. This aerial approach aims to disrupt Scotland’s robust multi-phase attacks, which Youngs believes are central to their game plan.
Discussing the team changes, Youngs pinpointed the significant roles of players like Cowan-Dickie, who brings a potent threat at the breakdown. "When I look at that (England) team, you’ve suddenly got Luke Cowan-Dickie, who can jackal, a real good jackal threat," he noted. The strategic deployment of players who excel in jackaling ensures that England could effectively slow down Scotland’s rhythm and maintain control of the game tempo.
"England are going to target that breakdown and slow them up, especially with those guys having free licence to go at it."
Despite the comfortable lead against Wales in their last game, the second half saw England's performance taper off. Youngs voiced concerns over the bench's impact, stressing the necessity for a more clinical display in Scotland, particularly through players like Jamie George. Dan Cole, joining the conversation, disagreed on the tactical use of George, suggesting an aggressive start could benefit England more substantially.
"Cowan-Dickie is, in some regards, a better scrummager than Jamie George; he’s more aggressive, you can see the effects he has had at Sale."
Regarding the Scottish lineup, Youngs ruled out a recall for Duhan van der Merwe, citing his vulnerability under high balls despite his impressive scoring history against England. Instead, Youngs expects other Scottish backs who excel in aerial play to step up.
The discussion also touched on England’s bench dynamics, with Youngs supporting Fin Smith's selection over Marcus Smith due to his structured gameplay suited to Borthwick’s strategy. This selection underscores a trust in Smith's ability to steer England’s structured game plan effectively, even in potential backline shifts caused by injuries.
As the teams prepare for the upcoming clash, the tactical insights from seasoned players like Youngs and Cole not only illuminate the strategic underpinnings of the national squads but also set the stage for a riveting encounter in the Six Nations.
England team lineup: Maro Itoje, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Alex Coles, Jamie George, and Fin Smith.
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Ben Youngs has shed light on England's tactical playbook as they gear up for a fiery encounter against Scotland in the Six Nations at Edinburgh. With the recent team announcement by Steve Borthwick favoring Maro Itoje and Luke Cowan-Dickie as starters, the dynamics on the field are poised for a shakeup. As England looks to dominate the Calcutta Cup match, the integration of a high-kicking game from the outset is anticipated.
Youngs, in an in-depth discussion on the 'For The Love Of Rugby' show, highlighted the strategic shift in England's game plan. "They will go to the air, try to win back the contestable. We saw France do it against Ireland and win. We’ll see more of it from England up in Scotland," he explained. This aerial approach aims to disrupt Scotland’s robust multi-phase attacks, which Youngs believes are central to their game plan.
Discussing the team changes, Youngs pinpointed the significant roles of players like Cowan-Dickie, who brings a potent threat at the breakdown. "When I look at that (England) team, you’ve suddenly got Luke Cowan-Dickie, who can jackal, a real good jackal threat," he noted. The strategic deployment of players who excel in jackaling ensures that England could effectively slow down Scotland’s rhythm and maintain control of the game tempo.
"England are going to target that breakdown and slow them up, especially with those guys having free licence to go at it."
Despite the comfortable lead against Wales in their last game, the second half saw England's performance taper off. Youngs voiced concerns over the bench's impact, stressing the necessity for a more clinical display in Scotland, particularly through players like Jamie George. Dan Cole, joining the conversation, disagreed on the tactical use of George, suggesting an aggressive start could benefit England more substantially.
"Cowan-Dickie is, in some regards, a better scrummager than Jamie George; he’s more aggressive, you can see the effects he has had at Sale."
Regarding the Scottish lineup, Youngs ruled out a recall for Duhan van der Merwe, citing his vulnerability under high balls despite his impressive scoring history against England. Instead, Youngs expects other Scottish backs who excel in aerial play to step up.
The discussion also touched on England’s bench dynamics, with Youngs supporting Fin Smith's selection over Marcus Smith due to his structured gameplay suited to Borthwick’s strategy. This selection underscores a trust in Smith's ability to steer England’s structured game plan effectively, even in potential backline shifts caused by injuries.
As the teams prepare for the upcoming clash, the tactical insights from seasoned players like Youngs and Cole not only illuminate the strategic underpinnings of the national squads but also set the stage for a riveting encounter in the Six Nations.
England team lineup: Maro Itoje, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Alex Coles, Jamie George, and Fin Smith.