The Rugby World Cup is coming to a close for England as they prepare to face Argentina in the bronze final. But this match holds more significance than just a chance at third place. It marks the end of an era for several players, while also signaling the start of a new chapter for the team under coach Steve Borthwick.
After their semi-final defeat to South Africa, Courtney Lawes, Jonny May, and Manu Tuilagi expressed their thoughts on their England futures. Lawes stated that it’s time for him to retire, May hinted that this might be his last tournament, and Tuilagi admitted he has no plans beyond his current season at Sale.
Ben Youngs, the veteran scrum-half, has also announced his retirement after the Rugby World Cup. And Danny Care, another scrum-half, acknowledged that time is running out on his international career. Even players like Dan Cole, Joe Marler, and captain Owen Farrell, who are over 30, may not be part of the England team for much longer.
But before the final curtain falls, there is still the bronze final against Argentina. It’s an emotional week for many of the players, as it’s their last game and training session in an England jersey. They want to leave the jersey in the best place and are grateful for the opportunity to have played alongside these legends of the game.
The match against Argentina is a rematch of England’s opening game in the World Cup, where they secured a remarkable victory despite an early red card. It was George Ford’s drop-goal kicking that sealed the win. England’s journey in the tournament has been a mix of hard-fought wins, dominant performances, and a heartbreakingly close loss to South Africa.
Looking ahead, the Six Nations opener against Italy is just a few months away. While it marks the beginning of a new era for the national team, Jonny May believes that coach Steve Borthwick is the right person to lead the team to success. May describes Borthwick as a hard-working man with an analytical brain and a unique approach to the game.
Borthwick, who has a degree in economics with politics, has already made plans for the future. With the retirement of key players and the potential departure of others, he faces the challenge of reshaping the team post-World Cup. In the bronze final, Borthwick has named an experimental team that combines experienced players with the next generation of stars.
Despite the tough times, Borthwick remains optimistic. He believes that in adversity, there is always a seed of brilliance that will grow and shape the future. It may be too early to find that seed now, but he is determined to uncover it and ensure that there is something to build on.
As England prepares for their bronze final clash, they bid farewell to legends and embrace the dawn of a new era. It’s a bittersweet moment, but one filled with hope and excitement for what lies ahead.