Ahead of 3 huge England matches against Tonga, Australia & South Africa at Twickenham in November, we caught up with Lawrence Dallaglio to preview the Autumn Series
In just over a month England will run out against Tonga for what will be the first game of the Autumn Internationals at Twickenham. After a poor showing the 6 Nations, England will be looking to bounce back with three big performances against Tonga, Australia, and world champions South Africa in November.
Much however has changed since the 6 Nations, particularly with Eddie Jones’ coaching set up. Former England hooker Richard Cockerill has been brought in to work Matt Proudfoot and the forwards, Aussie rugby league convert Anthony Seibold has taken over from John Mitchell on defence and perhaps most interestingly another former St.Helens rugby league star Martin Gleeson has taken over the attack coaching duties. After two years at Wasps where he turned them into one of the most potent attacking teams in the Gallagher Premiership, Gleeson is a welcome addition after England’s meagre points scoring prowess during the 6 Nations.
With the likes of Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Courtney Lawes, Eddie Jones’ training squad features plenty of experience but with the likes of the Vunipola brothers, George Ford and Jamie George all missing out, Jones has selected both youth and form with plenty of young, exciting talent waiting to light up the international stage. Lewis Ludlow and George Martin have been outstanding at club level and with electric backs like Marcus Smith, Adam Radwan and Ollie Sleightholme also included, expect some fireworks from England this Autumn!
In terms of the opposition, Tonga will be hard-hitting and heavy running as always and if the men in white don’t impose their dominance early, it could be a tough afternoon. England will be expected to win comfortably and a good performance against the Pacific Islanders should set them up nicely for what will be a monumental challenge against Australia. The Wallabies are playing an exciting brand of rugby under new coach Dave Rennie and have just completed two successive victories over South Africa in the Rugby Championship, so they are certainly a force to be reckoned with. No England v Australia game is a walk in the park and with this new crop of Wallabies like Noah Lolesio, Lachie Swinton and Harry Wilson combining with the experience of Michael Hooper, Matt Toomua and Quade Cooper, the men in gold will prove a real handful for England.
South Africa will be an extremely tough test for England too – South Africa are still world champions; they conquered the British Lions this summer and combine power and precision in equal measure. The last time England faced the Springboks was in the Rugby World Cup final defeat of 2019 and after what was a tough loss, be sure that Owen Farrell and co will be out to avenge that defeat this autumn.
In advance of what should be a thrilling Autumn Internationals Series played out in front of a full and fervent Twickenham Stadium, we caught up with our Green Room ambassador, the England & Lions legend Lawrence Dallaglio to get his thoughts on what we can expect from England and The Green Room this November. Take a look by clicking below and if you want to be part of the action this November contact us today on 0808 163 5782 or enquiries@hospitalityfinder.co.uk
