Imagine facing a 7-foot tall cardboard cutout of a legendary rugby player, staring you down as you walk into the meeting room. That’s the unique preparation method employed by Eddie Jones, the coach of the English rugby team, as they geared up to face the mighty All Blacks.
For Brad Shields, a New Zealand-born back-rower who qualified to play for England through his parents, the opportunity to take on his homeland was a surreal and cherished memory.
“It was one of the fondest moments of my rugby career,” Shields reminisced. “Playing against my mates from New Zealand was a dream come true. If you can’t play for the All Blacks, playing against them is the next best thing.”
But here’s where it gets controversial… Shields believes that England, under the leadership of head coach Steve Borthwick, has the potential to impose their physical dominance on the All Blacks, just as South Africa did in Wellington.
“Steve Borthwick is a tight forward at heart, and I know he’s particular about the physical battle and set-piece. But they also have the ability to play an expansive game. It will be interesting to see which style they choose to employ.”
As the two teams collide this weekend at Twickenham, Shields will be an interested observer, eager to see if England can make it 10 successive victories and if New Zealand can continue their journey towards a Grand Slam.
And this is the part most people miss… the mental game. Shields hints at the importance of getting into the opposition’s minds, suggesting there might be some fireworks and niggles off the ball.
So, who do you think will come out on top? Will England’s physical dominance prevail, or will the All Blacks’ legendary status carry them through? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!