this post was submitted on 08 Nov 2024
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Rugby Union
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No way are England top tier right now. But I do agree there is a top 4 then a drop off. Scotland has an inability to crack them and that's the debate about Townsend. As to the why, it's the depth imo that allows them to defend with such ferocity AND attack. Frequently we see one or the other in players, but the top 4 nations have a player pool where the world class do both. They also have player pathways that are world class that develops these individuals, which pays dividends in the long term
I figured with the 3 very close losses two NZ that if I didn't say England were in the top tier then there's a strong argument that NZ aren't either. And given their placings in the World Cup just a year ago I think its fair even if Borthwick's record is only 50/50 over a lot of tests now.