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England's rugby squad are aiming to implement the attacking cricket philosophy pioneered by their cricketing colleagues and deliver a pre-emptive blow for the team ahead of the upcoming Ashes series. The head coach and members of his backroom team have held discussions with Brendon McCullum and aim their side to get off to a fast and furious kickoff to the Quilter Nations Series on Saturday.

Positive Approach Key

There is a collective goal within the England setup to make a statement over the autumn period, and the coach and his defensive coach Wigglesworth have been picking the cricket coach's insights on the best ways to promote a confident mindset. “Our meeting with the cricket strategist and his support team a few weeks ago,” shared Wigglesworth. “We had a meeting and a break in Manchester which was very enjoyable.

“My questions focused on the transformation of approaches in the national cricket side which was extremely valuable. But then explored the technicalities of guiding someone personally and practical applications. I wouldn’t want to say a single takeaway because we sat for a extended period and took loads from it, but they have developed a winning formula.

“Additionally aim to become a side that can triumph in multiple different ways and adjust because all fixtures is distinct. We feel we possess a dynamic lineup so our intention is to perform in that manner.”

Forging a Fresh Approach

In spite of a streak of seven successive successes this year, England supporters are still hoping for the arrival of a impressive new “Borthball” approach to compare with the eye-catching style seen in cricket spearheaded by the cricket coach and Ben Stokes. The next month, nevertheless, present the opportunity to take a major advance with the draw for the global tournament set to be conducted in December.

Beating the Wallabies on Saturday, coming after the British & Irish Lions’s summer series triumph, would also contribute to counter the Aussies' victory in the recent first rugby league Ashes Test ahead of the commencement of the upcoming cricket. There are a number of avid cricket fans in the rugby side and the coach feels the “great rivalry” with Australia drives both teams. “Personally, both sides truly love competing with each other because there’s something there. With luck to secure a win on Saturday.”

Learning from Past Tours

Wigglesworth was additionally involved with the tour coaching staff who tasted success in the tour this summer and thinks all the English coaches and players taking part learned plenty from the tour. He has diplomatically declined the inclination to speak with the former Wallaby coach, the recent Wallaby assistant coach at the helm at Leicester, but says the challenges of the series has had “a big impact” on his coaching approach.

“If you’re working with top-level athletes, learning is inevitable, because they tend to be the greatest educators. I absolutely loved it, developed significantly, it was a memorable tour and success was achieved. Personally, the squad members have observed a transformation in the players who were fortunate to be part of a Lions tour. Unless you’ve taken part, you may not understand. And the team who were in Argentina have likewise definitely grown. So the both groups have come back together very well.”

Defensive Refinement

Wigglesworth’s role with England has changed with him now presiding over the team’s defence, with expert guidance from defensive specialists and coaching staff. In the corresponding fixture last season, Australia exploited some defensive uncertainty to win the same match, but the away side are likely to face more resistance this time. “Our aim is to aim for a aggressive defensive system,” stated Wigglesworth, also seeking to motivate his team to react well in tough moments.

“One great aspect about the match is that each fixture is different and can be decided in various manners. Weather conditions? Officiating style? These factors form part of the melting pot.” The former Saracens and Sale scrum-half is also certain that trusting the team is the way ahead for the side rather than continuously over-controlling them.

“My approach is not decide this defence requires adjustment because of me and my philosophy. As we develop as a unit, the more we know what everyone wants within the team and how to build us a really good team. Subsequently the greater the squad members get to assume responsibility. In time you arrive at that optimal point of autonomy that is productive, not delegation that is leading to failure.”