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The nine pre-RWC matches the new England coach has to turn team around
By PA
England’s new coach will have five competitive Tests until the World Cup to reverse the team’s fortunes with the Six Nations getting underway in February.
Beyond the Championship are four warm-up games that will provide opportunities to finalise selection and develop match fitness.
Here the PA news agency looks at the fixtures in store for 2023 before the World Cup opens against Argentina on September 9.
England v Scotland, Twickenham, February 4
Scotland are unpredictable but have lost only one of their last five meetings with England and triumphed at Twickenham in 2021, their first success in London since 1983.
England v Italy, Twickenham, February 12
Italy are showing genuine signs of improvement having won their last two outings against tier one opposition, beating Wales and Australia.
Wales v England, Principality Stadium, February 25
A fascinating contest with Warren Gatland plotting England’s downfall for the first time since beginning his second spell as Wales boss.
England v France, Twickenham, March 11
The first of successive heavyweight clashes, France are the World Cup hosts and favourites having progressed through 2022 with a perfect record.
Ireland v England, Aviva Stadium, March 18
The world’s number one ranked side will be formidable opponents in Dublin, but they have a habit of imploding in World Cup years.
World Cup warm-ups starting against Wales, Principality Stadium, August 5
Although given Test match status, these matches are friendlies with coaches looking to put the finishing touches to selection for their World Cup squads, develop tactics for the tournament and give players time on the field. Two clashes with Wales, Ireland and Fiji are the line-up for August..
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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