X-ray England, Itoje the winning factor – OA Sport

<! – ->
Approaches the final of the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan and Saturday morning in Yokohama England and South Africa will take the field. The predictions of the eve see Eddie Jones favorite XV, especially after the clear victory in the semifinals against the All Blacks. And if the Australian coach has confirmed himself as the extra weapon for the British team, looking at the players it is difficult to find weaknesses.

Starting from the front line, where England can field one of the best, if not the best, pylon in activity today. Mako Vunipola is devastating, precise in closed scrum and very strong ball in hand. Guarantees in touche are given by Jamie George, do not be fooled by the mistake that cost the goal with New Zealand, and is another top level ball carrier. If you add the possibility of having an expert pillar like Joe Marler on the bench we understand how the British can defend themselves against any opponent.

He was elected man of the match against the All Blacks and his performance was nothing short of incredible. Let's talk about Maro Itoje (in the photo), second line of only 25 years, but that is a predestined and one of the products of Eddie Jones which made him debut at age 21 in the 6 Nations. Precise in touche, he is a deadly ball hunter and a devastating tackler, as New Zealanders learned on their skin. And paired with another mastiff like Courtney Lawes is a fantastic second line. Speaking of tacklers and balloon hunters with few rivals in the world, even the third English line is perfect. If Sam Underhill put on a show in the semifinals, Tom Curry and Billy Vunipola are no less able to guarantee many stolen balls and slow down the opponent's game a lot.

If you can think of a weak point in this England, then you can think of the median. Certainly not the owner, with Ben Youngs and George Ford who were excellent throughout the tournament (when Ford was chosen at 10) and the alternative Owen Farrell at the opening that is no less (although 99% will be deployed in the center as with the All Blacks). The problems could arise from the bench, where Ben Youngs' replacement will be that Ben Spencer hastily recalled from his homeland after Willi Heinz's injury. Having chosen only two numbers 9 for the World Championships was a gamble of Jones, who will cross his fingers, hoping that nothing happens to Youngs.

Moving on to the back line, surely the player who stands out is Owen Farrell. The choice to play with the double opening it was one of the winning choices in the management of Eddie Jones, who flanks the Saracens player with another mastiff like Manu Tuilagi to minimize Farrell's defensive problems, closing the central corridor twice to the opponents. Tuilagi ball in hand hurts, always gains the advantage line, easily breaks tackles and puts England constantly on the advancing foot. At the wings, then, there is an Anthony Watson who is a show to be seen on the pitch with his speed and agility, while Jonny May and Elliot Daly give guarantees in the backward line.

Watching the team like this, it seems that England has no flaws and has no weaknesses. The only doubt, even if the management of Eddie Jones makes it really very hypothetical, is that the British arrive in the final with their mind emptied after the semi-final. Psychologically the match with the All Blacks was very expensive and the media story of an early final could lead the British to think that the most was done by beating New Zealand. But Eddie Jones will also have worked hard on the mental side of the team, finding a way to recharge his players and get them on the field with the knowledge that a performance, even leading, is needed identical to the one he had last Saturday to beat the Springboks.

Click here to put "Like" on our Facebook page
Click here to join our group
Click here to follow us on Twitter

Photo: Lapresse

<! – ->