England recognizes that the moment to secure the Six Nations title is upon them.
The anticipation is palpable as you stroll through Twickenham.
It accompanies you along the history-laden corridors adorned with images of previous triumphs.
There exists a subtle sense of hope that this could be England’s year to claim the Six Nations title, breaking the recent dominance of Ireland and France and securing the championship for the first time since 2020.
This year, the pre-tournament declaration of intent emerged from an unexpected source: Head coach Steve Borthwick.
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He did not proclaim from the rooftops that “this is our year!” … However, the typically strategic and composed Borthwick stated, prior to the first match, that they aspire to travel to Paris in the final round with the aim of winning the title. “On March 14 in Paris, we want to be in a position in that game, entering that game, we want to be in a position where we can achieve what we’re all aiming to achieve. That’s what we want,” Borthwick remarked.
He desires England supporters to cross the Channel and help propel his team to victory. He mentioned that the squad has discussed both the challenge and the opportunity that lies ahead.
They are aware of it. The supporters are aware of it: This represents England’s best opportunity in a considerable time to secure the most prestigious title outside the World Cup.
This moment follows two-and-a-half years of diligent effort since the 2023 World Cup. The core of that team remains intact: From front-row veterans like Ellis Genge and Jamie George, to their valiant captain Maro Itoje, and fly-half George Ford, who appears to be improving with experience.
Importantly, new talent has emerged and made an immediate impact.
The back-row options alone are impressive: Guy Pepper will start against Wales after a strong performance in the autumn, and the Twickenham crowd is expected to reserve its loudest cheer on Saturday for when Henry Pollock enters from the bench. Borthwick also has the advantage of keeping Tom Curry and Itoje on the sidelines for Saturday’s match as they join the aptly named “Pom Squad,” who will come on to apply pressure on Wales later in the game.
Additionally, there is a wealth of choices in the midfield; a flexibility that has been lacking for some time. It seems that suddenly, Borthwick and England have at least a couple of players available for each position, even while dealing with a few injuries.
The matches in the United States and Argentina last summer, while the stars were engaged with the British and Irish Lions, provided some players with valuable experience within the England setup, and they are now being called upon to contribute to the squad’s advancement.
It is not only England’s own progress that is generating excitement, but also the vulnerabilities of other teams come into play.
The Six Nations operates in cycles.
Ireland is not the same team that achieved the Grand Slam in 2022 and a first Test series victory in New Zealand in 2023. There are uncertainties surrounding France as well, whom England defeated last year. Will Antoine Dupont return to form in the Test arena following his ACL injury? How will their younger players handle the pressures of being champions?
Thus, it is up to England to capitalize on these circumstances.
Borthwick’s ambition for Paris was quickly followed by the reminder — to both players and the media — that they must earn the right to reach that point. As always, the coming weeks will bring twists and turns. Injuries, dramatic moments, controversies, and sheer unpredictability will be present in equal measure.
Will the expectations become burdensome? Or could they inspire a nation to victory?
It is time to discover the outcome.
