England aiming to adopt Bazball mentality for autumn series
England’s defence coach Richard Wigglesworth met with England cricket coach Brendon McCullum to soak up some knowledge ahead of the Quilter Nations Series
©PA
England are looking to take inspiration from the “Bazball” approach of their cricket counterparts as they prepare to kick off the Quilter Nations Series against Australia on Saturday.
Head coach Steve Borthwick and his staff have consulted with Brendon McCullum [England's cricket coach] as they look to make an impact over the next month.
Borthwick and defence coach Richard Wigglesworth have been tapping into McCullum’s expertise to foster a positive mindset among the players. "We met Brendon McCullum and his coaching staff a few weeks ago," said Wigglesworth.
"We had a sit-down and a coffee in Manchester which was very enjoyable.
"I asked him a lot around how he changed mindsets in English cricket which was really interesting, but then we got into the technicalities of coaching someone one-on-one and what that looks like. I wouldn’t want to say there was one main thing because we sat for a good period of time and took loads from it, but they’re on to a good thing.
“We want to be a team that can win in multiple different ways and adapt because every game is different. We feel we’ve got a dynamic team, so we want to play that way."
Even after recording seven consecutive wins this year, England fans are still waiting for their side to truly cut loose, akin to the exciting style seen in cricket under McCullum.
But the bigger picture for England is to make substantial progress this month, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw scheduled for December.
Defeating Australia on Saturday, following the British & Irish Lions’ victorious summer series, would be the ideal start as England look to avenge their 42-37 defeat to the Wallabies which they experienced almost exactly a year ago.
"I think both sides really enjoy playing against each other because there’s something there," Wigglesworth said on the rivalry and battles with Australia. "Hopefully we stick one on the board on Saturday."
Wigglesworth, who was part of the Lions management that triumphed in Australia during the summer, says all involved gained valuable experience from the tour.
"If you’re working with such elite players, you can’t help but learn, because they’re usually the best teachers," he said.
"I absolutely loved it, learned loads, we had a great time and we won. I think the players have noticed a difference in the lads who were lucky enough to go on a Lions tour. Until you’ve been on one, you probably can’t feel like it. And the group who were in Argentina [during England's successful summer tour] have also definitely grown so the two have come back together really nicely."
In his current role with England, Wigglesworth oversees the team’s defence, supported by Joe El-Abd and now Byron McGuigan. A year ago, Australia exploited defensive weaknesses to win at Allianz Stadium, but England hope to present a more solid approach this time.
"We definitely want a dynamic defence," Wigglesworth said. "What I love about the game of rugby is that every game is different and can be won in different ways. Is it wet? What’s the referee doing? All these things go into the melting pot."
"What I’m not going to do is go this defence has to change because of me and what I believe. The more we grow together, the more we know what everyone wants from each other and what’s going to make us a really good team. Then the more the players get to take a lead on that. Eventually, you get to that sweet spot of empowerment that is productive, not empowerment that is setting them up to fail."
