Borthwick's Green Light: Blackett Reveals Licence to Remodel England's Attack in Argentina

Assistant coach Lee Blackett has lifted the lid on his influential role in England's recent Test series triumph in Argentina, revealing that head coach Steve Borthwick granted him significant autonomy to reshape the team's attacking strategy. The successful summer tour, which saw England secure a 2-0 series victory, is widely seen as a crucial audition for Blackett, potentially paving the way for a permanent position within the national setup.

A licence to thrill: Blackett's attacking blueprint

Speaking candidly about his experience, Blackett emphasized the trust placed in him by Borthwick. "Steve gave me a licence to go and remodel the attack," he stated, highlighting the collaborative yet empowering environment fostered within the coaching team. "He backed me to do that, and that’s what I felt I did." This freedom, he explained, allowed him to implement a more dynamic and expansive attacking philosophy that proved highly effective against a formidable Pumas side.

The former Wasps head coach, who joined Borthwick's staff as an attack coach for the Argentina tour, was tasked with injecting a new dimension into England's game. For years, England's attacking play has been a subject of debate, often criticised for being too predictable or lacking the cutting edge seen in other top international teams. The summer tour, however, offered a glimpse of what could be a revitalised England attack, one that is more willing to take risks and exploit space.

The Argentina audition: A resounding success

The 2-0 series win in Argentina wasn't just a victory on the scoreboard; it was a statement of intent. England displayed a newfound attacking fluency, scoring tries and creating scoring opportunities with greater regularity. This success, Blackett believes, is a direct result of the clear mandate he received from Borthwick. "The pressure is always on, but I felt really comfortable because Steve gave me that backing," he admitted. "He said, 'Go and do it, this is what we need.'"

The tactical adjustments and strategic shifts implemented by Blackett were evident throughout the two Tests. England looked more cohesive in their phases of play, with a greater emphasis on ball movement and offloading. This adaptability and willingness to evolve were key factors in overcoming the notoriously physical and disciplined Argentinian defence. It begs the question: was this the attacking blueprint England has been crying out for?

Borthwick's vision: Trust and transformation

Steve Borthwick's approach to coaching has often been characterised by his meticulous planning and his ability to foster strong relationships within his coaching team. His decision to empower Blackett suggests a shift in England's attacking philosophy, moving away from a more rigid structure towards one that embraces creativity and individual flair. This trust is a significant endorsement of Blackett's coaching capabilities and his understanding of the modern game.

“It’s massive when you get that backing,” Blackett reiterated, underscoring the importance of Borthwick’s faith. "You can have all the ideas in the world, but if you don’t have the backing, it’s difficult to implement them." This collaborative dynamic is crucial for any successful coaching setup, and it appears Borthwick has successfully cultivated this with his assistant coaches. The success in Argentina wasn't just about individual brilliance; it was about a collective understanding and a shared vision for how England should play.

Looking ahead: The future of England's attack

The question on many fans' lips now is whether this attacking transformation will be a permanent fixture. With Blackett's successful audition, his role in shaping England's future attacking endeavours seems increasingly likely. The potential for a long-term partnership with Borthwick could see England develop a truly formidable attacking force capable of challenging the world's elite.

The tour provided invaluable insights into the team's strengths and areas for further development. While the attack showed significant improvement, the defence and set-piece will undoubtedly remain key focus areas. However, the newfound attacking potency offers a tantalizing prospect for English rugby. Could this be the start of a new era, one defined by thrilling, dynamic rugby?

The impact of Blackett's influence

Blackett's tenure as attack coach in Argentina has been more than just a temporary assignment. It's been a period of significant growth and demonstrable success. His ability to quickly assess the existing structures and implement effective changes speaks volumes about his tactical acumen and his communication skills. He didn't just tweak the existing game plan; he seemingly remodelled it, offering a fresh perspective that resonated with the players.

The players themselves seemed to embrace the new attacking ethos. There was a visible increase in confidence and a willingness to play with a smile on their faces. This intangible element of enjoyment and freedom is often a catalyst for peak performance. When players feel empowered and trusted, they are more likely to express themselves and deliver their best. Did Borthwick recognise this potential when he brought Blackett on board?

The Pumas challenge: A true test of mettle

Argentina is not an easy place to win, and securing a series whitewash against the Pumas is a significant achievement. Their physicality, set-piece dominance, and relentless pressure can often stifle opposition attacks. For England to not only overcome this but to do so with an attacking flair that had been somewhat lacking, is a testament to the work done by Blackett and his team.

The strategic battles within the matches were fascinating. England managed to find ways to break down the Pumas' formidable defence, utilising a combination of structured play, individual brilliance, and a willingness to adapt their approach throughout the game. This adaptability is a hallmark of well-coached teams, and it was certainly on display during the tour.

A new dawn for England's attack?

The narrative surrounding England's attack has often been one of frustration and unmet potential. However, the Argentina tour, under Blackett's guidance and with Borthwick's backing, has provided a powerful counter-narrative. It suggests that with the right coaching, the right philosophy, and the right support, England's attack can indeed be a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

As the rugby world looks ahead to future tournaments, the question of who will lead England's attack will be keenly watched. Lee Blackett's successful audition in Argentina has undoubtedly put him at the forefront of that discussion. His candid admission of being given a "licence to remodel" paints a picture of a confident and capable coach, ready to embrace the challenges of international rugby. If this is the direction Borthwick intends to take, English rugby fans have every reason to be excited.