England assistant coach Andy Farrell has insisted the side are in a “great place” as they prepare to face world champions New Zealand on the back of defeats by Australia and South Africa.
Last weekend’s 16-15 loss to the Springboks followed the previous week’s 20-14 reverse against the Wallabies and left England still looking for a first win against one of the old Tri-Nations under coach Stuart Lancaster.
The omens for England as they return to Twickenham to complete their European autumn campaign are not encouraging.
New Zealand, following their 33-10 win over Wales in Cardiff last weekend, are on a 20-match unbeaten run and the All Blacks have won their last nine Tests against England.
Yet Farrell was adamant on Tuesday that England were the better team against the Springboks, having certainly more than matched South Africa up front.
“They are in a great place. They have played against two very good teams and the reality of the South Africa game was that we were the best team,” Farrell said.
“You can’t not be in a good place when you review the game in its entirety.
“There were a couple of places we would like to improve but in the (wet) conditions and in the circumstances we were taking the game to a side who were in good form and had won games recently at a canter.”
Farrell admitted a problem that has often plagued England against the world’s best sides – an inability to generate quick ball – explained the lack of attacking threat against the Springboks.
“The rucks against South Africa were so slow that defences were so on top. It is going to be difficult to play any decent attacking game in those conditions,” Farrell said.
If England found quick ball tough to come by against the Springboks, the chances are it will be even tougher against a New Zealand side, with captain Richie McCaw leading the way, renowned for their work at the breakdown.
“Richie McCaw is the master of biding his time, letting it all unfold and then pouncing to make it accurate,” said Farrell of the openside flanker.
“We have to make sure we are on the ball because, like any other team, if we get fast ball, if we get over the gain-line and continuity then we can do some damage.”
