England’s unbending will to succeed may just be enough

It depends on a preference for one analogy over another, as England and Australia rummage around in the history books for the empirical evidence to support their candidature for success in this highly anticipated pool clash.

England have offered a number of exhibits from Stuart Lancaster’s reign of producing memorable victories when pressure was at its zenith following disappointment, one of which was against the All Blacks in 2012.

The Wallabies will argue that coach Michael Cheika has inserted a steely core, notably up front, to supplement a silky backline. Any debate though should be rooted in the present.

England’s selection is a contradiction, placing Jonathan Joseph’s attacking instincts alongside Owen Farrell’s more prosaic qualities. The home side is petrified those Aussies scourges of the breakdown, Michael Hooper and David Pocock, will pilfer enough ball to cost England possession, penalties, turnovers and territory.

England won’t go wide quickly from set play and they’ll try to keep the collisions closer to the fringes where they can use their heavier forwards to carry and clear-out. The Aussies won’t pursue such attrition in possession against a heavier pack. They’ll mix a kick/chase game with seeking opportunities in the wider channels.

Driving straight

French referee Romain Poite is likely to be a central figure, not least in the scrum. A series of observers have questioned the legality of England loosehead prop Joe Marler’s technique, accusing him of not driving straight.

The kidology will continue right up to the opening scrum with England's Graham Rowntree observing that: "I have a lot of respect for this guy [Poite], He likes a scrum and French refs have a lot of composure around the scrums. We've had some really good days at the office with him in charge."

If Poite likes his scrums, then he is also a connoisseur when it comes to the breakdown and often lets the ball-carrier take a nanosecond longer to release the ball; that’ll suit England.

The Aussies also have question marks over their team, especially at halfback where Bernard Foley is struggling a little bit for form and Will Genia is not the player he once was. They do possess a super three quarter line and the peerless Izzy Folau at fullback.

England are desperate, and that can manifest itself in two ways, a cluttered thought process or an unbending, unblinking will to succeed. If the home side control the ball, they will control the outcome.