\n<\/p>\n
It was a year out from the 2003 Rugby World Cup and I remember being down to Australia at Twickenham.<\/b><\/p>\n
Following a Wallabies try, Martin Johnson got us all under the posts and was not interested in charging down the kick.<\/p>\n
We were behind and all that mattered to him was winning territory in the next five minutes.<\/p>\n
He made it clear we had to be more aggressive in defence, stay in Australia’s 22 for as long as possible, and see if they could handle the pressure.<\/p>\n
We produced an excellent final 20 minutes and Ben Cohen scored the try to overcome what was a 31-19 deficit.<\/p>\n
The reason we then came back in the World Cup final against Australia was because of what had gone by in the years before.<\/p>\n
The more difficult it is for this current England squad, the better. Coming from 12-0 down to defeat New Zealand could be the vital touchpoint they use on their journey to the next World Cup.<\/p>\n
Maro Itoje, along with 30 other players, will remember what happens in different scenarios.<\/p>\n
I watched Itoje walk down the tunnel with the referee at half-time, and he was having a very mature, informative conversation all the way back into the changing room.<\/p>\n
Roll back even two or three years and Itoje is not doing that as captain – but there is something different in what he is bringing to the squad.<\/p>\n
It is very low-key with him, it is so much easier to follow leaders like that rather than abrasive, more obvious leaders.<\/p>\n
Sometimes those guys don’t have the ability to cover all the different characteristics. I can see how Itoje is able to adapt to his players.<\/p>\n
When the final whistle went on Saturday, Henry Pollock was bouncing around, jumping on Ben Earl’s back.<\/p>\n
Itoje was just shaking hands, cool as you like, and Pollock ran at him and they embraced.<\/p>\n
It was like a clash of how you would celebrate a big win, but Itoje is able to adapt to his players.<\/p>\n
Leadership in difficult moments does make the difference in the biggest Test matches. It is about nailing those key decisions and moments.<\/p>\n
George Ford’s decision to take back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time is your perfect example.<\/p>\n
I am buzzing about this England team, as I have never seen England on a charge like this before a World Cup.<\/p>\n
I don’t believe any England team has been in this good a position in terms of strength and depth, leadership and the ability for individuals to win games.<\/p>\n
Overall, there is now a stark contrast between where England are and where they have been over the past decade.<\/p>\n
Steve Borthwick had to develop as a Test coach himself, and that was always going to take time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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