Dan Biggar, former Wales captain, has been full of praise for England after their first autumn clean sweep in four years.
The team’s impressive run has pushed their winless streak to 11 matches and signaled clear growth in both performance and squad depth.
Depth and Youth Give England Optimism
Biggar highlights the age profile of England’s squad, which he says is ideal with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
He also notes how well the team has connected with fans over the past year.
But the Welshman urges supporters not to get carried away: there is still a significant gap between England and the world’s top sides, particularly South Africa.
“The 27-23 win over Argentina was closer than many think.
England weren’t at their best, and if Argentina had nailed their last lineout, the result could have swung the other way,” Biggar explains. “It shows there is still plenty of work to do.”
Managing Expectations
Biggar points out that sports fans often get ahead of themselves.
“I’ve seen it in football, cricket, and rugby.
Just because your team wins a series of games, suddenly fans expect them to lift the next major trophy,” he says.
He cites past England campaigns and Ashes cricket results as examples.
Tom Curry Tackle Fallout
The aftermath of England’s clash with Argentina has focused on Tom Curry’s tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia, which left the Pumas player with serious knee ligament damage.
Biggar describes the hit as slightly late, at worst reckless and clumsy, but insists that long-term development of the England squad remains more important than tunnel altercations.
Closing the Gap with South Africa
For Biggar, the ultimate benchmark for England is South Africa.
“To win the next World Cup, England will have to beat the Springboks, and at present, there is no side capable of that,” he says.
He praises the Springboks’ depth, pointing out that even a reserve team could be ranked near the top in the world.
England, he believes, are among the best chasing sides, alongside France, New Zealand, and Ireland, but there is still work to do.
Six Nations: A Realistic Goal
England’s next target is the Six Nations title, their first since 2020.
While not winning it wouldn’t be disastrous, Biggar believes it is a realistic and natural step for this squad.
He praises Steve Borthwick and his team for stabilizing the squad over the last year and surrounding themselves with strong support staff like Lee Blackett and Byron McGuigan.
Squad Depth and Emerging Talent
Despite not being at their best against Argentina, players like Max Ojomoh showcased England’s talent depth.
Biggar notes that other key players, including George Martin, will further strengthen the squad in the months ahead.
Moments of Genius: Rassie Erasmus
Biggar also praises South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus, highlighting his tactical brilliance in replacing both props at halftime against Ireland.
The decision led to immense scrum pressure, a penalty try, and ultimately victory, illustrating how far ahead Erasmus and his team are tactically and physically.
France and the Road to the Six Nations
Looking ahead to March, England’s final Six Nations fixture against France in Paris could be decisive.
Biggar notes that Australia’s poor autumn tour in France exposed certain weaknesses, but with Antoine Dupont returning, France will present a major challenge.
Autumn Internationals Showcase Rugby’s Health
Biggar concludes by reflecting on the autumn internationals as a whole.
He praises the quality of rugby, the passionate crowds, and the sport’s vitality.
“Rugby sometimes gets bad press, but the past month has been a shining example of how strong and entertaining international rugby can be,” he says.
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