England narrowly lost last Saturday’s first Test but their blitz defence has been causing New Zealanders to sit up and take notice. If the visitors manage to bounce back to square the series in Auckland on Saturday it will be partly because their line speed has succeeded in reducing the time and space available to one of the world’s most skilled backlines.
While the All Blacks did create two first-half tries in their 16-15 victory in Dunedin and England could not nail all their tackles, the collective urgency and intent of the onrushing white-shirted defenders were more apparent then ever. It is also here to stay as long as its choreographer, Felix Jones, remains involved with the England setup.
