\n<\/p>\n
England defence coach Felix Jones, who helped coach the Springboks to back-to-back World Cups, helped deploy a successful blitz-system during his first Six Nations campaign.<\/p>\n
The system took time to embed and early mistakes were exploited, but things clicked in round four as Ireland’s potent attack was well managed in England’s victory at Twickenham.<\/p>\n
The Brave Blossoms fielded a young side and their inexperience showed with their failure to convert their initial breaks, although England’s scramble defence on their own line showed plenty of heart in stopping them.<\/p>\n
Japan finally scored two late tries as they took advantage of England’s fatigue and changing line-up.<\/p>\n
New Zealand’s backline is full of World Cup finalists who only need half a chance, so England’s defence will need to be water-tight for the full 80 minutes of both Tests.<\/p>\n
Keeping a full complement of players will also be vital if Borthwick’s side are to win in New Zealand for the first time since 2003.<\/p>\n
Their discipline has improved since three red cards across the World Cup warm-up matches and opening pool victory over Argentina, but in addition to Ewels’ red for a dangerous clearout tackle, Smith was sent to the sin-bin for an illegal tackle.<\/p>\n
“We will need to go up several levels and I expect us to go up several levels when we face New Zealand,” Borthwick said.<\/p>\n
“As will the discipline. You can\u2019t give that many penalties away, we know that. You also can’t give New Zealand the space we gave Japan.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n