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Jack Bracken: 'Third try was pretty good; lucky with the bounce'

England players celebrate one of Jack Bracken's tries versus Argentina (Photo by Thinus Maritz/World Rugby)

What a way to introduce yourself to the world at the age of just 18. Jack Bracken wasn’t part of the England squad that clinched the Six Nations U20s title 15 weeks ago, yet he was in Cape Town on Saturday justifying his recent call-up with a dream debut hat-trick.

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He volunteered in the Athlone Stadium tunnel to RugbyPass that his third score was the best, latching onto his own kick to pounce out wide on the right. However, his first try was the most important as England were down 0-14 following a sluggish start and needed some momentum to pierce Argentinian exuberance.

It came in the 35th minute with successive out-the-back-door passes from Ben Redshaw and Henry Pollock followed by a carry and a slick pass to Bracken from scrum-half Ollie Allan. That possession invited the No14 to fly past a defender and score with a fast gallop from the 22-metre line.

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In a blink, the game changed. England were level by half-time and they went on to largely dominate the second half, winning 40-21 with a flourish that included a crosskick catch try from Bracken before he went solo, kicking ahead from the 10-metre line, regathering it five metres short of the try line and then rolling over after hitting the deck.

“The third try for me was pretty good. Lucky with the bounce but enjoyed it,” he chuckled after returning down the tunnel for a quick interview before the bus journey back into the city from the Cape Flats venue. “It’s really incredible. I can’t describe it.”

But he did. “It was really special. Really thankful for the opportunity. Yeah, credit to the boys. It was a good game. It was really special with the brotherhood that we have got going. Yeah, special… Yeah, my ability to beat defenders is one of my strong points. I got given the opportunity today and I took it pretty well.

Tough first 20. Credit to Argentina, they really made it hard for us. But we got momentum towards the end of the first half and kept it going throughout the second, so it was good. Definitely, physicality was a step up. Speed of the game a step up but I think yeah, worked a lot harder and I coped with it pretty well. Great vibe in the changing room after a big win but looking forward to Fiji next week.”

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Bracken wasn’t daunted stepping into the environment of a title-winning team that had done its business impeccably earlier this year when he wasn’t on the England U20s selection radar. Injuries helped to open the door, but his form wasn’t shabby either and they welcomed him in without any awkwardness.

“So I started with the 18s, then played 19s and did well enough to get selected for the 20s. Then to get my first start, really grateful for the opportunity. Everyone has been really welcoming. They welcomed me into the group and I know a lot of the boys. We have grown together and they have all been really welcoming. It has been a smooth transition.”

One that his famous World Cup-winning father Kyran is watching from afar. “He’s watching from home, it’s a bit far to travel. I’m sure he and all my family were watching. My brother Charlie was here (last year with the 20s) and he didn’t go either. It wouldn’t be fair if he came here for me.”

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Oh no, not him again? 1 hour ago
England internationals disagree on final play execution vs All Blacks

Okay, so we blew it big time on Saturday. So rather than repeating what most people have all ready said, what do I want to see from Borthwick going forward?


Let's keep Marcus Smith on the pitch if he's fit and playing well. I was really pleased with his goal kicking. It used to be his weakness. I feel sympathy for George Ford who hadn't kicked all match and then had a kick to win the game. You hear pundits and commentators commend kickers who have come off the bench and pulled that off. Its not easy. If Steve B continues to substitute players with no clear reason then he is going to get criticised.


On paper I thought England would beat NZ if they played to their potential and didn't show NZ too much respect. Okay, the off the ball tackles certainly stopped England scoring tries, but I would have liked to see more smashing over gainlines and less kicking for position. Yes, I also know it's the Springbok endorsed world cup double winning formula but the Kiwi defence isn't the Bok defence, is it. If you have the power to put Smith on the front foot then why muzzle him? I guess what I'm saying is back, yourself. Why give the momentum to a team like NZ? Why feed the beast? Don't give the ball to NZ. Well d'uh.


Our scrum is a long term weakness. If you are going to play Itoje then he needs an ogre next door and a decent front row. Where is our third world class lock? Where are are realible front row bench replacements? The England scrum has been flakey for a while now. It blows hot and cold. Our front five bench is not world class.


On the positive side I love our starting backrow right now. I'd like to see them stick together through to the next world cup.


Anyway, there is always another Saturday.

7 Go to comments
C
CO 2 hours ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

Robertson is more a manager of coaches than a coach so it comes down to intent of outcomes at a high level. I like his intent, I like the fact his Allblacks are really driving the outcomes however as he's pointed out the high error rates are not test level and their control of the game is driving both wins and losses. England didn't have to play a lot of rugby, they made far fewer mistakes and were extremely unlucky not to win.


In fact the English team were very early in their season and should've been comfortably beaten by an Allblacks team that had played multiple tests together.


Razor has himself recognised that to be the best they'll have to sort out the crisis levels of mistakes that have really increased since the first two tests against England.


Early tackles were a classic example of hyper enthusiasm to not give an inch, that passion that Razor has achieved is going to be formidable once the unforced errors are eliminated.


That's his secret, he's already rebuilt the passion and that's the most important aspect, its inevitable that he'll now eradicate the unforced errors. When that happens a fellow tier one nation is going to get thrashed. I don't think it will be until 2025 though.


The Allblacks will lose both tests against Ireland and France if they play high error rates rugby like they did against England.


To get the unforced errors under control he's going to be needing to handover the number eight role to Sititi and reset expectations of what loose forwards do. Establish a clear distinction with a large, swarthy lineout jumper at six that is a feared runner and dominant tackler and a turnover specialist at seven that is abrasive in contact. He'll then need to build depth behind the three starters and ruthlessly select for that group to be peaking in 2027 in hit Australian conditions on firm, dry grounds.


It's going to help him that Savea is shifting to the worst super rugby franchise where he's going to struggle behind a beaten pack every week.


The under performing loose forward trio is the key driver of the high error rates and unacceptable turn overs due to awol link work. Sititi is looking like he's superman compared to his openside and eight.


At this late stage in the season they shouldn't be operating with just the one outstanding loose forward out of four selected for the English test. That's an abject failure but I think Robertson's sacrificing link quality on purpose to build passion amongst the junior Allblacks as they see the reverential treatment the old warhorses are receiving for their long term hard graft.


It's unfortunately losing test matches and making what should be comfortable wins into nail biters but it's early in the world cup cycle so perhaps it's a sacrifice worth making.


However if this was F1 then Sam Cane would be Riccardo and Ardie would be heading into Perez territory so the loose forwards desperately need revitalisation through a rebuild over the next season to complement the formidable tight five.

28 Go to comments
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