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The nine pre-RWC matches the new England coach has to turn team around

By PA
Owen Farrell (Photo by Alex Davidson - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

England’s new coach will have five competitive Tests until the World Cup to reverse the team’s fortunes with the Six Nations getting underway in February.

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Beyond the Championship are four warm-up games that will provide opportunities to finalise selection and develop match fitness.

Here the PA news agency looks at the fixtures in store for 2023 before the World Cup opens against Argentina on September 9.

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England v Scotland, Twickenham, February 4

Scotland are unpredictable but have lost only one of their last five meetings with England and triumphed at Twickenham in 2021, their first success in London since 1983.

England v Italy, Twickenham, February 12

Italy are showing genuine signs of improvement having won their last two outings against tier one opposition, beating Wales and Australia.

Wales v England, Principality Stadium, February 25

A fascinating contest with Warren Gatland plotting England’s downfall for the first time since beginning his second spell as Wales boss.

England v France, Twickenham, March 11

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The first of successive heavyweight clashes, France are the World Cup hosts and favourites having progressed through 2022 with a perfect record.

Ireland v England, Aviva Stadium, March 18

The world’s number one ranked side will be formidable opponents in Dublin, but they have a habit of imploding in World Cup years.

World Cup warm-ups starting against Wales, Principality Stadium, August 5

Although given Test match status, these matches are friendlies with coaches looking to put the finishing touches to selection for their World Cup squads, develop tactics for the tournament and give players time on the field. Two clashes with Wales, Ireland and Fiji are the line-up for August..

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R
RedWarrior 33 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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