Writing for the Guardian, Ugo Monye said England's mood heading into their autumn campaign opener against Australia could work in their favour, raising his confidence in an England victory. He described the side as riled up and feeling backed into a corner, a situation he believes historically brings out strong England performances when players have something to prove during Steve Borthwick's time in charge. Monye pointed to a siege mentality, comparing it to the Six Nations meeting with France, which England lost but which he rated as their best display of that campaign by a considerable margin, and suggested a desire to demonstrate unity could galvanise the team. He also stressed that Maro Itoje will need to keep emotions in check, and highlighted the breakdown battle as pivotal, adding that he had been nervous about the fixture earlier in the week but feels less so now.
Source: The Guardian.
