“Let’s play like Ireland” - Is rugby just big game of copycat?

England, as ever, were criticised for their comfortable bonus point win against Italy last weekend. The likes of John Barclay and Jiffy Davies, amongst others called on England to be more expansive, play with more freedom, but more importantly, effectively play like Ireland.

Now maybe it is because Ireland are the number one team in the world, and have beaten everyone on the planet pretty comprehensively in the last 12 months, but why is everyone in the rugby so obsessed about copying each other.

Ireland aren’t the first rugby fad. Before them it was France with their tempo, South Africa in 2019 with brute force and a 6-2 split on the bench, England in 2016/17/18 with the Ford-Farrell axis, then ultimately the Kiwis irresistible skill game. These fads have come and gone, as have many before and since then.

The Ford-Farrell axis in particular, and the notion of two playmakers transfixed world rugby for quite some time. The zenith being when Wales trialled Dan Biggar at 12 in an effort to replicate this originally English idea.

But that’s just it, what has happened to originality. Why can’t England under Borthwick play to their strengths which will likely be a kick-chase, maul dominated game. Yes, Ireland are rightly the hottest piece in town but can something not be said for playing to your own strengths.

One of the beauties of the game is just quite how many ways there are to play it. And I am no critic of Ireland, in fact I would also love for England to play like them, much more pleasing on the eye. But having watched England be terribly inconsistent in the last two years, to see us win, any way how should of course be the priority.

The copycat nature doesn’t just end with style, copying set piece moves has often been a central part of the game. The latest being Benetton’s 5m quick tap routine, which Leinster duly nicked. It is likely that Benetton copied it off someone else themselves!

And again, copying is fine, but the media/pundits/fans can’t expect every single team to copy the latest fad that will inevitably come and go.

If Ireland don't win the World Cup, the winner in Paris will overnight become the latest gang of trend setters and the Irish style soon cast aside and forgotten.

Ultimately England and Borthwick should stay the course and set their own unique style. For the copycat media can’t deny us English of going back to our roots.