We’ll be better by World Cup - Slade
ENGLAND may have endured another underwhelming Six Nations, losing more matches than they won for the third successive year, but Henry Slade believes they will be a different proposition in the World Cup this autumn.
Exeter centre Slade missed the opening game against Scotland but started the next four under new head coach Steve Borthwick and, at the age of 30 and armed with 56 caps, he has become one of the leaders in the group.
“It was a frustrating Six Nations in terms of results,” he said, “but I do not think we were far away in a number of things. The game against Scotland was close and we would have been in good shape if we had won.
“The French game was disappointing and we were nowhere near where we wanted to be as a squad. We then showed real promise and belief in Ireland and played well. Given the little amount of time we had together, I thought the boys adapted well.
“The coaches, who I thought were fantastic, brought in a number of different things and we implemented a lot of them. I feel confident that we will keep growing as a side and hope to be selected in the World Cup squad.”
Slade is aiming for his third World Cup after appearing in the 2015 tournament a couple of months after making his Test debut and then coming off the bench in the 2019 final against South Africa.
“Having a couple of months together will be invaluable and we will grow,” he said. “I have a lot of belief about that. While the Six Nations did not go as we intended, it was promising in terms of what we want to be and where we aim to go. It always takes time to adapt to a new coach. You will never get along if you are stuck in one way of playing and there are a number of people in the squad with different ideas. The more you can draw on everything, the better.
“When you have a team that is committed to buying into one goal and to the few messages being given to the whole squad, it is very powerful when everyone pulls in the same direction.”
The decision to sack Eddie Jones nine months before the World Cup caught the players by surprise but Slade is impressed by the manner in which Borthwick has taken on the role.
“The coaches have a very clear plan,” he said. “One of their main strengths is the clarity they gave the team. I am sure there will be more of that as well as other layers.
“We did not have much time before the Six Nations, but the beauty of a World Cup is that you have a whole pre-season together to work on all the bits of your game. It is then that real change can be made.”
Slade was the only Exeter player involved in England’s Six Nations campaign compared to five who featured in Jones’s final 23 against South Africa at the end of November. Luke Cowan-Dickie was injured but Jack Nowell, Jonny Hill and Sam Simmonds were overlooked.
“On the whole, I am fairly pleased with how I have played this season,” said Slade. “I like to be on the top of my game all the time but it does not always go that way. I am happy with how I have been preparing and how my body is.
“I have been involved in the leadership group at Exeter for a long time and have had a big voice in the team. That has become the case with England now that I have more experience and it is a part of the game I enjoy.”
Slade’s presence will be crucial for Exeter next season as they shed a layer of skin with a number of experienced players leaving at the end of the season as the impact of the reduced salary cap in the Premiership tells.
“It will be a different place next year,” he said. “It has not really hit me yet because it has not happened but the meeting at the end of the season when everyone is given their shirts and makes farewell speeches will be the most emotional yet.
“Some of my best mates in life and in rugby will be moving on. I am sad but pleased for them at the same time. They have given so much for this club and we want to send them off as well as we can.
“We have an important role as senior players next season to set the tone and with the players coming through and the signings we have made, the future looks bright. When you worry about what has happened or what could happen, you end up missing out on what is in front of you.”