Could the England team have unearthed a secret weapon ahead of Saturday’s clash with New Zealand? The answer could be yes after watching the performance of Taranaki-born Alex Cunningham-South in the impressive win over the Barbarians. Hailing from the very heartland of New Zealand rugby, the towering lock is New Zealand rugby royalty.
Taranaki Roots
Cunningham-South knows the traditions and heritage of the All Blacks having grown up in the shadow of some of its most recognisable stars. He played his schoolboy rugby at Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth, the same nursery that has produced the likes of Kieran Read, Liam Messam, and Sonny Bill Williams. At 6’8” and weighing in at 130kg, the colossal lock is an intimidating presence on the field.
Exceptional Performance
Against the Barbarians, Cunningham-South produced a performance that would have surely turned the heads of the All Blacks coaches. He was a key figure in the England set-piece which had the upper hand all afternoon at Twickenham. The 22-year-old’s handling was sublime as he secured numerous catches in the lineout, giving England a solid platform from which to launch their attacks. But it was in the loose that Cunningham-South really caught the eye. He made several thunderous tackles, proving himself to be a real nuisance around the breakdown.
One of Cunningham-South’s most outstanding attributes is his physicality. He uses his enormous frame to great effect, both in the tackle and in the carry. His strength makes him a difficult man to stop when he gets going, often breaking the gain line with ease. He is also a formidable presence in the scrum, where his power and technique make him a rock-solid anchor in the front row.
As mentioned earlier, Cunningham-South is a master of the lineout. His height advantage gives him a significant edge over his opponents, and he has a knack for timing his jumps to perfection. His ability to secure possession and set up attacking platforms is a vital asset to any team, and it will be a key factor in England’s hopes of victory over the All Blacks.
There is something special about Cunningham-South that sets him apart from other players. He has an infectious enthusiasm and passion for the game that is evident in everything he does. He is a natural leader, and his teammates visibly feed off his energy. His presence in the England team could be the X-factor that helps them dismantle the All Blacks on Saturday.
It is still early days in Cunningham-South’s international career, but he has shown enough to suggest that he has the potential to become a world-class player. If he continues to develop and improve, he could be the man to lead England to glory against the All Blacks and beyond. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, Cunningham-South is a name to remember.
Kind regards C. Dixon.
