Autumn Nations Series: England's Chandler Cunningham-South feels Steve Borthwick's side building 'something special'

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England forward Chandler Cunningham-South felt they were on the wrong side of "luck" in their narrow 24-22 defeat to New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday, and believes Steve Borthwick's side are "building towards something special". The Red Roses continue their Autumn Nations Series campaign against Australia on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Chandler Cunningham-South feels England are "building towards something special", adding that their 24-22 defeat to New Zealand in their Autumn Nations Series opener was decided by "luck".

The Harlequins star played 66 minutes as England established an eight-point lead over the All Blacks, but a late rally saw Scott Robertson's side run home 10 points in the final 13 minutes, while England's George Ford missed a potential match-winning penalty and last-minute drop goal.

And Cunningham-South felt the Red Roses could use their performance as a marker for the ongoing work in the England camp.

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"Sometimes it's a bit of luck," he said. "Obviously, if the wind was blowing a little bit more to the left, he [Ford] would have got that kick over.

"Sometimes it goes like that, sometimes we haven't got the luck on the day, but I think we'll be alright. We'll get that for sure."

England's last three matches have all been defeats to the All Blacks - the first of which was also by a narrow margin as Borthwick's side suffered a 16-15 reverse in July.

The string of defeats followed England's third-placed Six Nations campaign, which ended with a tight 33-31 defeat to France, which was decided by a Thomas Ramos penalty two minutes from time.

But Cunningham-South does not feel there is "worry" in the England camp about closing out winnable matches, and insisted the "young" side are always "learning".

‘It’s coming’ – Cunningham-South says England ‘building towards something special’

Video credit: SNTV

"I wouldn't say there's a worry," the Quins forward added. "I think we're a young team and we're learning from these games especially, and I think it's coming. It's definitely coming for us. And I think we're going to get those close victories for sure.

"I think, yeah, we're building towards something special. Obviously, we all want to go and win now for sure. And that's what we're aiming for. But I think we're building and we're building nicely."

England face Australia on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ as Borthwick's side tackle their second of four Autumn Nations Series encounters.

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And Cunningham-South said the squad have had to "shift" their mentality from the disappointment of the New Zealand defeat to purely focus on taking on the Wallabies - who get their Autumn campaign underway in London.

"I think obviously everyone started off a little bit upset about the game," Cunningham-South said. "We wanted to get that victory and obviously it was very close. And then now it's been sort of a mental shift over to how we can go and beat the Wallabies at home."

He added: "I think all the boys are geed up for this one and we all want to go out there and definitely get a win, especially for our home fans. I think they deserve one. So, yeah, we'll try our best."

TNT Sports and discovery+ will also be providing all the action as Ireland take on New Zealand, Italy face Argentina, France meet Japan, and Scotland battle with 2023 World Cup winners South Africa - while Wales clash with Fiji on Sunday.

Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+

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