Randall backing England to blossom further after summer tour triumph

South Wales Argus

20 hours ago

The Bristol Bears scrum-half, 27, was one of six try-scorers in Washington DC as Steve Borthwick's side completed a transatlantic clean sweep of victories after an impressive 2-0 win in Argentina.
Fellow Bear Gabriel Oghre also capped a memorable international debut when he dotted down for England's final try after coming on in the second half.
The match in the American capital kicked off an hour later than planned due to a lightning strike in the area, with the game then halted by a further half an hour on 29 minutes when another struck within 10 miles of the ground when England were 14-0 up.
But Borthwick's side, missing several key players on the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia, kept their composure to extend their resurgent run that has now seen them rack up seven wins on the spin – their longest streak since back in 2020.
Randall has loved life in the camp over the last few weeks and is relishing the prospect of returning ahead of crunch autumn internationals against the likes of Australia and New Zealand.
'It's really satisfying – I think we're building something really special here over last few campaigns,' he said.
'There are a few boys away with the Lions – that strength in depth comes through really nicely.
'I think we've showed that over the last few weeks.
'It's one of the tightest groups I've been a part of – generally everyone gets on with everyone and ultimately that's what makes a great team at the end of the day.
'Having that camaraderie – we're definitely building that really nicely.'
Randall, Oghre, Curtis Langdon, Luke Northmore, Cadan Murley and Jack van Poortvliet all scored in a commanding albeit imperfect display at DC's Audi Field.
USA grabbed a late consolation through Shilo Klein to give the home fans who remained something to cheer about but England's work was done as they ended their triumphant tour in style.
Replacement Randall admits he has never experienced anything like the delays that led to the game finishing 90 minutes later than planned but hailed the group for dealing with it in the best way possible.
'It was a bit of a disruptive game but you've got to adapt to these things, which I think we did pretty well,' he said.
'It was tough conditions – the ball got greasy and slippery but we got what we wanted in the end.
'It's the first time in that situation – it's a weird one.
'It was just a case of when that delay came, switching off, relaxing and keep sipping away fluids as it's so hot.
'When the time comes to get back out there again, it's about getting switched, warming back up and ready to come on when needed.'