England's veteran back Elliot Daly is poised for a significant return to the pitch this Sunday, having resumed full training for the autumn international against Argentina at Twickenham. This comeback marks his first competitive match since suffering a fractured left arm during the British & Irish Lions tour against the Queensland Reds.
From Red Card to Key Aerial Weapon
Daly's history with the Pumas adds a compelling layer to this fixture. His first Test against Argentina nine years ago lasted a mere five minutes, culminating in a red card for a dangerous tackle. Now, with 73 international caps to his name, the 33-year-old Saracens player is viewed as a crucial tactical asset, specifically for his expertise under the high ball.
The game's landscape has shifted dramatically since 2016, particularly with recent law crackdowns. The prohibition on 'escorts' for players catching the ball has fundamentally altered aerial contests, making them a pure 50-50 challenge. 'It's changed the game,' Daly confirmed. 'When you were able to escort there was a 75% chance of getting the ball as a catcher, but now it's probably 50-50.'
Mastering the New Aerial Battlefield
This legal adjustment has turned aerial prowess into a primary weapon, a fact not lost on England's playmakers. With rain forecast for the weekend, fly-half George Ford is expected to deploy a kicking game, and Daly's skills are central to this plan. His ability to flit between wing, full-back, and centre gives him a unique understanding of the revised law allowing chasers 'free access'.
Daly highlighted the dual nature of this change, noting it creates more unstructured turnovers and attacking opportunities, making the game more exciting for spectators. However, he was quick to emphasise the players' perspective: 'We know as players what we're giving the other team if we don't quite get it right. We know how important it is… hopefully we can come out on top.'
He pointed to recent examples like Tom Roebuck's efforts, where well-timed aerial taps have led to tries, illustrating how England intends to use this as a massive weapon against the Pumas.
Fitness, Discipline, and Future Ambitions
Returning from injury, Daly's fitness is paramount. He speaks positively about the conditioning programme led by Phil Morrow and Dan Tobin, which has drawn praise from head coach Steve Borthwick for putting the squad in 'considerably better condition'. Daly, who will wear a protective foam guard on his previously broken arm, feels brilliant and is leveraging modern tracking technology to maintain his performance levels.
Despite his age, the experienced back has his sights set on the long term, expressing a desire to be involved come the next World Cup and beyond. Discipline remains another critical focus. The memory of his early red card against Argentina, and the ever-present risk in modern rugby, ensures players are acutely aware of the line. 'You know where the line is,' Daly stated. 'It's about being as squeaky clean as possible now… We train to make sure… we keep 15 men on the field.'
In a separate disciplinary matter, South Africa's Lood de Jager has lost his appeal against the red card received against France and will miss the remainder of the Autumn Nations Series.
