Let’s be honest, no-one saw those performances coming. They were transformational in the way England played, showing an intensity and skill that we have not seen since the 2019 World Cup.
It was great to see, and this team have given the game in England a much-needed boost. My only concern is the way that some in the England camp almost turned a positive into a negative by harping on about what people thought of the team, and wanting to prove them wrong.
It should have been more about the positives of the hard work that went into turning around the team’s mindset, and utilising the skills and strengths which brought the change against Ireland, and the continuation against the French in Lyon. What we didn’t want to hear was, “that we did it because everyone thought we were crap”.
I thought the game had moved on. The underdog mentality will only get you so far. You have to see that it is the standards you set as a team, and as individuals, which drive it forward.
New Zealand will not suddenly attempt to adopt the role of underdogs in their two home Tests against England this summer – and there is no way that England should rely on what other people think of them as their main motivation.
If England were ordinary in the wins over Italy and Wales, and let the error count get out-of-control in the loss to Scotland, against Ireland they played as if they were the best team in the world.
Their ability to win the collisions in defence and attack, and to score more tries than the opposition, as well as have the fitness to keep their foot down until the final whistle, led to the game-changing last-minute win over the Irish at Twickenham.
Denne historien er fra March 24, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra March 24, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.