In his BBC Sport column, World Cup winner Matt Dawson displays on England’s slim Six Nations victory over Scotland, and assesses how the battle for British and Irish Lions choice at fly-half is shaping up.
I am at all times within the camp of successful over leisure.
In fact England need to entertain the followers, however while you’re in that white shirt, you simply need to win the sport.
As a participant, I by no means thought ‘how can I do that to entertain the followers?’
If these two wins over France and Scotland are the beginning of a 10-game unbeaten run, England may be the ugliest staff on the earth and the roof will nonetheless come off Allianz Stadium.
The followers love coming to Twickenham, realizing no-one beats you or messes you round.
When you went outdoors the bars and pubs across the floor after the victory over Scotland, they had been completely rammed two hours after the sport.
England have discovered a little bit edge over the previous couple of video games the place they’ve gone behind and it’s invaluable expertise for these gamers to bounce again and grind out the win.
It’s going to stand them in good stead.
They’ve a strong set-piece, which goes to deal with most groups. The road-out seems strong with Ollie Chessum coming in, and on the breakdown they’re getting the steadiness of the again row.
For me, the evident the omission is kicking the ball when it was the flawed choice.
When there’s a five-on-three in assault, let’s isolate that ultimate defender and stroll in for the strive.
I do not thoughts kicking when it is actually static. It is tough to interrupt down Check defences when you do not have momentum within the sport.
However it looks as if England are recognising eventualities from coaching the place ‘that is what we’re going to do’, whatever the opposition.
I began to really feel England had been getting away from that within the autumn and beforehand in final yr’s Six Nations the place they’ve been ‘full metallic jacket’ able to assault.
The primary line break got here in direction of the tip of the primary half once they had a little bit of territory and possession. Marcus Smith went via the center, however the prime groups end these alternatives off and they’re the bits that can frustrate them.
England have actually proficient, skilful people and I wish to see them take a bit extra calculated danger.
I like their openness and honesty after the sport. They knew they hadn’t performed at their capabilities however they actually did dig in, notably round defence. It was extremely sound and dominant and it gave them an opportunity.
They’ve wanted a bounce of the ball prior to now couple of video games, which did not go their method within the autumn, however they’re exhibiting the identical combat and dedication and getting their reward.
