England restore pride

I always feel a little uneasy when an England Captain starts spouting that his team has “learned from their mistakes” as if the mere fact of saying it will instil the players with a degree of self belief that doesn’t actually exist. This was Chris Robshaw interviewed ahead of last nights Six Nations opener against the much loved Welsh.

Then again I feel very comfortable when a Welsh Captain claims “We are happy to be favourites” in the belief that the psychological advantage bestows a winning mentality, when in reality it shouts “pride before a fall”. Such was the lot of Sam Warburton following last nights 21-16 defeat at the Millennium Stadium against a resurgent English unit.

The English and rugby (indeed most sports) are a funny lot. Within the British Isles we select our teams from a population treble that of the combined populations of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Given this disparity one might think that England would be dominant but in the last forty odd years only the sides lead by Bill Beaumont, Will Carling and Martin Johnson have achieved that accolade. For the remainder England have been mediocre a trend that has been much in evidence the last eight years following an against the odds appearance in the World Cup Final of 2007.

A spate of coaches, amongst them ex players Andy Robinson and Martin Johnson, tried yet failed to instil their teams with the necessary flair to raise them above the average. Things went particularly awry for Johnson, so imperious as a player yet confounded by the machinations of management. His 2011 World Cup ended in ignominy when poor performances on the pitch were overshadowed by lurid tales of dwarf throwing and diving into harbours off boats.

Against this background the reign of Stuart Lancaster began promisingly with a return to a more humble approach by a culling of the more arrogant elements in the squad. All appeared to be going well until 2014 when the wheels came off. A disastrous tour in New Zealand was followed in the Autumn with embarrassing defeats against South Africa and New Zealand all of which seemed to hint at a team in terminal decline. Only a face saving victory in the final game v Australia spared Lancaster further embarrassment ahead of a World Cup year.

One win does not make a summer but the confidence gained from that victory was clearly in evidence in last nights defeat of Wales. Though starting slowly England never lost their shape and whilst they conceded a try and three first half penalties the defence ensured that the Welsh lead was always kept within reaching distance.

All of which lead to a commanding second half performance in which England were at the top of their game, dominating the scrum and denying Wales both meaningful possession and territorial advantage. For once the English backs played with a degree of flair that had been missing in recent games and the return of James Haskell to flanker was pivotal. Playing with both intensity and verve he was unlucky not to claim a try when he clattered into a post in the 70th minute. A further England try was denied for crossing, rightly so on review.

There’s a long way to go before we can consider this England team to be a potential force at this year’s World Cup. But as starts to a season go this was an excellent one and whatever happens in 2015 there is always something rather heart warming about beating Wales in their own backyard.

@Mark Brennand