The opening games of the Six Nations are always abysmal, as evidenced by England’s deflation in which they failed to win four consecutive games between 2020 and 2023. Often, you have to squint beyond the scoreline to appreciate the encouraging aspects of performance. However, the process should feel much better after you win.
Steve Borthwick used the word “awkward” to describe the Rome exhibit, which was quite a reflection. Even if we win three points against Italy, no one will be scared. Still, there was enough to give England some encouragement before welcoming Wales to Twickenham. Here are five flickers of encouragement for Saturday.
0.49 Explore options other than kicking
England got off to a perfect start. Maro Itoje stood up to ensure a restart for Paolo Garbisi, and the emboldened maul was dragged into Italy. George Ford cleared his touch and set up a lineout 10 meters beyond halfway, with the visiting team aiming to settle on Ethan Roots, with him the target of the first throw. From there it got even more difficult. Fraser Dingwall ran out to the gain line and made a pass to Ben Earl, but was abruptly stopped.
Now, at the World Cup, England would almost certainly have lit up the sky regardless of who was playing at fly-half. Remember the data? Steve Borthwick side-kicked once every two racks throughout the tournament, and more often against Argentina and South Africa. On Saturday, I tried to find the width through my hands. In this first possession, England expanded to the right through Ford, Henry Slade and Freddie Steward, then back to the left.