Red Rose pass a test of character
ANOTHER STEP FORWARD
The margin of victory wasn’t as emphatic as Stuart Lancaster would have liked but his emerging England side passed another significant test in Rome at the weekend.
It would have been easy for the team to have panicked when they trailed 15-6 but it speaks volumes for the level of trust that clearly already exists in this unit that they were able to grind out a second away win.
DEFENCE IS ENGLAND’S STRENGTH
If England are to complete a successful Six Nations defence it looks as though it will largely be built on their ability to stop the opposition scoring.
Italy crossed twice on Saturday but I don’t think Lancaster will be too concerned about the manner in which the tries were conceded. A ricochet and an interception can happen at any time and I’m sure the coach will be encouraged by the low error count and the fact there were so few missed tackles.
TIME TO LAY OFF YOUNGS
It’s little over a year since Ben Youngs was being championed as one of the main reasons for English optimism ahead of the World Cup so it seems remarkably unfair that he was singled out for some pretty harsh criticism following his performance in Rome.
Lee Dickson impressed as his replacement when he was given a chance, but the Harlequins No9 benefited from an England side that had far more width to it.
It’s far too easy to just blame the scrum-half when things aren’t going to plan but I’m sure Youngs, who’s still just 22 years old, will benefit from what was a difficult afternoon.
HODGSON’S EXPERIENCE IS VITAL
At the other end of the age spectrum Charlie Hodgson has been something of a revelation and not just for the tries in each game which have proved to be decisive. In what is a very inexperienced unit it’s important to have old hands like him on board, particularly when times are tough as they were at the weekend.
England face Wales at Twickenham in a fortnight, by which time Toby Flood is likely to be back in contention having missed most of the season with a knee injury.
The Red Rose have played their most exciting and fluent attacking rugby over the last few years with the Leicester man in the No10 shirt and there will be a temptation to tinker with a winning side if Flood is able to prove his fitness.
However, I think it would be terribly harsh on Hodgson were he to be dropped following such a fine opening to his tournament.
Josh Lewsey was speaking courtesy of GamePlan Solutions: Managing high profile and popular sport stars; speakers, leaders, motivators, ambassadors www.gameplansolutions.co.uk