Robshaw inspires encouraging start
TEAM SPIRIT THE KEY
It was never going to be pretty up at Murrayfield but Saturday’s 13-6 victory represented an encouraging step forward for what was a largely inexperienced England side.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster spoke at length in the build-up to the match about team spirit being at the heart of his values. On first evidence he’s quickly been able to foster a strong bond amongst this group of players – and we’ve not been able to say that recently.
LIKE DALLAGLIO
Leadership should come from all over the pitch and is not the sole responsibility of one man, but I was really impressed by what I saw from skipper Chris Robshaw, who reminded me of a young Lawrence Dallaglio. With his ripped shirt, shoulders pinned back and willingness to, at times quite literally, fight for his team it was all very gladiatorial and I’m sure the guys around him found his actions inspiring.
PATIENCE AND DISCIPLINE
There was no real pattern to England’s play and that’s understandable at this early stage – I’m sure it will come in time. The biggest change I noted was in the team’s ability to remain calm in the heat of battle. Scotland haven’t scored a try seemingly since the Doomsday Book was written so when you play them it’s all about keeping the penalty count low. It sounds simple, but if you don’t dive in and avoid needlessly conceding points you’ll win more of these tight games than you’ll lose.
NOT ALL ABOUT TITLE DEFENCE
As strange as it sounds I’m not convinced winning the Six Nations should be England’s main focus. With a win under their belts and Italy up next, clearly they’re in a position to defend their title, but for me it’s more about developing a side built around youngsters like Owen Farrell, who took to Test rugby like a duck to water. The end goal for this group should be the World Cup in 2015 and we shouldn’t burden them at this stage with the expectation of winning what will be an exceptionally competitive tournament.
Josh Lewsey was speaking courtesy of GamePlan Solutions: Managing high profile and popular sport stars; speakers, leaders, motivators, ambassadors www.gameplansolutions.co.uk