England's recent rugby performance has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. After a disappointing Six Nations campaign, where they managed just one win from five, the pressure was on Steve Borthwick and his team. The Nations Championship provided a fresh start, and England certainly took a 'big step forward' with their performance, but there are still concerns that need addressing.
The opening test against the Springboks was a tough one, with the visitors racing to a 17-0 lead within 11 minutes. Despite a valiant effort, England couldn't prevent a 45-21 defeat, extending their losing streak to five Tests. However, this was followed by a resounding 73-8 win over Fiji, showcasing a more dominant and cohesive England side.
The real test came against Argentina, a match that had added spice due to the recent football World Cup semi-final between the two nations. England started strongly, with Tommy Freeman scoring early, and led 19-3 at half-time. But the second half was a different story, with six yellow cards, a penalty try, and a disallowed try for Argentina, resulting in a 31-24 win for England. It was a tense finish, but they held on, proving their resilience.
The standout players included Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Jack van Poortvliet, Fin Smith, Seb Atkinson, and Marcus Smith. These players showcased their skills and contributed significantly to England's success. However, the real success story is the team's ability to adapt and improve, especially in their attack and defense.
Despite the positive results, there is a 'main regret' - discipline issues. England conceded a staggering 34 penalties across the three Tests, an average of 11.3 per fixture. This is a recurring problem, and Borthwick must address it if England want to truly 'kick on' from this campaign. The team's ability to manage discipline will be crucial in their future success.
In conclusion, England's performance in the Nations Championship has been a step in the right direction, but there are still areas for improvement. With a strong foundation and a focus on discipline, they can build on this progress and achieve even greater success in the future.
