England were a rabble – but a winning one – Scotland’s pack has given them composure and Wales have injury worries aheadA 15th successive win is an all-time record for England and another undefeated grand slam campaign would enable them to overtake New Zealand’s world record for Tier One nations of 18 straight victories. They will have to improve significantly on this display to extend their unprecedented run but their fitness levels and bench reserves are making them a tough bunch to overcome in the final quarter of games. If they can start as well as they finish, they will fancy notching up victory number 16 in Cardiff on Saturday. Robert Kitson Related: England 19-16 France: how the players rated...
Eddie Jones’s players find a way to win 19-16 after France’s Guy Novès inspires a revival that almost forces a Six Nations major reversalEngland’s 15th win, the one that broke the record set by the squad that won the World Cup in 2003, was the tightest yet. There were only three points in it, though you would never have known that from the way the head coach, Eddie Jones, told it after the match was over. “I thought we were awful,” Jones said, “but I always thought we were going to win.”Sports journalists are usually a thirsty lot, but Jones’s press conferences leave people feeling particularly parched because you have to take so many pinches of salt with what he...
England did not deserve victory, but despite some superb play the French failed again to close out the game, something the hosts have learned to do at any costFrance now look stuck in that seemingly eternal Scotland rut – playing some great stuff, deserving of victory, yet not achieving it. And thus, the hard-bitten among us will insist, not deserving of victory at all. The good teams find a way to win when they’re not playing well; the hopeful, promising ones find a way to lose even when they are. It is not fair, but it is the way of the world. Related: Eddie Jones: England were awful but I always thought we were going to win Related: Ben Te’o...
The competition could be on the cusp of a gripping new era but England will have their work cut out if they are to repeat the glory of last yearEven before a ball is passed or punted, the 2017 Six Nations Championship feels different. There is more potential intrigue than at any time since Italy’s entry made it a hexagonal ball game at the turn of the century and a fresh sense of purpose in almost every dressing room. Just as Europe is ripping itself asunder politically, the Six Nations could be on the cusp of a gripping new era.It may not feel that way to everyone on Monday morning but currently only the weather forecast is putting a dampener...
Absences will test Eddie Jones’ champions while Ireland need Jonathan Sexton fighting fit and Wales look to Dan Biggar to be more adventurous2016 record: P13 W13 L0 Related: Six Nations predictions: back Scotland if you’re brave but Ireland are in box seat Related: Johnny Sexton ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Scotland Related: Ben Youngs: When I met Eddie Jones I just thought ‘I want to play for this guy’ Continue reading...