Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

'England have found an edge to bounce back'

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Sunday, 23 February 2025 05:44

In his BBC Sport column, World Cup winner Matt Dawson reflects on England's narrow Six Nations victory over Scotland, and assesses how the battle for British and Irish Lions selection at fly-half is shaping up.

I'm always in the camp of winning over entertainment.

Of course England want to entertain the fans, but when you're in that white shirt, you just want to win the game.

As a player, I never thought 'how can I do this to entertain the fans?'

If these two wins over France and Scotland are the start of a 10-game unbeaten run, England can be the ugliest team in the world and the roof will still come off Allianz Stadium.

The fans love coming to Twickenham, knowing no-one beats you or messes you around.

If you went outside the bars and pubs around the ground after the victory over Scotland, they were absolutely rammed two hours after the game.

England have found a little edge over the past couple of games where they have gone behind and it is invaluable experience for these players to bounce back and grind out the win.

It will stand them in good stead.

They have a solid set-piece, which is going to handle most teams. The line-out looks solid with Ollie Chessum coming in, and at the breakdown they are getting the balance of the back row.

For me, the glaring the omission is kicking the ball when it was the wrong option.

When there is a five-on-three in attack, let's isolate that final defender and walk in for the try.

I don't mind kicking when it's really static. It's difficult to break down Test defences when you don't have momentum in the game.

But it seems like England are recognising scenarios from training where 'this is what we are going to do', regardless of the opposition.

I started to feel England were getting away from that in the autumn and previously in last year's Six Nations where they have been 'full metal jacket' ready to attack.

The first line break came towards the end of the first half when they had a bit of territory and possession. Marcus Smith went through the middle, but the top teams finish those opportunities off and they are the bits that will frustrate them.

England have really talented, skilful individuals and I would like to see them take a bit more calculated risk.

I love their openness and honesty after the game. They knew they hadn't played at their capabilities but they really did dig in, particularly around defence. It was incredibly sound and dominant and it gave them a chance.

They have needed a bounce of the ball in the past couple of games, which didn't go their way in the autumn, but they are showing the same fight and commitment and getting their reward.

Read 8 times

Soccer

From bad to worse? Man City facing battle just to qualify for Champions League

From bad to worse? Man City facing battle just to qualify for Champions League

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsIt has been another bad week for Manchester City. But after being k...

Sources: Vitor Roque loan to Palmeiras likely off

Sources: Vitor Roque loan to Palmeiras likely off

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsVitor Roque's transfer from Barcelona to Palmeiras is set to fall t...

Van Dijk wants to make Anfield 'horrible' in run-in

Van Dijk wants to make Anfield 'horrible' in run-in

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has urged supporters to make Anfi...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Wizards last this season to hold team under 100

Wizards last this season to hold team under 100

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWASHINGTON -- It took 57 games for the Washington Wizards to hold a...

'Incredible' Jokic dishes career-high 19 assists

'Incredible' Jokic dishes career-high 19 assists

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINDIANAPOLIS -- Nikola Jokic had a career-best 19 assists, while ad...

Baseball

Cubs ship outfielder Canario, 24, to hobbled Mets

Cubs ship outfielder Canario, 24, to hobbled Mets

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Hit hard by injuries early in spring training, the New...

Giants' Verlander pitches 2 innings in spring debut

Giants' Verlander pitches 2 innings in spring debut

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Justin Verlander struck out one and allowed a...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated