sport news Fluent, daring, relentless... England are reborn even in defeat as Steve ... trends now
England lost Le Crunch again but took another step towards finding a new identity on Saturday night. They were beaten but look positively reborn.
There were moments, especially during a dazzling, three-try surge either side of half-time, when Steve Borthwick’s national team played as if the debacle against Scotland had been an elaborate hoax. It was rugby from a different planet, compared to that miserable occasion in Edinburgh. Fast. Fluent. Daring. Connected. Relentless.
Even after Thomas Ramos’s late penalty inflicted a deja vu defeat which uncomfortably transported Jamie George and Co back to their World Cup semi-final agony at the hands of South Africa, England fans were buoyed by what they had seen. They were overwhelmingly enthused by what the future holds — and it’s been a while since that was the case.
This was how to engage the public. Give them something to fall in love with. Not just effort and aggression — which should be a basic expectation at this level — but artistic flourishes, too. There was plenty of pragmatism, especially in the first half when the emphasis was overwhelmingly on territorial kicking, but when the attacking switch was flicked, the results were a joy to behold.
How often in recent memory have an England team made those watching them gasp in awe at their audacity and skilful execution? Perhaps a handful of times. Well, they had done that during their win against Ireland and they did it again in pushing France to the precipice; transforming a 16-3 deficit into a 24-16 lead in stunning fashion.
England suffered a narrow 33-31 defeat by France in their final Six Nations game of 2024
But there were plenty of positives to take despite the loss following an extremely bright display
With Ben Earl rampaging around in trademark fashion to cap his outstanding campaign in style, England’s attack ignited. They played flat, at a high tempo, and France’s defence could not contain them. Twice Ollie Lawrence blasted through to score, then Marcus Smith danced over. Later, Tommy Freeman struck as reward for a classy display.
Wielding the conductor’s baton with supreme authority was George Ford. Yes, the same Ford who was heavily criticised after the Murrayfield meltdown, when he stood too deep and his passing and kicking were ragged. The Sale fly-half turned 31 on Saturday and what a way to celebrate, with one of the best performances of his long career, which has yielded 96 Test caps and counting.
Ford was majestic. He operated in range of defenders and took the hits as he sent team-mates bursting into space, but still had the energy to cover the back-field. His influence was felt as a playmaker and a leader. His detractors have run for the hills.
Afterwards, he spoke passionately about how England had recognised, following the defeat by Scotland, that something had to change. They were too stifled, too cagey. There was not enough freedom of expression and positive intent, and the players resolved among themselves to change that.
First and foremost, Ford acknowledged the frustration that Borthwick’s side had not managed to close out a victory which they had done so well to set up. But then he addressed the tactical overhaul — aided by a greater focus on attack in training — and said: ‘Our mindset, since Scotland, has been to really go at teams with ball
