Calcutta Cup Clash
Close but no cigar!
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We all witnessed the new beginning of a new road to the Rugby World cup in France for the England team. It ws a positive performace, there were good points and bad points.
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The dilema that all and sundry are discussing is the 10-12 axis, has it fired properly? Is it the correct way to go for this new look England team. For me...the answer is no. There were flashes of what could be but they were few and far between. The quest to find the balance that pairings like Matt Giteau and Wilkinson had when they featured in Toulon's golden era simply isn't going to happen. Smith did some good things, the cross feild kick was inch perfect and Farrells 'hounding' of Scotlands star man was something all English fans loved to see. The grin when getting up after each perfectly timed hit was classic Farrell
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When Farrell steps in a ten there is an air of confidence, you can see a structure. Runners coming short for a pop or wider and flatter. England appear more organised and direct. When smith is first receiver the game mode changes to one similar to that of Scotland with Finn Russell He'll try it, if it doesn't work he moves on to try again.
I would prefer England to take the Farrell route, be structured and organised. Have Farrell play like he does week in week out for Saracens. Maybe the solution is play Farrell at 10 and have Smith at 15, give him that open feied, a view of space and forwards stood, disconnected to the defensive line. Very much like Alex Goode does, stepping in at first receiver to mix up the attack. Pushing Steward out to the wing.
Ollie Chessum was the stand out English player of the day, the young lock being everywhere, solid in the line out, some strong carries and bag full of youthful energy. Ludlum carried strong all day and the front rows solid as ever.
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It was one of those games that could swing either way.
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Scotland was the better team and it was a great test match. They took their chances well with the big Van De Merve scoring from well in his half with a Calcutta Classic. When they were in the right part of the field the Scottish continuity was up there with the best of the best exploiting lazy runners and space, sucking in defenders to create chances out wide. Opportune moments for slippery nines, Ben While making a habit of quashing English hopes.
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Gregor Townsend made some good calls, and Ben White was at the top of the list. Their defence looks solid, England had few chances to break the line and get in behind to cause chaos. The head coach celebrates like all the other Scottish fans.
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Borthwick, as he did as Leicester head coach will deflect attention off the performance and look towards next week. Which is refreshing, the outlook of 'we know what we did wrong, we'll put it right and move on', no excuses, fix it, get better and move forward. No games, or nonsense.
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All in all thoroughly deserved win for the Scots and positives for England. Just kick and bit less, back each other to attack the spaces. Italy next week will not the 'cake walk' it once was.