It’s always a bit lame when you scramble to look for positives after a defeat… but we’re going to do it anyway.
Even though England lost to Wales at Twickenham they showed that they’re more than capable of competing against a top team, and Stuart Lancaster’s decision to cull the squad of its ageing dwarf-throwers was the right move to make.
Wales claimed their 20th triple crown win thanks to a moment of brilliance from Scott Williams, with five minutes remaining and the scores level, to take the game 12-19, and hand Lancaster his first loss in charge of England.
Remaining competitive throughout, England could’ve clawed it back at the end were it not for the video ref ruling ‘no-try’ right at the death after Mike Brown put David Strettle over on the right – but it was not to be. Still the inexperienced squad showed what they were capable of, and Owen Farrell in particular was outstanding, and that’s all that matters. (*cough* Bollocks *cough*)
As for the other losers, predictably Italy were mullered by Ireland 42-10 in Dublin and France beat Scotland at Murrayfield 17-23 to make that 3 losses in all 3 Six Nations games and 5 straight Test match losses for the first time in 8 years.
“I am frustrated because the guys played really well but haven’t won the game,” coach Andy Robinson. “We’re here to win and that’s why I’m distraught for the guys. I can’t ask any more than what they are giving.”
You could almost feel sorry for them. Almost.
By Peter Simpson
