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England may be two from two after the opening of the Six Nations and have a far superior points difference than any other team, but they face three far sterner tests in coming weeks.
They took on an improving, but not quite yet there Scotland and an Italy side they have never lost to in the history of the competition.
Up next comes Ireland on their home turf, Twickenham. Ireland have made a slow start, and one which now places them in a position where they are unlikely to feature for a share of the spoils come the final day. However, beware of wounded pride.
Ireland are an incredibly proud nation, and still have a host of first-rate players, as well as a master tactician in Joe Schmidt. They will not lie down at the weekend and will be determined to record their first win. Ireland still offer something very different to other teams, with a deadly half-back pairing and powerful forwards. They have often been the architects of England’s demise in the Six Nations- more so than any other team in recent years.
Eddie Jones, the astute and often brutal Australian work horse coach has recently said to the press that England possess no players that fall into the World Class category – a sentiment then echoed by Dan Cole. This England is under no illusion, as some of the old regimes were, as to where they stand with their coach and in the world, and may be better for it. Many players are pushing themselves into that category: Mike Brown, Joe Launchbury, Billy Vunipola, and many youngsters have the potential, but none would currently get picked in a World XV.
England’s senior and experienced players may have to grind out another ugly win this weekend, much like they did against Scotland, but against a much more resolute side than they have faced already. Making the same mistakes, and giving away the same amount of penalties against a side of Ireland’s calibre is tantamount to rugby capitulation.
They can, and should, be able to wear a weakened Ireland down with a much improved kick-chase and a firing forward pack. The attack needs time to gel, and England really need a 12 that can function, as well as motivate the back line.
The best candidates for this are currently side-lined, whether it be Henry Slade or Manu Tuilagi, but both hope to be fit and on good form for the tour to Australia in June, and should be automatic picks, barring a sudden and dramatic drop in form.
Even if England managed to structure themselves and concede fewer penalties throughout the game, they then face a galvanised and largely injury-free Wales – the tournament favourites. Wales rarely fear Twickenham, and certainly no more after their World Cup success, but they do have a limited game plan.
Jones may again opt for a powerful and fast pack, followed by a 6-2 split on the bench, as he did against Italy, in order to counteract Wales’ power-orientated ‘Warrenball’ game that they claim to have outgrown.
Overcome that, and England could well achieve a Grand Slam, with just one final game in Paris against a still stuttering, but thus far lucky, French team. The next couple of games against the two big achievers in the competition in recent years will be a fascinating watch, but if successfully negotiated, England may top the table and gain some invaluable forward momentum and confidence ahead of travelling Down Under.
Watch this space…
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.