After watching England’s defeat to Ireland, it’s not easy to find positives, especially when it feels like they’ve missed another close opportunity.
But looking beyond the scoreline, there were definitely signs of progress from Steve Borthwick’s team, especially when compared to the struggles of the autumn series.
England might have lost again, but there were key takeaways that suggest they’re heading in the right direction.
A Solid First Half and a Much Improved Defence
The first half of the game was something to be proud of for England.
They led 10-5 at the break, a lead they absolutely deserved.
Their defence was much sharper than in recent times, and they showed a lot more physicality, which was great to see.
The team looked more organised, especially without the ball, and it was clear that moving away from the blitz defence was the right decision.
The Second Half Woes and Rising Penalties
However, after the break, things started to unravel a bit.
The penalty count, while not awful at 11, began to creep up, and that allowed Ireland to gain momentum and territory.
Against a side as strong as Ireland, that’s a dangerous game to play.
The second half saw England’s discipline slip, and that gave Ireland the upper hand.
The Defence Improvement Wasn’t Enough Against Ireland’s Quality
Even though Ireland scored four tries and secured a bonus-point win, we have to acknowledge that they are one of the best teams in the world.
England’s defence improved, but against quality sides like Ireland, it’s sometimes inevitable that they will break through.
England’s defensive effort was a step forward, even if the result didn’t reflect that progress entirely.
A Positive Performance from the Centres
For those who’ve been critical of England’s centre pairing of Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence, this match should have provided some encouragement.
Both played well, with Lawrence in particular showing great physicality and power.
Slade also had some nice touches, including his perfect kick-through for Cadan Murley’s debut try.
It was a solid midfield performance, one that fans can hopefully see more of going forward.
A Shift Towards a More Positive Attacking Mindset
There were signs of a more positive, attacking mindset from England in this match.
One notable moment came from a short restart, where Marcus Smith’s kick-off was regathered by Freddie Steward.
It might seem like a small thing, but that kind of bravery shows a shift in England’s attitude, something I’ve been hoping to see for a while.
It’s those little moments that point to a bigger, more confident game plan.
Tom and Ben Curry Shine in the Back-Row
Both Tom and Ben Curry delivered excellent performances in the back-row, and I believe they both deserve to keep their places for the upcoming game against France.
They were energetic and impactful throughout the match, and they’re certainly players to keep an eye on going forward.
A Missed Opportunity for Tommy Freeman on the Wing
Tommy Freeman, despite scoring a late consolation try, didn’t see much involvement in attack for much of the game.
It’s disappointing because Freeman has so much potential, as we’ve seen when he plays for Northampton.
I believe he’s wasted out on the wing, and he should be considered for a move to the centre, where his skills can be better utilised.
The Setback of Losing the First Six Nations Match
It’s always tough to lose the first match of the Six Nations, especially when it’s such a close contest.
England’s loss to Ireland means there won’t be a Grand Slam this year, which is disappointing.
It’s becoming a worrying trend, as England are losing these tight games consistently.
But unlike in previous losses, this one felt different – there were positive signs that the team is moving forward, even if it’s just small steps for now.
A Big Opportunity Ahead Against France
The great news for England is that they don’t have to wait long to bounce back.
With France coming to Twickenham on Saturday, they have another huge opportunity to make a statement.
After France’s dominant 40-point victory over Wales, England will need to be at their best to compete, but this could be the perfect chance to show that they’re learning from their recent defeats.
Looking Ahead with Optimism for England
Despite the loss to Ireland, I think there are plenty of positives to take away from the performance.
The team showed more organisation, better defensive structures, and an attacking mindset that we haven’t seen in recent times.
With another big test ahead against France, England has the chance to break their losing streak.
The next few games are crucial, but the potential is there for England to turn things around and build on these small improvements.
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