SIX NATIONS : ENGLAND
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England
England ’ s performances since Eddie Jones has taken charge have been superb to the extent where they are now just one win away from claiming the record for the most consecutive wins by any side in the top tier of international rugby . Having won the Grandslam last season it was always going to be difficult to emulate their success , particularly with away matches to Wales and Ireland .
In terms of results at least it has been a case of so far so good for England as they have wrapped up the Championship with a game to spare , having won all four of their matches . The French provided them with a stiff test in the first match , with the England forwards struggling to match their physicality and they were perhaps fortunate to come away with the 19-16 victory .
Next up they travelled to Wales and were second best for around sixty minutes of the match . One of the highlight of their winning run has been the strength in depth they have shown and this was evident as their finishers entered the match and helped them to come from behind to win 16- 21 thanks to Elliot Daly ’ s late score .
Despite having won their first two matches there was a feeling that the side had not really performed to its full potential in the tournament and the Italy game represented a chance to find their form . The match proved to be much harder than they would have liked however but they did eventually run out winners by 36-15 .
With other results going there way they then went into the Scotland match knowing that victory would mean that they have retained the Championship . With Scotland much improved and England ’ s performances so far there was a feeling that Scotland could come away with their first victory at Twickenham in years .
However this was not to be as England hit top form , running in seven tries and coming away with an emphatic 61-21 victory . This was a major statement by the team and highlighted just how good they can be when they put it all together .
Eddie Jones is always keen to stress that his focus is on preparing the team for the next World Cup but two consecutive 6 Nations wins is not to be sniffed at . To break a World record and clinch another Grandslam in Ireland next week would be an even greater achievement and that fixture promises to be a cracker .
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