England right back in the Six Nations title race
Steve Borthwick’s England have played the two favourites to lift the Six Nations trophy in Ireland and France, and have come out of those games with six points.
Remember last week in Dublin? By 76 minutes England were 27-10 behind, but they struck for two late tries to burgle a late losing bonus-point which may well prove vital.
Elliot Daly’s late winner against France was their fourth try of a pulsating Twickenham tussle and earned them a try bonus-point which could prove decisive at the business end of the tournament.
It means Ireland cannot afford to lose a match without a losing bonus-point now, while defeat for France means they must win in Dublin on March 8.
England, meanwhile, host Scotland and Italy at home before travelling to face Wales in Cardiff in their remaining fixtures.
After flooring France, they will fancy themselves to finish the Six Nations with three further victories, an outcome that would leave them right in the title shake-up
Have England turned a corner?
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After brilliantly defeating Grand Slam-chasing Ireland in last year’s Six Nations, England went on to lose their next seven Tests on the spin against Tier 1 opposition.
They lost to France in Lille, New Zealand in Dunedin and Auckland, New Zealand (again), Australia and South Africa at Allianz Stadium and Ireland in Dublin. In every one of those Tests, Borthwick’s side surrendered second-half leads.
To keep going and recover from falling behind with five minutes to play against France, kicking on and winning the game, may just be a sign England have finally turned a corner.
“I’m really pleased for the players, everyone wants that tangible reward. I’m very, very proud of them. They work exceptionally hard and are a delight to coach. We’ve always believed,” Borthwick said.
