England Shirt Now Inspires Confidence and Growth
In his latest column, England World Cup winner Matt Dawson reflects on England's commanding seven-try victory over Wales, highlights Tommy Freeman's impressive performance at centre, and considers lessons coach Steve Borthwick might learn from his French counterpart.
There was a period, perhaps a couple of years ago, when wearing the England shirt seemed to weigh heavily on the players. The pressure appeared to restrict their expression, resulting in a cautious, safety-first approach that felt somewhat timid.
Today, however, the England shirt appears to empower the players, making them seem to double in size. They have embraced the team and the stage, eagerly demonstrating their capabilities to the Allianz Stadium crowd.
They are enjoying their rugby, and spectators are enjoying watching them.
Interestingly, the positive atmosphere within the team allows coach Steve Borthwick and the players to focus intently on the minor errors from their 48-7 win over Wales, rather than celebrating excessively.
There were no cartwheels or laps of honour after the final whistle. The players appeared content with the victory but remained focused on the next challenge, aware that they must improve when facing a wounded Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday.
England Make Flying Start with Convincing Win Over Wales
Freeman Option Adds Depth to England's Midfield
Tommy Freeman is rapidly approaching world-class status. His combination of pace, size, aerial ability, and appetite for the ball is exceptional.
Freeman started all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against Australia last summer and is firmly established in the England team as a player who will always be selected when fit.
However, there remains a question regarding the position Borthwick will assign to Freeman. This match marked Freeman's 23rd England appearance but only his third as a centre.
Despite his limited midfield experience, Freeman performed impressively against Wales. He executed excellent lines, either carrying the ball boldly into the heart of the Welsh defence or acting as a decoy, working instinctively with Northampton teammate Fraser Dingwall at inside centre.
The duo is developing into a dangerous and cohesive partnership, fulfilling a long-standing need for England to find a midfield combination with these qualities.
Where once the supply of centres was limited, England now has several alternatives. Ollie Lawrence, recovering from a minor knee injury, may be available for the Scotland match. Max Ojomoh impressed against Argentina in the autumn, and Seb Atkinson has earned credit from his performances on the summer tour of Argentina.
This variety allows England to mix and match according to the opposition's characteristics.
Do they require a physical presence in midfield or quick distribution into wide channels? Speed on the outside or the ability to probe behind with kicks? The capacity to alter tactics through different midfield selections is highly promising.
South Africa, currently the gold standard in world rugby, employs a similar approach. Their mix of Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse, and Andre Esterhuizen provides multiple playing styles.
Such adaptability is an excellent attribute for any team.
England's Focus on Fine-Tuning After Dominant Win Over Wales
Wales Face Familiar Struggles in Six Nations
Arundell's Defensive Development Strengthens Starting Claims
Henry Arundell's first-half hat-trick for England against Wales drew significant attention, but it was likely the finer details that impressed coach Borthwick most.
Arundell's defensive abilities have been questioned previously, but he demonstrated strength in this area during the match.
Up close, Arundell is both strong and solid as well as fast. Weighing 15st 2lb within a 6ft frame, he is physical and imposing in defence, but also intelligent.
His positioning against Wales was sound; he avoided stepping out of shape or becoming isolated, issues he has faced before.
His approximately six months at Bath under Johann van Graan and defence coach JP Ferreira have significantly improved this aspect of his game.
Late in the game, with England comfortably ahead and victory assured, Arundell moved off his wing, seeking opportunities and exploiting gaps with his pace.
This development shows he is no longer merely waiting on the edge for the ball but actively seeking involvement.
England's Intensity Praised by Borthwick
Borthwick Has Depth to Make Bold Decisions
Following dominant first-round performances by France and England, anticipation for their final-round meeting in Paris on 14 March has increased.
However, it would be unwise to assume a direct progression from this opening weekend to a Grand Slam decider. Both teams will face tougher challenges ahead. The true test will be their responses to pressure, particularly away from home in difficult conditions. Scotland's defeat by Italy on Saturday exemplified these challenges.
Borthwick is likely focusing on immediate tasks, but one lesson from France is the value of fostering competitive internal environments.
French coach Fabien Galthié altered his squad for the tournament, omitting established players Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, and Gregory Alldritt. Whether these players return remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, the new players and the competition for places contributed to France's strong performance against Ireland.
Borthwick now possesses sufficient squad depth to be equally bold in his selections, a highly positive position for the team.
