Wow wow wow, what a start to England's game. Who would've thought that a head bump between to mammoth men would lead to a Red card for Charlie Ewels, in the second minute of the game? Hectic stuff. You will have seen the clash at this point, its literally been the most popular topic this week right after the Genge/ Furlong memes, which have been brilliant, I might add.
Itoje carried England all the way through that clash with his effort in the mauls, lineouts, scrums, breakdown, back line ball, set pieces, penalty kicks and even a drop goal from the lock! No I am not serious, but he really did prove to be a man of many talents and he really did have an epic game against the Irish. Am I wrong to be writing this article as though I am an English fan and they've just put 72 points into a full strength All Blacks side?
Well, I am not English and they actually lost the game against IRELAND.
"We showed great spirit and great tactical discipline. There was about 15 minutes to go, it was 15-15 and we were controlling the game and we just made a couple of mistakes that allowed them into the game" - Eddie Jones
I still feel in my gut that England dug deep and played a solid, solid, solid game. I feel they could have gone the distance with their 14 man side, but lost it towards the end. Marcus Smith showed the world once again that he has a golden boot. What a talent the man has become. I hope he has a long and prosperous career.
England were absolutely immense at the breakdown. The amount of stolen ball they won is shocking. They literally managed to kick 5 penalties due to stealing ball at the breakdown. with 15 minutes left on the clock the score was 15-15, highly impressed by the Roses. There was a late try scored by an Irish Viking, Finlay Bealham which seemed to just put the game out of reach for England. They did however miss a few try scoring opportunities which could've changed the game completely. This is the FIRST AND LAST time I say these words:
Well played England, good effort, you fought hard and I dislike you a little less this week. Who knows, maybe next week I will be looking for residency there by you cool cats.
Check out last weeks Podcast with Nick and Ronnie, Ronnie always throwing his two cents into the mix. Play it in the office or on the drive home, its brilliant wherever you listen to it!
Absolutely brilliant listen, I enjoyed it thoroughly!