Steve Borthwick has mentioned his staff “discovered a technique to win a tactical arm-wrestle” after England edged Scotland 16-15 at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Borthwick has spent a lot of the final 12 months taking positives from shut defeats so he was not within the temper to apologise for his aspect’s stuttering show.
If Finn Russell had not missed his third conversion try within the closing minute then England’s restoration would have stalled badly after they ended a run of seven defeats in opposition to tier one nations with one other last-minute win over France two weeks in the past.
They have been additionally very lucky to succeed in half-time solely 10-7 down and although they may not add to Tommy Freeman’s early attempt, penalties by Marcus and Fin Smith nudged them right into a six-point lead, which proved simply sufficient after Russell’s late miss meant an finish to the Scots’ four-game profitable run within the oldest worldwide fixture within the sport.
“I am delighted within the final two video games the endings have gone our approach,” Borthwick mentioned. “In some ways it wasn’t fairly and there are issues we need to do higher however, in the end, we stored our composure and located a technique to win the sport.”
England’s defence was run ragged within the first half as Duhan van der Merwe once more proved an irresistible drive on the wing.
England improved within the second half, put up some vastly spectacular defensive efforts and edged their approach forward with their very own thrusts.
“We have been superb in assault in opposition to France however in the present day Scotland introduced a really sensible tactical plan and had ascendancy within the first half,” Borthwick mentioned.
“Within the second half the gamers figured it out and located a technique to get forward on the scoreboard.
“It was very troublesome to play in opposition to and a really completely different sort of recreation, which is nice for this younger aspect. The fellows discovered a technique to win a tactical arm-wrestle.
“We do not essentially need to play the best way we did in the present day, we need to transfer the ball, however we discovered a technique to win.”
Borthwick additionally praised the defensive effort — as soon as his staff had labored out shut down the area out large — and their self-discipline after they got here out on the proper aspect of the penalty depend for the fifth time in seven matches.
“Self-discipline is crucial in a recreation like that when the ball is in the course of the sphere and you should minimise these alternatives for groups to get out large,” he mentioned.
Captain and man of the match Maro Itoje mentioned: “Scotland performed loads in our half and we did not exit the best way we needed however we did struggle and scrap.
“They threw a complete load of various questions and situations at us and I am very proud that the boys discovered a technique to win.
“We need to be a staff stuffed with character and struggle. How a lot you possibly can pull collectively to vary momentum in your favour is essential.
“It was a great expertise for the staff to undergo. We have been on the top of some outcomes that have been destructive experiences so that is good — however it might be nicer if we did not should hold it so shut.”
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Relive three basic Six Nations video games between England and Scotland forward of their conflict in Cardiff this weekend.
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