Maro Itoje insists England “are going places” regardless of enduring their worst Six Nations marketing campaign.
England misplaced 4 video games within the event for the primary time to complete fifth within the desk however the efficiency of their last-gasp loss to France was a far cry from the insipid shows in opposition to Scotland, Eire and Italy.
England produced one in all their finest showings beneath Steve Borthwick, scoring seven tries at Stade de France. The final of these, a 77th-minute effort from Tommy Freeman, seemed to have sealed a well-known victory, just for Thomas Ramos to interrupt English hearts with a last-gasp penalty.
It was merciless on England, who dominated for big spells through the first half and surged right into a 10-point lead, however a Fortieth-minute penalty strive – coupled with the sin-binning for Ellis Genge – proved pricey.
“We had a tough couple of games and are disappointed to lose this one but it showed the spirit of this team,” England captain Itoje informed ITV.
“In sport you usually do not wish to undergo the experiences we went by way of in the previous couple of video games however I really imagine we’re going locations.
“We will learn from our experiences and be better for them. We just need to attack the game as Test rugby is a tough sport. You have to be sharp from the off. We will take the lessons. Some big ones.”
Thomas Ramos kicks the successful penalty
Borthwick’s facet had been remodeled from the facet that collapsed in Rome. Their pack flexed their muscle mass for the primary time within the event by dominating France up entrance, impressed by two-try Ollie Chessum, the relentless Ben Earl and props Genge and Joe Heyes.
It was the kind of all-action show Borthwick wanted to persuade the Rugby Soccer Union he ought to proceed as head coach only a week after England fell to a historic first defeat by Italy.
Louis Bielle Biarrey, who scored two tries in every half, celebrates Ramos’ successful kick
“France are a tremendous team and it was an excellent game,” stated Borthwick. “Last year we won it very late in the game and it’s the nature of this fixture.
“It has taken time to get the relationships within the group. We now have been disappointing in the previous couple of weeks and wished a consequence tonight however we hope the followers might be happy with how the group performed.
“The yellow cards have hurt us but I think tonight’s was very debatable. Luck has gone against us but we have to be better than that.
“I’m very clear on the route of the group, we wished to realize extra within the event, clearly, however we’ll be certain that we do this going forwards.”
Subsequent up for England is a visit to Ellis Park, Johannesburg on July 4 to face world champions South Africa of their first sport of the inaugural Nations Championship.
