Despite Smith’s “rabbit in the headlines” start, he improved both mentally and tactically as the game developed. Smith seems to lack the distance running speed to play 80 minutes at 15. He is a sparky player which can ensure he beats the first defender.
That said, there was greater fluency in England’s performance and a willingness of all players to contribute. Finding that fluency has been hard for the coach Steve Borthwick to achieve and his style of coaching does not compliment that form of team play.
The French performance was riddled with casual play and consequently mistake after mistake. On another day they could have scored 50 points, such was the number of tries they bombed metres from the line.
In two weeks, they travel to Rome to face Italy. You can expect a gladiatorial performance from France and the blood will flow. Until then only England will be drinking the red wine.
ALARMING
Meanwhile, despite the threat of a wooden spoon, Wales could not find a performance to beat Italy. Italian passion was enough to get them home 22-15. Wales lack both thought and cohesion in attack. It is an alarming indictment of a nation who have provided individual talent of the highest quality and team play of breathtaking proportions. Attacking skills are sadly missing.
Ireland were in control over Scotland from the very first minute, with speed of thought and action the difference as they swept to a 32-18 win. Ireland has a team mentality and, like South Africa, can bring international players off the bench.
While Wales and Italy will offer little resistance to them, France, whom Ireland will play in Dublin, may provide competition, possibly resulting in the title being determined by points difference.
A watching Andy Farrell will have rubber stamped many of the Ireland team into his Lions squad.
Scotland have now lost 10 in a row against Ireland. England at Twickenham in two weeks’ time will present a similar challenge.
There is now a two week break until the third round, affording a review period for teams to assess performance and re-boot the injured.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.