CUTTING LOOSE CAN MAKE YOU TIGHTER

IN the aftermath of England’s big win in Dublin, it was revealed that the squad had embarked an on old-school night out prior to their week-long training camp in Portugal. ‘We had a room, played some darts, had a couple of drinks and had a real good time,’ Henry Slade recalled. It seemed to do the trick and England’s togetherness was apparent on the pitch at Twickenham yesterday as they swept the French aside. After a turbulent 2018, Eddie Jones seems to be getting the balance right with England. They have rowed back on the intensity of their training sessions and there is clearly a good team spirit being fostered within the playing group. It is no secret that Carton House can be an intense environment. Looking ahead to World Cup, Schmidt might take note and let his players cut loose a bit.