May the force is with England

THERE was a time, not so long ago, when Jonny May was notable as an England winger who ran sideways and did not score tries.

In his first seven Tests he failed to trouble the scorers and it was inconceivable he could be considered the world’s best winger.

Look at him now. The way he played against Ireland was as good a wing performance as I think I have seen. He was note perfect in the rudiments of chase that ball, win that box kick, get your team further up the field by dominating in the air.

It comes as no surprise to hear he was a decent pole vaulter as a teen.

What caught the eye in Dublin, where he scored England’s first try and made their third with a brilliant kick, wasn’t the things that historically he can do well, namely catch the ball and run fast. It was what he has grafted on to that through pure hard work – defensive awareness and a range of aerial skills.

He completely dominated the left touchline at the Aviva to the extent it was the sort of performance you would expect from Rieko Loane. With May (inset) in such irresistible form, I take England by 20 tomorrow.