One defeat is careless, two is a problem, three is a crisis for England
ENGLAND may not have a title to play for today, but they will be driven to stop Ireland winning a Grand Slam while getting back on the World Cup bandwagon.
Acting as St Patrick’s Day partypoopers is not high on their agenda, but after two successive defeats, Dylan Hartley and Co want to prove they are not a broken team, despite chronic breakdown problems. And there is also a proud home record to protect.
They have seen off all-comers at Twickenham under Eddie Jones.
When it was put to the England captain that his side could finish as low as fifth in the Six Nations — after winning the previous two — Hartley said: ‘That’s the pessimistic view. I think the other way — we could finish second.’
Victory would return England to second place in the global rankings, but Hartley says he’s not motivated by consolation prizes. ‘What’s that film? Talladega Nights; there’s a great quote in that. (“If you ain’t first, you’re last”).’
So what are the English motivations? What forces will inspire the hosts to stand firm in the face of an Irish juggernaut?
‘Everyone is motivated differently,’ said Hartley.
‘We don’t want Ireland to win a Grand Slam. I’m motivated by finishing the tournament on a high. I’m motivated by showing the world we’re still a good team.’
Jones (right) has carried out a sweeping selection overhaul since the defeat in Paris. Among those brought back into the starting XV, James Haskell is a familiar figure aiming to add dynamic power to the home back row.
The Wasps veteran offered a unique take on how England’s sense of purpose this year will differ from Ireland’s in 2017.
Asked about the hatred and hostility England have to contend with wherever they go, he said: ‘That’s what happens when you used to run the world, isn’t it?
‘It’s down to empire building. I was nothing to do with it. I never got in my boat and said: “Right, you’re part of Great Britain”. I can’t be held responsible for it!
‘I don’t hate anyone. It’s an easy motivation for other sides.
‘If you know your history, we are partly to blame!’
One way or another, there is no doubt that English minds will be suitably focused today. From a commanding position not so long ago, they are now on a precipice.
Two defeats in a row — for the first time under Jones — could swiftly become a significant losing run, as Warren Gatland so readily pointed out on Thursday. England haven’t lost three on the bounce in the Six Nations since 2006.
If there is a repeat of the stilted, aimless and flat performance against France last weekend, England will lose today.
They simply cannot afford to let the Irish overrun them at the ruck as Scotland and France did to such devastating effect. Once is careless, twice is a problem, three times is a crisis. Haskell can bring abrasive force to this task, while Sam Simmonds can use his pace to telling effect, over the ball as well as when carrying it.
The revamp is intriguing. Kyle Sinckler could be an explosive asset as a tough, mobile prop, but only if he stays composed. George Kruis is back to bolster an effective line-out and Hartley must set the tone for adapting on the hoof, if required.
Further back, the selection of Richard Wigglesworth suggests Jones wants his side to beat the Irish at their own tactical, aerial game. The scrum-half ’s duel with Conor Murray in that regard will be fascinating and pivotal.
Tellingly, England have ditched the two-playmaker model in favour of Owen Farrell at flyhalf and Ben Te’o at inside centre. Te’o versus another Kiwi, Bundee Aki, should be a fiery confrontation.
Such is the visitors’ calibre, it is difficult to find English trump cards. Tadhg Furlong and Iain Henderson give Ireland carrying clout, their lineout is impressive, their scrum vastly improved and their driving game has been far more effective than England’s.
Murray and Johnny Sexton run the show with assurance and Joe Schmidt has aces out wide in Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale — the tournament’s top try-scorer — and born-again Rob Kearney.
Visiting captain Rory Best admits the Irish expect to win if they perform to their ability.
‘What we will go out with is a plan, that we feel if we implement as close to perfectly as we can, then we will win,’ he said. ‘That youthful exuberance and energy, they (the young players in the team) haven’t been to Twickenham; they haven’t been in games where we have been beaten up in. ‘We cannot go out without respecting the opposition, like we always do, but we have got to make sure we don’t go into our shells, and we use a bit of that fear, and a bit of that “no fear” attitude.’ Based on recent evidence, the new champions should win. But these rivalries don’t work like that. England will be out to stop the Slam. Victory is not beyond them.