5 things we learned

1 Inconsistency on red cards

WHEN Fraser Brown spear-tackled Elliot Daly after just 90 seconds most were expecting to see a red card. It was dangerous and in this world of ‘outcomebased’ sanctions it warranted a red card. Too often these decisions are called differently in each match.

2 Finn off form

FINN RUSSELL could not impart any control on the match and looked unsettled throughout. Days like this will damage the Scottish fly-half’s chances of making the Lions tour.

3 An overdue hammering

ENGLAND have not played brilliantly since they beat Australia last June. They may have won every game they have played after beating Uruguay at the end of their awful World Cup campaign in 2015, but it has been a stuttering Six Nations, so this hammering was overdue. England truly got the Italy madness out of their system, and in some style.

4 Scots lack leaders

LOSING Greig Laidlaw to injury has been a huge blow for Scotland in this tournament. When all was going south at Twickenham yesterday there was little sign of someone grabbing the match by the scruff of the neck and demanding answers. Laidlaw would have been barking at his team, but as it was he had to sit in the TV studio wearing a tweed waistcoat.

5 This team is special

ENGLAND became the fifth side to complete back-toback Six Nations Championships last night. But the team are looking further ahead and not resting until the World Cup. What is now vital is that they win back-to-back Grand Slams. That would really be something to savour.