England threaten to ditch tried-and-trusted formula

ENGLAND have taken Ireland to the cleaners twice in the past 12 months, but only one of those victories counted for a bean and that was in Dublin 12 months ago when they kicked off their Six Nations campaign with a sensational 32-20 win.

That remains the template on how to beat Ireland, whether on the road or back at Twickenham. Disregard the 57-15 walloping England administered in their World Cup warm-up game last August, which was effectively Ireland’s first contact session after a long summer of conditioning.

England looked a million dollars that day and scored tries for fun but, as a form guide, it was meaningless. The only way it will come into play today is that many Ireland players will recall the humiliation of walking off that sunny afternoon and will be determined to put things right, in their own minds at least.

But Dublin was different. That was world-class rugby from England against a side ranked No 1 in the world and coming off a glorious 2018. I’m not sure that wasn’t better than England’s World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand.

What is important to identify is why England were so good that day. What did they do so well?

Firstly, they picked the right team with players in their best positions. It sounds basic and bog standard, but it’s the secret to almost all successful teams. Eddie Jones’ selection of players out of position has caused much comment this winter and I have chipped in with my views many times. So let’s concentrate on the other things England did so well in Dublin.

They played at tempo for the full 80 minutes and started like a train, scoring with Jonny May in the second minute.

England were physical and stroppy in a good way. They were disciplined and organised in defence and they were enterprising and opportunistic in attack, looking to cash in on any Ireland mistakes.

It was the complete performance in a match Ireland, remember, started as strong favourites after their Grand Slam heroics in 2018 and World Cup run.

That is how to beat Ireland and nothing much has changed. This is going to be close. England have enough power up front to get over the line but there is no margin for error.