GEORGE GORGES ON THE CRUMBS

Hooker’s hat-trick is highlight of Twickenham dirge

JAMIE GEORGE became the first England hooker to score a hat-trick of tries as Georgia were pounded into submission in an Autumn Nations Cup mismatch at Twickenham yesterday.

George was the beneficiary as the home pack struck repeatedly through their line-out drive, reverting to the tactic time and again as their disappointing attack never left first gear.

The highlight of a dour, scrum-heavy clash was Jonathan Joseph’s searing break that led to a 38th-minute try for Elliot Daly, but the moment was also touched by misfortune as the Bath threequarter sustained an injury and had to be helped off.

It ended a successful start to Joseph’s life as an outside-centreturned-wing given licence to roam Twickenham and head coach Eddie Jones must wait to see when he can repeat the experiment.

From start to finish, the afternoon was a grim slog for Georgia as the sport’s 12th-ranked side fought hard to limit opportunities while barely ever troubling the home 22.

Aided by the arrival of heavy rain, they turned the third quarter into an arm-wrestle to stem the flow of points and stop the game turning into a training ground exercise for England.

It was never easy on the eye, but the visitors cracked in the 15th minute when debutant Jack Willis showed strength to force his way over, with a little help from Wasps team-mate Joe Launchbury.

Willis became the first England player to score on his debut since Billy Vunipola in 2013 and he was comfortable at this level, although tougher tests than Georgia await.

George’s hat-trick of touchdowns was interspersed by Daly’s contribution before Dan Robson completed the rout when he dummied and slipped over with 12 minutes remaining.

Afterwards, George preferred to focus on the collective despite a memorable day for him personally.

He said: ‘It was a great team performance, we were fully aware how much pride Georgia take in their set-piece, so the most pleasing thing was forwards-wise how we stepped up to the plate.

‘We are missing the crowd massively but take a huge amount of pride in our set-piece.

‘I’m quite happy keeping the celebration low-key.’

Jones, meanwhile, was quietly satisfied as he reflected on a resounding victory for his team.

He said: ‘It was a good, tough performance by us. We wanted to get our set-piece going, Georgia challenge you in that area.

‘I thought the scrum was outstanding and the driving maul was good.

‘We left another 20 points out there we’d have liked to have got — but I’m pretty happy with our display.

‘Most games are won by the team that kicks the most and I thought that our kicking game today was excellent.

‘Next week, we would like to execute a bit better but Ireland will be a completely different game.

‘I’m delighted with the result and the attitude of the team. We’re in a good place going forward.’

Skipper Owen Farrell bemoaned the elements, saying: ‘ Tough conditions and tough opposition. When the weather is like this, it’s an uphill battle and a big challenge but I thought that our form stood up to it today.

‘Georgia pride themselves on their set-piece but so do we. There was a lot of good stuff out there today but we will see how we can be more clinical.’

Ahead of next Saturday’s clash at Twickenham with Ireland, coached by his father Andy, Farrell Jnr added: ‘It’s another game to look forward to. We know that we are extremely privileged to be playing at the moment.’ SCORERS; ENGLAND — Tries: Willis, George (3), Daly, Robson. Cons: Farrell (5).

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales).