I resisted the initial temptation to join the general outrage following the England performance the other weekend. I have been on the receiving end of a significant if not heavy defeat a couple of times when playing for England and it hurts. But they were away from home (a blown World Cup Final was painful but doesn’t count !) and the manner of this result was humbling for a squad which has aspirations to compete at the top of the world. To join in the chorus of criticism resembled a cheap shot at the bottom of a ruck but now as the dust settles and we look forward to the next round I can reflect.

I saw a couple of other trends worth spending time on from the past weekend. Firstly, the exceptional defence of the French against some intensive attacking patterns from the Azzurri. Shaun Edwards is creating a model not dissimilar to his best days as the Wales Defence coach when they won Grand Slams, and to mirror the world class scramble defence of the Springboks. To contain the Italians to one try was impressive, and for me it really marks out France as the major challenger to the back to back World Cup winners. This is before you get to their offloading game which is the best in the world. This match showed that Italy can do some real damage in attack and if England dare bring their current defence to Rome then the previous sackings of that great ancient city will look insignificant in comparison.

The good fortune of Scotland’s barely deserved late win over Wales at least put them in with a chance of 3 wins this tournament, but any of the other nations would have got over the line against them that day and it is clear that the Scottish forwards simply do not have two consecutive big games in them which is remarkable when you look at the personnel. They need an enforcer!

As for England, their adoption of a creative bench strategy, the so-called Pom Squad, has masked an over prescriptive approach and scrambled their mental capacity to deal with unexpected challenges, the ultimate test for top teams.I applaud the arrival of the likes of Irish heroes Tommy O’Brien and Stuart McCloskey in the consciousness of all rugby supporters, but they have been around for a while as has Baloucoune who was exceptional on the day and showed the English wingers how to perform across the field in attack and defence. It was a stunning watch even if you supported England and as a midfield player I would be hiding behind the sofa at that defensive display, possibly the worst I have ever seen from an England team at Twickenham. Coaching is all about getting the best out of your selected squad and Farrell has done that well. He has the experience of this that Borthwick still lacks. I talked a while ago about the ‘kid in the candy shop’ with so many players to choose from and the real test of his coaching tenure approaches. For England and France it is all about selection. As Galthié’s young guns run riot – Bielle Biarrey and Brau Boirie are a commentators nightmare but they have better get used to it as these two will be World Cup stars !- Borthwick’s equivalents are in and out of the squad or on and off the bench.

As for my obvious interest in the rumoured new midfield selection for Rome, Smith,Atkinson and Freeman can definitely do some damage but Garbisi, Menencello and Brex are a handful and will be waiting, licking their lips at the prospect of a first ever win over England in the Six Nations. I genuinely do not think it will happen, as World Cup selection could be on the line for some of these England players especially up front where it all looks too timid. The great England packs of the past must be shaking their heads at the timidity of the current crop- I predict a big response which must then be replicated in Paris.

Borthwick must place Lee Blackett next to him and give him the keys to England’s attack play. In the maelstrom of new ‘governance’ and England Rugby’s brave new world, the dysfunctional nature of the England Head Coach reporting line is a recurring Achilles Heel. Who is there to advise him and his team on how to respond to two such crushing defeats. Anonymous committees and half baked executive platitudes – or nothing. It is not good enough and condemns us to constant crisis management. This has been a 22 year problem yet deemed unimportant to fix when the success of our National team (and those below- eg England U20 currently 6th in the world) is paramount.

Paris in the spring is the well named city of Love. Borthwick may get his selections right, let us hope so, but the immediate fate of his England side lies deep within itself, an emotional response is required, backs to the wall, and ultimate self belief. Pre match chat means nothing and gratuitous posturing to the crowd needs to go. Time to step up.

Hallers.