As a result of England’s successful streak began with some streaky wins.
Victory over France in spherical two of final yr’s Six Nations was delivered, partially, by Gallic butterfingers.
The one-point win over Scotland a fortnight later would have been defeat had Russell nailed a final-play conversion shot.
After closing out that Six Nations marketing campaign with wins over Italy and Wales, England, with out 14 British and Irish Lions, impressed by beating Argentina twice on a two-Take a look at tour.
However the Pumas, run ragged by the 12-month calls for on their star gamers, had been additionally at lower than full power.
Victory over New Zealand was the centrepiece of England’s autumn, however the subsequent sacking of Scott Robertson steered that the All Blacks weren’t taking on instruments with their standard gusto.
England’s present run has been constructed round Twickenham. Can they go on the street and break the hex that Scotland have held over them lately?
If not, back-to-back away journeys to the Stade de France and Ellis Park to play France and South Africa in March and July respectively all of a sudden look an entire lot extra daunting.
There are some relative Take a look at rookies of their line-up. Henry Arundell is far improved in defence, however was barely examined towards Wales final week. Tommy Freeman is studying on the job at centre, a possible opening that Sione Tuipulotu and Jones will try to take advantage of. Man Pepper, eight caps deep, will probably be a goal for wily reverse quantity Jamie Ritchie.
Elsewhere Luke Cowan-Dickie can wobble on the oche at line-out time, whereas England’s replacements didn’t speed up away from Wales as Borthwick may need hoped, with the hosts shading the second half by a comparatively slender 19-7.
They’re minor quibbles. Definitely compared to Scotland’s.
Gregor Townsend’s males had been stung by a defeat by Italy that may sign the start of the tip for each a coach and a technology of stellar gamers.
However, these happier, extra distant recollections are additionally nonetheless resident of their line-up.
Two names stay from the 23 who beat England eight years in the past – Russell, who threw the go, and Jones, who caught it.
England should break that hyperlink to the previous.
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