Will Greenwood: Steve Borthwick can put England in better position at World Cup after Six Nations battles | Rugby Union News

England led Eire 6-0 early on earlier than a controversial first-half pink card for Freddie Steward proved decisive, with the hosts trailing 29-16 winners; Will Greenwood: ‘I believe there was sufficient for (referee) Jaco Peyper to say there have been extenuating circumstances to make it a yellow’

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Will Greenwood does not suppose Freddie Steward ought to have been despatched off for England however thinks Eire would nonetheless have gained their Six Nations conflict even with out the pink card

Former England worldwide Will Greenwood stated there have been loads of positives for England to remove from their newest Six Nations loss to Grand Slam winners Eire on Sunday.

England discovered themselves 6-0 up on the Aviva Stadium earlier than a controversial pink card for full-back Freddie Steward within the first half proved decisive as Eire went down 29-16 winners .

Greenwood described England’s defensive work as “fabulous”, particularly as they got here into the sport after a report 53-10 thrashing by France at Twickenham.

Discuss to Sky Sports activities InformationGreenwood stated the positives of England’s efficiency in Dublin got here by way of extra on a second watch.

“I had [initially] I assumed Eire had been dominant, made a couple of errors and England had been aggressive,” Greenwood stated. “However watching him once more final evening I assumed England had been fabulous – in a facet of the ball.

Maro Itoje prices a kick from Jamison Gibson-Park throughout Sunday’s recreation at Aviva Stadium

“Defensively and from a set-piece perspective, there have been loads of causes to be constructive for England. What must be labored on is that we want extra of a strike menace.

“I did not suppose we had been wonderful with the ball…we nonetheless battle with line breaks – perhaps we had one within the final two video games. We have to rating a couple of tries.

“However in opposition to France, we lacked chunk and depth, and I believe the English confirmed themselves very effectively.

“You may’t underestimate the outlet they had been in after the sport in opposition to France and the way determined the English followers had been for one thing to carry on to. I believe they actually gave us That.”

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Steve Borthwick says England’s heavy loss to France was ‘painful’

As for Steward being despatched off, Greenwood believes there have been “mitigating components” that ought to have seen a yellow card as an alternative for his collision with Hugo Keenan.

“As quickly because the ball hits the turf, you’ve gotten two gamers in Keenan and Steward, who’ve spent their complete lives making an attempt to get on the ball shortly,” he stated.

“I’ve watched it about 15 instances, and I’ve seen it stay; the reactions of the Irish gamers, in and across the incident – which is usually an enormous clue – all of this, to me, prompt that it was a rugby-related incident and an especially unlucky accident.

“The protocol needs to be adopted, however I believe there was sufficient to [referee] Jaco Peyper to say there have been extenuating circumstances, given what occurred earlier than the collision, to make it a yellow.

“That is the place I am at. I perceive why they’re altering the legal guidelines, to make rugby safer, however generally I really feel like there are incidents that occur which can be virtually unavoidable, that which is unlucky for a participant – clearly Keenan could not come again – however should not outline the sport.”

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Eire head coach Andy Farrell says he’s delighted to win the Grand Slam on dwelling soil whereas England’s Steve Borthwick admits his facet have failed

With the World Cup lower than six months away, Greenwood famous England’s departure below new head coach Steve Borthwick and in addition revealed he had hosts France as favorites for the World Cup regardless of the Eire’s Grand Slam victory.

“For England, all of their Christmases got here early with the [World Cup] draw. Though that does not imply they’re assured to go to the semi-finals,” Greenwood stated.

“When you go to the information, you are not fairly certain what modified [under Borthwick]. However in terms of instinct, intuition, usability, I believe there’s been just a little enchancment.

“I believe the truth is that Borthwick most likely did not understand how a lot of a gap the crew was in and there are some fixes he could make over the summer time once they come into their camp. the World Cup, who I believe can do a lot better.

“He was handed a small hospital cross, given the job simply earlier than the beginning of the Six Nations. What would he get on a report card? B+, ‘good begin however a lot of work.'”

Greenwood added: “Eire are the perfect crew on the planet, however France got here late. Towards England they had been merely magnificent, and in opposition to Wales they scored practically 100 factors within the final two video games!

“They’re going into a house World Cup and my milk cash continues to be with France. However I’d be glad to debate and see the nuance in at the very least six international locations with a practical probability of successful the World Cup.”