Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson was scathing about his former side’s display against Italy. Despite winning 47-24 to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive, the Red Roses were regularly cut open by their visitors and appeared to take their foot off the gas in the final quarter.
Steve Borthwick’s side will play Wales next Saturday in Cardiff. They are now second in the table, a point off France, and another bonus point victory will leave Les Bleus needing to beat Scotland in Paris with four tries of their own. However, the 2003 World Cup winner believes England still lack a clinical nature despite notching three wins in a row.
« I have been disappointed that England have been unable to maintain the level of that good stuff we’ve seen, » he said on BBC 5 Live during the latter stages. « There has been a handful of opportunities were England have had so much forward momentum yet they manage to slow their own ball down. »
He later added: « There were moments up until 50-55 minutes that England were in complete control. I was expecting them to put the afterburners on, but instead it was the handbrake in the way they went about their business towards the end. »
Dawson didn’t hold back throughout the 80 minutes. He took aim at Marcus Smith after the Harlequins man replaced Ollie Lawrence early on, accusing him of « trying too hard » with ball in hand.
And he also weighed in at 7-7 when home skipper Maro Itoje tried his luck from close range. The second row botched an attacking platform by trying to go on his own, only to be driven back by the Italian defence.
« If England are playing Ireland or France, there is no chance Maro Itoje tries to dive over the top of a ruck to score, » said Dawson. « That was an NFL quarterback sneak style play. That is not a ruthless mentality like the French. »
England skipper Itoje himself conceded post-match his side could have been more ruthless. However, he also vowed to push France all the way next Saturday, and argued England had shown more aggression and intent in attack than in the previous three matches.
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