I can simply reel off the losses that caught with me within the Six Nations, as they will take you to a extremely darkish place at instances.
Scotland 2000, Eire 2001 and France 2002 – all of them nonetheless harm.
I used to be concerned in all these campaigns and got here up in need of a Grand Slam by one victory three consecutive instances.
It will be significant now to take inventory and keep in mind that defeat will occur once more sooner or later earlier than the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
England will lick their wounds after one more crushing defeat by Scotland, however even when a possible Grand Slam has gone, they nonetheless have a championship to play for.
The possibility to win a Grand Slam doesn’t come round fairly often, and that’s the actuality.
Final week I mentioned it will be silly to attract a straight line from the opening weekend to a Grand Slam decider in Paris.
This event is magical for precisely that purpose.
Two wins and England can be able to go to Paris and maybe attempt to win the championship.
There may be lots to deal with and be enthusiastic about, and that Murrayfield ache will make England a greater workforce.
Large away wins will not be simple within the Six Nations, and Saturday is one other one which eluded Steve Borthwick.
It’s not nearly successful on one other pitch because the World Cup is on impartial soil in Australia.
It’s in regards to the completely different feeling exterior the Twickenham surroundings and residential comforts.
As spectacular because the 12-game successful run was, England nonetheless want that South African mentality – wherever you go on the earth, you’re anticipated to win and be globally profitable.
Borthwick continues to be but to journey to Scotland, Eire or France within the Six Nations and win.
Most adversity comes from taking part in away from residence, and Saturday gave the England gamers extra of these situations.
It is extremely unlikely they may win a World Cup and not using a assertion away victory beforehand.
