England put World Cup ‘trauma’ behind them as France shine in Six Nations

Eddie Jones

LONDON (AFP): England may have consigned some of the “trauma” of last year’s World Cup final defeat to the history books by winning the 2020 Six Nations, but France could have the greatest cause for optimism after the end of a coronavirus-hit Championship.

Almost a year to the day since England lost to South Africa in the World Cup final, a 34-5 win away to Italy in Rome saw them take the Six Nations title from France on points difference, despite Les Bleus’ 35-27 defeat of Ireland later on Saturday.

Back in February, before Covid-19 became an all-too familiar phrase and Europe’s major rugby union venues had not started to resemble training grounds in the absence of spectators, England opened the tournament with a 24-17 loss to France in Paris before finding their form again.

“Losing a World Cup final can be quite traumatic and it puts a dent in you and it leaves a scar that you carry around for the rest of your life,” said Jones, who should know given he was also the coach of his native Australia when they were defeated by England in the 2003 showpiece match.

England’s game remains based on their familiar pack strength, with Maro Itoje and Tom Curry leading the way ahead of the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup that replaces traditional tours by the southern hemisphere giants.

“We are endeavouring to play England rugby, which is about set-piece and defence,” said Jones. “Then we are looking to add to that.” 

France were on course for a Grand Slam until prop Mohamed Haouas was sent off in an eventual defeat by Scotland in March.

Yet again France paid heavily for individual indiscipline, as they had when Sebastien Vahaamahina was shown a red card during a World Cup quarter-final defeat by Wales.

But a now dynamic as well as physical pack laid the foundations for a backline orchestrated by the youthful Toulouse half-back pair of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack to score a succession of stunning tries.

“They, like the team, matured a lot during this competition with what they’ve experienced,” said Fabien Galthie, who took over as France coach after the World Cup.

France have never won the World Cup but on this form they should be major contenders when they stage the 2023 edition.

Scotland, with three succesive wins culminating with Saturday’s 14-10 victory against Wales in Llanelli -- their first win on Welsh soil for 18 years -- also made significant strides.

Ireland were in title contention until the end, but defeats by both England and France, led to questions about their strength in depth.

Reigning Grand Slam champions Wales, however, were dire. They lost four and won just one of five matches in their worst Six Nations display since 2007.