I do not like to say this after a defeat of England, predominantly because the national side of the country should always seek to win independently of the opposition.
But I thought the exhibition of Steve Borthwick team against Ireland was a step in the right direction, especially compared to autumn.
England lost many tight games in 2024. And although its first 2025 game ended similarly, I think Borthwick as chief coach and players can take many positive aspects.
The first half was magnificent. England led 10-5 at rest and I think they deserved that advantage. They were physical and their defense improved a lot.
In general, England seemed much more organized and that was especially the case without the ball. This game showed that it was the right call to get rid of Blitz's defense.
The question that Borthwick should do with his players this week is what the hell happened after part time? This is difficult to respond, but, for me, the problem in the heart was the penalty count. England granted only 11 penalties that are not bad.
England showed a great improvement of some of his actions in autumn, but it was undone by Ireland in Dublin
The hosts responded with a devastating exhibition of the second half to take their campaign to the perfect beginning (in the photo: Dan Sheehan celebrates scoring the fourth attempt at his team's game)
International teams point to 10 or less in the course of 80 minutes, so 11 is not shocking.
But the rate of these sanctions increased in the second half and that gave Ireland impulse and territory. They are an incredibly difficult side to stop once they have that.
The past fall was quite clear that England players were not convinced by the idea of bombing. There was no clear defensive alignment. Some players rushed to press the opposition attackers, while others would retire. There were dog legs everywhere. England was regularly chosen as a result.
I know that Ireland scored four attempts to go home with a victory of a bonus point, but sometimes you have to accept such a good side as they will cross the money laundering, no matter how good your defense is. England took a positive step forward there.
I have been critical of the Central Association of Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence. I do not believe that their combination in the center of the field has worked, but both had good games in Dublin.
Lawrence especially had a real opportunity. He showed his power and was monstrously physical, while with him Slade had some pleasant touches. That was summarized by his kick for Cadan Murley to score in the debut.
I am sure that some people who read this will say that the late scores of Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman put a shine on the score from an English perspective and that they were actually comfortably beaten.
There is merit in that argument, but for me positivity remains. I especially liked some minor changes that pointed to a much greater attack mentality. A good example of that was the brief restart of England.
Both Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence (in the photo) had good games against the queen champions
The beginning of Marcus Smith was instantly recovered by Freddie Steward. This may seem small, but it is part of something much bigger.
Most teams take a long time since the beginning or restarted, but go in short shows you are trying to be brave. It shows a positive mentality. For that I have been crying from England for a long time, from there my glass view in the middle of half of the view.
Both the twins of Curry, Tom and Ben, had great games in the row and I think they have deserved to maintain their place for the game with France. I still think Freeman is wasted in the wing. Until his attempt to console with the final play of the game, we had seen almost nothing of him in the attack.
It is a shame because he has a lot to offer, as we see when he plays for Northampton in the Premier League of Gallagher. It has to be considered to move to the center.
The first game of the six nations is everything, so to lose England is undoubtedly disappointing. There will be no English Grand Slam now, of course. It will be horrible for players to lose another tight game like that, especially because this is becoming a recurring theme.
However, I would like to point out a difference again. The past fall, England lost games with little among the teams on the scoreboard, but where, in my opinion, they were actually well overcome and did not show many signs of progress.
This was different. When you work in the International Rugby and you suffer a defeat, especially one that will chop him, the best thing that can happen is to have another game next week.
That is what England has because France will come to Twickenham on Saturday. It is a great opportunity and the English rugby public needs to be delayed.
The twins of Curry, Tom and Ben (LR), had excellent games in the back row and deserved to keep their place aside
Antoine Dupont and CO are the next opponents of England, just out of her pat in Wales on Friday
It will be an incredible occasion. France hardly had to break sweat to put 40 points in Wales, which is a great concern if you are Welsh.
It was a shame to see a really unilateral contest in Paris on the opening night, but I thought that in general the first weekend was very good.
The games in Edinburgh and Dublin were appropriate test battles and the latter saw England losing for little once again.
But in the evidence of what I saw in the Aviva stadium, I think we can say that there are positive signs that the team can break its loss streak.