England entered the Guinness Six Nations as heavy favourites to claim their third title of the Eddie Jones era but, after two difficult away fixtures, they sit fourth in the table.
Here the PA news agency examines the questions posed by their campaign so far.
How have they performed?
?A reminder of the #GuinnessSixNations standings after two rounds… pic.twitter.com/DqcFTXcFL8
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 10, 2020
Mixed bag. Falling 24-0 behind to France in Paris was a disastrous start and, although they fought back, a 24-17 defeat invited renewed pressure on to the Jones regime. Breathing space has been bought by an ugly victory over Scotland at Murrayfield in which England adapted better to atrocious conditions.
So they are back on track?
Eddie Jones pays tribute to “outstanding” England after their Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland. #sixnations #carrythemhome
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 8, 2020
Win at all costs was the mantra for Edinburgh and that was achieved despite the churning winds and heavy rain of Storm Ciara turning the Calcutta Cup clash into a lottery. The set-piece was strong and in stark contrast to 2018, the breakdown belonged to England with Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Lewis Ludlam immense. Add in the hostility that greeted them in the Scottish capital – an empty plastic beer bottle being thrown at Jones’ right hand man Neil Craig, the booing of Owen Farrell during kicks at goal and the away dressing room only having one hot shower – and there is a justifiable sense of satisfaction in the camp even if so far they have not played like tournament favourites.
And yet?
Have they moved forward since Japan?
What is next?
