England have hit back at Sir Ian Botham’s claim that Eddie Jones’ Guinness Six Nations champions “don’t look a happy camp”.
Botham, one of England’s finest cricketers, has revealed he is supporting Wales when the rivals meet in Cardiff on the basis that his grandson James is a member of Wayne Pivac’s squad.
And in another indignity aimed at Saturday’s favourites, Botham insists they are vulnerable heading into the round-three showdown at Principality Stadium.
England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot dismissed the suggestion of discontent in the wake of a comprehensive loss to Scotland on the opening weekend before a step forward was taken by toppling Italy.
“Strange how someone can look inside the Lensbury bubble and know how happy we are. We’re extremely happy,” Proudfoot said.
“There’s continual stimulation, ways of people interacting to create that feeling of a team environment and the buzz that isolation tries to keep us away from each other.
“This is a camp where you learn, you learn to bring your best in every moment of the day, we all do that.
“Scotland were competitive against us, we were more dominant and a lot more together in the Italian game and I expect an improvement this weekend.
“I don’t think we’re an unhappy camp, I think we’re a very determined camp.”
“I’m actually very happy to pull on that red shirt when they play England because obviously blood is thicker than water,” Botham said.
“I am a proud Englishman, but I go UK for that weekend. It is a UK match. I’m supporting Wales, of course I am. What grandfather wouldn’t? That’s the question I would put to people.”
