England’s captain Jamie Georgesaid his workforce are on the verge of an thrilling future regardless of a last-gasp 33-31 defeat to France of their ultimate Six Nations fixture. England have been overwhelmed by a long-range Thomas Ramos penalty paying homage to the Handrè Pollard kick which enabled South Africa to edge their World Cup semi-final in Paris final autumn.
Steve Borthwick’s workforce had beforehand surged again from 16-3 down to guide 24-16 early within the second half and George felt the final two weekends have underlined what his facet are able to. “I imagine we’ve the gamers to do one thing very particular issues with this English workforce and that’s a extremely thrilling place to be,” stated George, who was successful his ninetieth cap.
“I feel we’ve made big strides. We spoke earlier than the match about reconnecting with followers, placing a smile on their faces and we’ve definitely performed that. In the end, we’re going to be upset as we got here into this match believing we have been going to win it. We’ve proven in components we’re a ok workforce to try this. General I’m so enthusiastic about what the longer term holds for English rugby.
“I simply assume we’re on an upward trajectory. There’s a number of speak about our assault and scoring tries and all that form of factor however not many groups come and entrance as much as the set piece of France like we did. The set piece is in a extremely good place. The assault is constructing properly…and defensively it’s coming collectively properly. We didn’t discover a strategy to win tonight and that’s received to be one thing we have a look at going ahead however we may be actually proud of the way in which we’re going.”
The ultimate act of an exciting match, nevertheless, introduced again uncomfortable recollections of England’s 16-15 loss to the Springboks in October. “Honest play to France for coming again and getting that penalty on the finish and truthful play to Ramos for knocking it over,” stated George. “There was a little bit of déjà vu from the Pollard penalty just a few months in the past. That’s at all times going to be powerful to take however there’s a lot to be happy with over the previous few weeks. We genuinely really feel like this workforce is on and upward curve and we’re going someplace.”
Head coach Borthwick praised his gamers’ spirit and willingness to remain within the combat: “I feel the gamers have been unbelievable – they performed very well tonight and I’m actually upset for them. We didn’t get the end result we needed – however have a look at the gamers and the combat and depth they’ve. I don’t assume these boys are ever overwhelmed, they simply ran out of time. We’re all upset we didn’t get the win however we’ve began competing with the highest groups once more. We don’t simply need to compete, we need to win, however we’ve made steps in the correct route.”
France’s captain Gregory Aldritt, in the meantime, additionally believed the end result will profit France’s confidence following a disappointing begin to their Six Nations marketing campaign. “We’re actually comfortable,” he stated. “England performed an amazing sport however to lose tonight would have been powerful for us
“We’re working laborious, we’ve a workforce filled with character and we need to get again to the highest of the rankings. We had a incredible ambiance in Marseille and Lille however we weren’t capable of give our followers the victory. We’re comfortable to take action right here.”