How England brought the ‘oomph’ to stun Ireland in Six Nations epic
“It’s a lovely word, that. It’s George Martin in a nutshell.” Jamie George had just been asked about England’s returning second-row star bringing added ‘oomph’ to the side during the shock victory over Ireland and liked what he heard.
The England skipper enjoyed what he saw from the 22-year-old on the Twickenham pitch even more. While the new blitz defence being implemented by Felix Jones had shown positive signs during the opening three rounds, England’s largely stagnant attack and lack of physicality had been causing concern even during the victories over flawed Italy and Wales sides, let alone in the underwhelming Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland that followed.
A game against all-conquering, unstoppable Ireland en route toof the Steve Borthwick era.
