Searching for improvements after back-to-back victories could be dismissed as pedanticism, but England are not beyond modification.
Last weekend's victory over Scotland was a bright, positive start to an important Six Nations in their development in Stuart Lancaster's second year, with many holding the belief that this is a tournament they are capable of winning.
Scoring 38 points for the second consecutive match reiterated that England know their way to the try-line, but despite the convincing victory there was an overwhelming sense coming away from Twickenham that they could and possibly should have done more. Going above and beyond is after all the mark of a great side rather than a good one.
England's dominance of possession and territory against Scotland was down to good work at the breakdown, winning 93% of their rucks and completing 194 passes. In the first-half especially they created ample space on the left wing for Mike Brown to attack, but despite making more metres than any other player - 133 - there was a feeling that with more pace on the left flank England could have been more clinical.
The inclusion of Billy Twelvetrees at inside centre has added a different angle to the debate regarding the make-up of England's back-three.
Alex Goode was heralded throughout the November Internationals for his ability to act as a second receiver, but given Twelvetrees complete skill-set England now have more distributors than strike runners.
Brown has been the best full-back in England for the last 18 months and proven so time and again for Harlequins in key matches. If Ben Foden was in greater form than his extra speed on the wing would have been ideal.
Behind Foden there is a queue of specialist wingers in Christian Wade, Ugo Monye, Tom Biggs and Charlie Sharples waiting to make an impact at Test level, yet Brown and Foden's talents are too great to ignore. Taking the example of the All Blacks with Cory Jane and Israel Dagg - Jane may have the speed of a 14 but his aerial and footballing abilities make him adaptable. Foden can do the same, but has been released ahead of the clash in Dublin.
Lancaster will spend the next few days deliberating over whether to retain Twelvetrees or reunite the centre pairing of Brad Barritt and Manu Tuilagi that defeated New Zealand in November.
The quality of Twelvetrees' debut has put a spanner in the works - his performance was so encouraging that dropping him seems a poor call. The Gloucester centre is the type of player Lancaster has always stated he wants in the 12 channel, with a combination of his playmaking abilities and Tuilagi's power appearing to have the perfect balance.
Barritt however has been a warrior for England in every Test so far. A defensive lynchpin, Barritt has only missed one game in the Lancaster era but despite his try against the All Blacks doubts remain about his creativity.
Against the magic of Brian O'Driscoll however, England need their best defensive weapons. Ireland's record try-scorer was lethal against Wales and Lancaster will have taken note.
Tight calls will also be made over the next 48 hours at hooker and scrum-half, whilst the temptation to release the uncapped Billy Vunipola will tempt Lancaster and his coaching team.
England are not short of options and the victory over Scotland created plenty of positives, but as Lancaster stated immediately after, "there is work to be done." Carry on at this rate and they will be one of the favourites for the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
By Ben Coles
@bencoles_
Comments
APV1 says...
Initially it was a simple decision for me - 36 & MT, with BB on the bench. But...
On one hand I can see the benefit of the 36 & MT combo. As stag mentioned, MT will "distract" / tie-up the defenders, allowing 36 to play.
On the other hand I see that the defensive capabilities of 36 and BB outweigh that. Especially with the likes of BOD coming at you, you're going to need your best defenders at their best. Add in the fact that MT's been out for a few weeks and may be a little match-rusty. Also consider the impact of bringing MT on, to charge at a (hopefully) tiring Irish midfield.
Now I don't know. And I don't mind too much either.
The back 3 bother me more, but I've done that on another thread.
@ GCP_jones - don't get your knickers in a twist. Ben Coles was hinting at the great strides England rugby have made in the last year. Who would have thought at the beginning of 2012 that we would have beaten NZ by the time the year was out? Not me, for a start. Hope, perhaps, but no more than that. And our form is continuing the upward trend.
So to suggest that if we, "Carry on at this rate and they will be one of the favourites for the Rugby World Cup in 2015." isn't too far-fetched. There's a big "if", I grant you. And it's ONE of the favourites, not THE favourite. And I think that's a fair reflection of how far we've come in the last year and where we're aiming to be in the next couple.
Posted 16:03 06th February 2013
stag says...
As an Ireland fan hoping to see Barritt & 12trees. Can see those two being fairly easily contained by BOD & Darcy on our home turf. Tuilagi is a different matter and would keep Ireland on their defensive toes all day. here's hoping that lancaster bottles it and retains Barritt & 12trees.
Posted 10:25 06th February 2013
GCP_jones says...
I'm not rising to the bait this time. England will win the rugby world cup in 2 years of that there is no doubt.
Ya just gotta love'em
Posted 09:58 06th February 2013