‘Ambitious’ Ben Earl predicted what would happen in England’s win over Ireland
England back-row Ben Earl on one knee.
England head coach Steve Borthwick revealed that star man Ben Earl predicted what might happen in their epic 23-22 win over Ireland on Saturday.
Earl was one of the leading Englishmen in the game, producing a massive performance critical to the dramatic win, as the Saracens man continues to grow on the Test scene.
“Phenomenal”
The number eight’s try on the hour mark was a turning point in the match and his coach was full of praise for the star, particularly with his drive to always improve.
“I sat with Ben on Saturday morning. He talked and showed me what he wanted to do against Ireland. And he pretty much did exactly what he said to me. That is down to him delivering that,” Borthwick said.
“It is phenomenal the thought process he is going through and how ambitious he is as a player to get better.
“Ben played his first 15 games off the bench. Even in last year’s Six Nations he played a run of games and then he was out.
“I think he feels backed. I get the impression he feels he is growing as a player and he wants to keep getting better.”
Attacking criticism
Despite heavy criticism in the build-up to the Test, England geared up their attack brilliantly against Ireland and revived their title hopes, and Borthwick was pleased with how his players responded.
“Post the Scotland game, there was evidence that the weight of the shirt was on the players,” he said.
“I believe we need to create a supportive environment. Everybody involved with English rugby is under incredible scrutiny. That’s just the way it is.
“There’s incredible expectation and I’d rather be involved in a team where there is expectation upon it than not.
“But with that I want to make sure that young players are coming into a supportive environment. I want to see their point of difference on the grass.
“Mistakes are going to happen and we are understanding of that, but we don’t want to repeat mistakes. We have got to learn fast.
“The team went through a difficult experience at Murrayfield, reviewed it properly and then addressed it on the training field.
“The players weren’t perfect against Ireland, they made mistakes, but at Murrayfield I thought we made a mistake and then went into ourselves, played a little bit small.
“Against Ireland they made errors and got into the next battle. If there is anything I can encourage the players to do, it is go into the next battle.”
