pressure. Test-match rugby is all about sustaining pressure.
“To be honest, I never felt vulnerable during the game. Even when they scored I did not feel vulnerable. We
have learnt some good lessons. This is probably better to face this now than later on. This is a very good
World Cup prep for us.”
But the preparation runs out in 160 minutes time, and with Italy up after Ireland, it is likely that the lessons
can only be implemented in this weekend’s clash with another genuine World Cup challenger. If England
fail to learn, then there will not be a lot left to suggest that they will do so in time for Japan.