Well what an epic game from both sides at Twickenham today. I can't actually remember the last time I saw an England team create so much in attack and still defend so brilliantly. Obviously there were and still are questions about the inexperience of most of the squad but to be frank those players still in their England infancy like Farrell and Dickson outperformed the regulars.
There was a real brightness in England's play particularly in the first half, constant quick ball distributed well by Dickson and then Farrell marshalled the back line like an experienced pro.
A lot was made of the physicality of the Welsh squad but this was utterly quashed by some brutal running and tackling by Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barrit and even Owen Farrell. Talking of Farrell; I think he's absolutely one for the future (and present after today). He was so strong in defence and showed time on the ball only good players have. Again his kicking was immaculate (only missed one kick at goal) and his temperament second to none.
England's first half display of both attack and defence was a breath of fresh air after so much talk about having a boring back line with no penetrative runners. I like this England a lot, I like their attitude, their work ethic, their goals. It all looks good to me and I think it would be a shame to get rid of Stuart Lancaster after he's climbed England out of a rut so painlessly. He's connected with the players and reinvigorated them, this is what playing for England should be like.
But it seems like the times are moving on for Ben Youngs and Toby Flood. Both great players to have in the squad but from the performances today of Farrell and Dickson I think Lancaster will have a selection headache but may err on the side of the new boys for the game against France.
I admire Wales and their current success but they were poor today compared to previous performances. However credit to them because they produced a result when nothing was going their way, that classic sign of character.
