Better, yes, but England are still way off the pace of world's best

RELEGATED to attending someone else’s party, the sting of another substandard Six Nations was etched all over the England players’ faces.

- Nick Purewal

The ticker tape filled Dublin’s Aviva Stadium air, as Ireland’s Grand Slam- winners belted out Gala’s Freed From Desire; on top of the rugby world in both rankings and spirit.

Jamie George’s wan expression undercut a face as red from frustration as the abrasions of Saturday’s relentless 29-16 defeat. Ellis Genge stood unmoved, arms folded, until Ireland’s trophy presentations were complete.

As soon as Ireland’s players started their victory lap, England exited stage left. Like the overawed teenager who does not know anyone at a house party, England had hung around the kitchen trying to look cool, before slinking off and hoping no one would realise.

England’s post-match attitude bears retelling, not for the respect shown in marking Ireland’s Grand Slam achievement but, instead, as a cautionary tale.

This is an experience head coach Steve Borthwick’s players do not want to go through again.

So, by forcing themselves to confront whatever feelings of frustration and resentment in the shape of that Irish trophy lift, the theory goes it will spur them on still further to avoid any future repeat.

England face a Herculean labour in that regard.

A third Six Nations in a row with just two wins is nowhere near good enough for the world’s richest union.