Moody: Ireland hold the aces
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Lewis Moody of England poses for a picture during the Premiership Rugby Hitz Awards on February 4, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images for Hitz Rugby)
Lewis Moody still harbours doubts that England are ready to lift the Six Nations crown despite a confident and promising start to the campaign.
The former flanker and captain, who won 71 England caps, still believes Ireland hold all the aces having responded from their World Cup anguish to prove themselves worthy favourites to be northern hemisphere champions.
While some Twickenham fans aired their discontent at the dogged and dour win over Wales last weekend, Moody is “loving” the way England are now playing with such energy and a steely defensive base following the arrival of Felix Jones.
Steve Borthwick's side face their toughest test of the Championship so far when they try and end a three-match losing streak against Scotland on Saturday and World Cup winner Moody insists: “Of course England could win it but the gods have to align and they have to get everything perfect. Steve has said already they will probably lose some games as things go along.
“They have had a big change up in coaching with structure and new faces coming in. He is looking at the bigger picture and to the next Six Nations and World Cup.
“They will be going out to win the next game which is a very tough one against Scotland who have had the better of England in recent times. But, for me, the Irish are looking pretty good right now. On their current form, and what they have done against France and Italy, I can't see them losing to anyone. “England have started well. Some people are being quite negative about the style of play but England's defence against Wales was great, and so was the energy.
“Being a forward and defensive player the opportunity to get stuck into the opposition early on is brilliant. It may not always pay off for England at the moment but Felix Jones (defence coach) has brought it over from South Africa who have been very successful with it.
“It's great to see hits from the likes of Sam Underhill who left some poor lad picking his lungs and kidneys up after the tackle. And England's defence in the last few minutes won them the game with Wales unable to get into their half to try and kick a winning penalty.
“England drove them back, finished the game and winning a second game on the bounce was so important. Steve Borthwick is also talking about challenging the attack as well to show us what it can do.”
Sale's George Ford, above, has been at No.10 but Moody hopes Harlequins ace Marcus Smith, below, can prove his fitness and return at Murrayfield.
“George Ford naturally wants to play in these kind of games where England's defence is strong then the attack can strike,” Moody said.
“But I can imagine Marcus Smith waiting in the wings thinking: ‘Can I get back fit pretty quick!'. “England have all these attacking weapons and Marcus will be chomping at the bit to be part of it. He is going to be perfect to fill that role.”
