Ollie Chessum: Six Nations performance in Paris gives England belief for the future

England were not expected to gate-crash France’s title party after losing three games on the spin without firing many shots.

But they threw off the shackles and outscored their hosts on tries in piling up 46 points, a record for a losing side in the tournament.

“I do not know if you could describe the performance as a standard setter,” said Chessum, the Leicester Tigers captain who started the match at blindside flanker, having appeared in the second row in the opening three games.

Felt like us again

“It felt more like us and the way we wanted to play, which we did for the majority of last year, certainly more of an England performance than the previous three rounds.

“It was an incredible game to be part of at one of my favourite grounds.

“We prepared for Paris the same as always and got back near to where we want to be, taking it to the final kick of the game.

“It gave us the assurance that we are the team we can be, but it was still frustrating because we wanted to win.

“I enjoyed playing at six, something I have done numerous times for England and Leicester,” added Chessum, who scored two tries, the second after an interception inside the French half.

“We played the way we wanted to in Paris, but there is no hiding the disappointment of the previous weeks.

“We were nowhere near where we wanted to be and there is no hiding that – it shows in the table.”

On the run: Ollie Chessum scoring for England against France last weekend
PICTURE: Getty Images

Tigers roaring

Chessum returned to training with Leicester on Tuesday with the club’s trophy cabinet sporting the Prem Cup after last Sunday’s 66-14 demolition of Exeter Chiefs at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

The Tigers, who are fourth in the table, welcome the team immediately above them, Bristol Bears, this afternoon, having won 12 of 13 home matches this season, with Saracens the last visiting team to win a league match at Welford Road, one week shy of a year ago.

“It was great to see the boys lifting a trophy on home soil,” said the 25-year-old Chessum, who played in all three Tests in Australia with the Lions last summer.

“They deserved it for all their hard work, and it speaks volumes that Tommy Reffell (below), disappointed not to be in the Wales squad, had the character to lead the team to the trophy.

Champion: Leicester Tigers‘ Tommy Reffell

International aches 

“I am still knackered a few days on and I have been in this position a few times coming back from the England camp.“ Chessum added.

“Test match rugby is the next level and it takes a toll on your body, but there is also the mental side.

“The elephant in the room is the mandatory break week (for players like Chessum who appeared in all five matches) and I will have a chat with the club about it, but I looked forward to being back here as soon as the final whistle went in Paris.

“The last block of Prem matches has the feel of a sprint finish and you have to take every opportunity that comes your way – blink and you will miss it.

“Time will go quickly and our focus is on Bristol, a free-flowing side whose pack does not get enough credit.

“We have felt the brunt of them in the last two visits here, but we are a completely different outfit to last year in terms of how we go about our business.”