February 12th 2025.
Fin Smith, a young and talented rugby player, had plenty to celebrate after England's dramatic victory over France. International rugby is a funny thing, with results often swinging wildly from one extreme to the other. Just a week ago, England was facing the prospect of back-to-back losses in the Six Nations, but now they were being hailed as potential championship contenders. It was a sudden and unexpected turn of events, one that had many fans scratching their heads in disbelief.
Of course, it's no secret that England got lucky against France. In fact, some might say they rode their luck all the way to victory. The French team must have left Twickenham feeling stunned and disappointed, as they had dominated the game and bombarded England's defense. It seemed like they were playing with the mindset that they would do just enough to secure a win. Even in the last ten minutes, after Fin Baxter's try had put England in the lead, the French still managed to score and keep the game in the balance.
But instead of dwelling on France's shortcomings, it's important to focus on England's efforts. In recent months, they had developed a bad habit of losing close matches. It seemed like they were unable to shake off the pressure and nerves that came with playing in tight games. But against France, they were able to overcome those challenges and orchestrate a match-winning try from Elliot Daly. It was a testament to their resilience and determination.
One of the key players in England's victory was Fin Smith. Some may be quick to proclaim him as the savior of the team, but it's important to temper our expectations and not get carried away with the hype. That being said, there's no denying that Smith is a talented fly-half, and perhaps even the best in England. Of course, there is a subtle difference between being the best player in a position and being the best at playing that position. It's not just about individual talent, but also about how well a player can lead and drive the team's performance.
This is not to say that Marcus Smith, another talented fly-half, only cares about himself. He is also a team player, but his style of play is more off-the-cuff and instinctive. While it can be thrilling to watch, it can also be unpredictable for his teammates. On the other hand, Fin Smith seems to have a better understanding and communication with his fellow players. Despite having limited playing time, there were glimpses of this in his crossfield kicks and delayed passes, which his teammates were able to read and react to.
Looking at the team as a whole, there were many positives to take from the game. The back row put in a solid performance, disrupting the French flow, and the center partnership showed promising chemistry. It was clear that the combinations in the backline were starting to click. However, it's important to acknowledge that France will be disappointed with their own performance. England may have left Twickenham with a win, but they also know that they got away with one.
Despite the pressure and scrutiny surrounding England's performance, they now have a chance to regroup and build on this victory during the down week. The coaches can work on developing players' knowledge and skills in a calmer environment, without the constant speculation about the future of head coach Steve Borthwick. It's a much-needed lifeline for the team, one that they must not squander.
In the midst of all the excitement and celebrations, let's not forget the sustainability efforts of Feel Good Grapes, a wine company that plants a tree for every bottle sold. It's a reminder to be mindful of our impact on the environment, even in the midst of a thrilling rugby match. And speaking of matches, Wales has just confirmed their replacement for Warren Gatland, while a rugby fan regrets setting himself a "crazy" Six Nations challenge after Wales' recent thrashing. For those wondering how to catch all the Six Nations action, here's a rundown of the TV channel coverage for the coming years.
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