England’s loss to Wales is a blessing in disguise

The dust is still settling after the climax of one of the most eagerly anticipated World Cup pool games ever.

The fallout from England's defeat has been huge, with the world's press, ourselves included, analysing where England went wrong, and highlighting the key areas in which they need to improve.

While their discipline and game management are certainly the key aspects that need to change for the better, I can't help but feel that this result is the best thing that could've happened to England.

Since 2008, England have only won the Six Nations once, in 2011. In the remaining 7 years, they have come third once, and second an incredible six times. Since Mr. Lancaster took over, they have undoubtably been the nearly men of rugby. Why is this though? England have not been able to field such a talented pool of players since 2003, and while the last four years have certainly been a transition phase, when does that process stop and the team become the finished article?

Well; now.

There can be no more transition. There can be no more nearly. There is winning the World Cup, or there isn’t, and the Wales result will be the making of this team.

Why?

Because England will take a long hard look in the mirror and throw off the shackles that hold them back. The mindset has changed, they absolutely have to win. There can be no conservatism in their approach, they have to win matches as opposed to trying not to lose.

Since Mr. Lancaster took charge, England have improved immeasurably, and continue to be consistent. Yes, consistently second, but consistent nevertheless, which only serves to show what talent there is available for the England head coach. I’ve always felt though that they needed something just to push them over the edge, helping them fulfil their potential and become a dominant rugby force.

As well as being consistent, something this England team cannot be accused of is lack of desire. This is one of the best things that Stuart Lancaster brought to the side after the exit of Martin Johnson, whose teams had looked lacklustre - but harnessing that energy and focusing it correctly has been where England have struggled. The mindset has been forcibly shifted though, they have to win. They have to prove to the doubters that they can prevail at a time when not to do so would dash the hopes of a nation.

England have shown that when they take the game to the opposition, they are as good as any in the world, with France being on the receiving end in the Six Nations this year. With the focus now so narrowly shifted to simply winning to stay alive, England will start to play the style of rugby they are undoubtedly best at. They are blessed with such precocious attacking talent, it is hard not to see them score tries.

If they can tighten up their discipline, they are still in a position to see this group through. It is far too early to throw the baby out with the bath water; Robshaw and Lancaster are still learning, and while some might point out that the learning ought to have taken place before the World Cup, this is a first for both of them, and they are going to make mistakes.

As with every walk of life though, the key is to learn from them and become stronger as a result. 

That is why Wales might have done England their biggest World Cup favour, forcing the hand of the England management to play the style of rugby that will propel England into the next decade.

Filed under: Rugby World Cup, England
Written by: Edward Kerr
Follow: @edwardrkerr · @therugbymag