Edinburgh: England coach Stuart Lancaster refused to get carried away after watching his side revive their Six Nations Championship title hopes with a dominant 20-0 Calcutta Cup win away to Scotland on Saturday.
He warned that England would need to improve when they faced Ireland, who have now won both of their opening matches, beating Scotland 28-6 and defending champions Wales 26-3, at Twickenham on February 22.
The 132nd edition of rugby union’s oldest international fixture was also one of the most lopsided, with a dire Scotland failing to score a point against England for the first time since 1978.
Yet although England scored tries in Edinburgh through centre Luther Burrell and full-back Mike Brown, they also botched a few potential scores in a second half where they managed just seven points.
England outside-half Owen Farrell also missed three penalties on an awkward day for goal-kickers, with Murrayfield’s already parasite-infested pitch made worse by driving rain.
“We were pleased with a lot of aspects, but are frustrated that we didn’t convert more of our opportunities because we dominated the second half,” Lancaster said.
“There were chances there that we didn’t take and we definitely have regrets over the points we left out there.”
However, he added: “We played some really good stuff in difficult conditions. Scotland had to defend desperately.”
Burrell’s try was his second in as many Tests after his debut effort in England’s 26-24 loss away to France in Paris and Lancaster was pleased by his evolving midfield partnership with Billy Twelvetrees.
“The work that [assistant coaches] Andy Farrell and Mike Catt have done with Luther and Billy is really paying off,” Lancaster said.
“The timing and number of options going into the line were excellent and Luther’s try was a good case in point.
“They’re going well as a partnership, especially given that they’ve only trained together for two weeks and have played twice.
“They’ll need to be on top of their game against the Irish centres [Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy], who are clearly world-class.”
Lancaster insisted England had maintained faith in their Six Nations title chances despite an agonising loss in Paris where, having fallen 16-3 behind early on they led 24-19 only to succumb to Gael Fickou’s converted try three minutes from time.
“Even though we lost to France we always felt we’re still in it,” Lancaster said. “It does set us up for an important game against Ireland. Ireland have played two, won two and have played really well. But we’re confident also.”
