Six Nations opener in Italy was a chance to remove shackles and develop risk versus reward gameplan but it remains a work in progress
Shortly after arriving in Rome, Jamie George, ever the cricket fan, was discussing the merits of Bazball and how a similar approach may manifest itself within the England squad he now captains. With tongue firmly in cheek he suggested he might attempt a drop goal in the first two minutes against Italy as something akin to ramping a six over the wicketkeeper’s head.
Suffice to say this never materialised during England’s three-point victory against Italy that leaves onlookers uncertain whether much progress has been made since the World Cup and with the visit of Wales to Twickenham looming on Saturday.