The Six Nations Championship has officially begun. Heading into the second week, it's already becoming clear that in 2019, England remain a force to be reckoned with. As record holders for outright wins for not only the Six Nations, but Home Nations and Five Nations tournaments, England have been historically dominant players in the world-renowned rugby union competition.
Playing under the leadership of former player now coach Eddie Jones, the team have already made their mark on the competition during their first match of the season at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The game kicked off with a try in the first two minutes of the game — their first in Dublin since 2011. While England maintained possession for only 40% of the match, they defended with a force; Jones's side made 181 tackles to Ireland's 117 — an approach that garnered them success. Their 32-20 victory against Ireland was the team's first win on Irish soil since 2013.
"It's infectious when you get it right," said England's defense coach John Mitchell. "Defense for me reveals how much the team means to you and how much those around you mean to you - how much you care about them.
"Defense is a form of attack," he added. "We love to focus on the body and rush the skill. We won't sit and wait for you."
Five more to go
England's second match is against France at Twickenham. Fans of sports betting can make some solid predictions from the history of the rivals; France have not won at England's home stadium Twickenham since 2007, and not beat England away for 14 years.
Week three sees England play Wales at the Millennium Stadium. Wales's opening match against France at Stade de France in Paris was a comeback to remember. Down 16-0 at half-time, they finished with a 24-19 win; a record-breaking performance as the first team in Six Nations history to come back when 16 points behind. They are predicted to be England's biggest challengers for championship victory.
The fourth week England plays at home against Italy. Historically, England have dominated Italy; with a home stadium advantage, that is unlikely to change. The Italian side did better than expected in their first match, although still conceded a 33-20 loss to Scotland.
Week five, and the final match. England will play Scotland, both for the Six Nations Championship as well as the Calcutta Cup. Last year, Scotland won their first Calcutta Cup in a decade. The sides have a longstanding rivalry; their first international rugby match was played in 1871, and since then they have played 136 games, with England winning 75 of those matches against Scotland's 43 victories.
The key players to watch out for
English Captain Owen Farrell recently dismissed claims by the former Irish rugby player Peter Stringer that he was a 'hothead'. During England's first match of the tournament, he made that known. Former England and Ireland defence coach Mike Ford described Farrell's winning performance against Ireland as 'controlled'.
And while there were doubts Farrell would play the first match in the championship after undergoing thumb surgery, his presence, and penalty, helped secure his team's victory over Ireland.
Henry Slade scored two tries in 10 minutes to help secure a England's first match success. The 25-year old developed a winning midfield partnership with England international and Leicester Tiger premiership player Manu Tuilagi.
"It was actually the first time I have ever played with Manu," said Slade to Sky Sports News.
"I think it was a really good combination. I think his strengths cover up my weaknesses and my strengths cover up his weaknesses, so I guess we suit each other quite well."
A key return to the team will come from Maro Itoje, who damaged the medial ligament in his right knee during England's first match. Described as "the best lock in the world" by his coach, Itoje's injury is a big loss to England. According to the Standard, England are hopeful he can recover for appearances in the final two games of the tournament.
With an astounding first win away against Ireland, and a confident team, England are well poised for another Six Nations Championship win.
