Six Nations
Rowntree expecting England backlash
PA Sport
March 10, 2015
Graham Rowntree: Ireland game was immensely frustrating © Getty Images
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Graham Rowntree has demanded a reaction from England at Twickenham on Saturday having finally come to terms with a chastening defeat by Ireland.

A 19-9 loss in Dublin has left England on the periphery of the Six Nations title picture, needing Wales to intervene by beating the reigning champions in Cardiff this weekend.

It was an alarming performance at the Aviva Stadium just five matches out from the World Cup with a pack that has excelled over the last year failing to cover itself in glory.

Forwards coach Rowntree expects Scotland to feel the full force of England's anguish when the Championship enters its penultimate round.

"There is lots we have to put right because the Ireland game was immensely frustrating and disappointing," Rowntree said.

"I've just got over it, if I'm honest. We had a long week last week pulling it apart. We're playing a team at Twickenham who have just lost at home and have a lot to prove themselves. I expect a reaction from us.

"We have an honest group of lads and we're not satisfied at all with that performance. But we have this week to put it right."

The pack were subdued against Ireland, lacking their opponents' ferocity as they came off worse in just about every department of the game.

"We just couldn't get our game going and that comes down to a multitude of reasons. Ill-discipline was one," Rowntree said.

"It was a very good Ireland performance. They stifled our game and fair play, the best team won.

"The way they quickly amassed points on the scoreboard was frustrating, but at half time we were still very much in the game.

"It was a clinical performance from Ireland, but we came back strongly and that was important. If we'd had more opportunities to play in that area of the field then the result could have been different."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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