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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Will Freeman

‘Clunky’ England slammed in scathing Martin Johnson criticism vs Scotland in Six Nations

England dominated possession in the first-half vs Scotland with 63% of the ball but Scotland took a four-point lead into the break following a try from former England U20 international Ben White.

White's try came against the run of play with England spending large amounts of the half attacking the Scottish line, but Gregor Townsend's side showed greater accuracy.

Much talked about England fly-half Marcus Smith notched two penalties to keep England in touch with the Scots but the 10-6 lead reflected the cohesion shown in the first-half by the hosts.

Former England captain and head coach Martin Johnson said on BBC at half-time: "They had a lot of ball in hand, I think they looked far better when they just played with spontaneity

"When they're doing set moves they look a little bit clunky, like a team where they are who haven't played together

"When they just go quick, they look far more dangerous and I think they've got to trust themselves in the second-half to play at the right times

"That to me is where they look at their best"

Ex-Scotland skipper John Barclay also said up in the BBC gantry: "Scotland have defended for the whole of that half and that is exhausting - we always say it's more tiring to defend and Scotland have had to absorb (England)"

"Their decision making for the first 35 minutes of the half was excellent - not overcommitting and really accurate contacts, but we saw towards the end of the half fatigue starting to kick in.

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