England players have spoken about how they want to reconnect with supporters, to change where they get off the team bus to engage more with fans. The Rugby Football Union is doing its utmost too, whether it be with the pre-match pyrotechnics or the half‑time show, but nothing gets the public on side like the performance England delivered against Ireland on Saturday.
We can come up with all sorts of marketing tools but it comes down to an intent to play and a desire to entertain. This team became so easy to follow because they were so exciting to watch, regardless of the result. If England had kicked and clapped to a win there would have been a real sense of achievement but there would not have been excitement. If England had lost but played in the same way, they would have been an easier team to follow.
