Shaun Edwards has issued to a public apology to the match officials for France’s discipline during Six Nations opener against Italy.
The defending champions came from behind to avoid a shock defeat against Italy in a thrilling Six Nations game.
The Azzurri led 24-22 before Matthieu Jalibert sniped over from close range as France claimed a bonus-point win.
Writing in the Mail Online, he wrote: “I’d like to start this column by making a public apology to the referee, Matthew Carley, because our discipline wasn’t good enough.
“We created the most turnovers in world rugby last year. We practise jackalling a lot. Things like making sure you get a clear release. Sometimes we get it right but on Sunday we didn’t. We overcommitted at the ruck, a lot of natural aggression, and didn’t attain our normal high standards.
“As defence coach, I was frustrated by Ange Capuozzo’s try. We botched up our rolls, making a mistake in our defensive formation.
“The player who is meant to control the short-side moved elsewhere because he thought the danger was in a different part of the pitch.
“Capuozzo, to his credit, had the vision to spot that and ended up one-on-one with a forward. We always try to have wingers or full-backs marking wingers because of their speed, so we ended up with a mismatch.
“You can’t allow a player like Capuozzo those opportunities because he’s incredibly quick. He’s an unusual player to defend against, elusive with a wiry type of strength. “
Four England players might get their last chance to impress Steve Borthwick
England face Italy in the second round of the 2023 Six Nations on Sunday afternoon at Twickenham.
It could prove to be the last chance for a number of players to save their international careers.
#1. Jonny Hill
Age: 28
Position: Lock
Caps: 13
A favorite of Eddie Jones, the Sale Sharks lock is in danger of losing his place on the England squad due to the emergence of Leicester Tigers’ Ollie Chessum.
With Courtney Lawes returning from injury, Hill may have one last chance to prove himself if he can displace Maro Itoje from the team.
Hill was omitted from the Scotland game last weekend and hopes to at least make the bench against Azzurri.
Getting back into the England set-up will not be easy, as Northampton Saints’ David Ribbans is also playing well.
Fun fact: Hill is the nephew of former Rugby league international Paul Loughlin.
