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'Enough is enough': England fans at end of their tether with third place Six Nations finish
By Sam Smith
France wrapped up their first Grand Slam since 2010 with a comprehensive 25-13 victory over England in Paris, consigning Eddie Jones’ men to a third place finish in the 2022 Six Nations.
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The French looked in control the entire way, keeping ahead on the scoreboard the entire match after taking an 8-0 lead after an early penalty and opening try to Gael Fickou.
When Antoine Dupont scored midway through the second half to stretch the lead to 25-13, England had a massive hole to climb out of that proved insurmountable as they struggled to keep possession after promising periods of play.
France always in control. Always had the ability to get out of trouble be it choke tackle or jackal. Exceptional power game, Allez les bleu! #FRAvENG
— Chris Jones (@c_m_j) March 19, 2022
After a lacklustre 5th placed finish last year, England’s third place finish has done little to relieve pressure on head coach Eddie Jones who is trying to rebuild his squad around a new group of players.
England fans were ready to declare ‘enough is enough’ in regards to England’s form just 18 months out from the World Cup. One fan wrote they are ‘paying the price’ for sticking with Jones, who have ‘no consistency’ under the Australian.
Others called for a change of leadership as even the third place finish ‘disguises so many woes’. There was a claim that England are ‘nowhere near’ the levels of France, South Africa, New Zealand or Ireland.
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He should’ve gone after the World Cup final defeat. Enough is enough ffs #FRAvENG
— Englishnorth (@Englishnorth) March 19, 2022
France the best team this year. Fully deserved Grand Slam. England a lot of work to do. Priority is Watson, May, LCD and Manu back fit. Youngs has to be finished now. #FRAvENG
— John Smith 🏴⚔️ (@John77smith1) March 19, 2022
Another tournament with moments of great play, individual grit but absolutely no consistency. It’s the story of Eddie Jones’ tenure and we’re paying the price for sticking with him. 18 months to build towards a World Cup. It’s time for a change of leadership. #FRAvENG
— Chris Humphreys (@C_J_Humphreys) March 19, 2022
Third place disguises so many woes. The RFU should not let Eddie Jones get away with his usual “building for the World Cup maaate” drivel. We are nowhere near the levels of France, SA, NZ, or Ireland. Anyone have Rassie’s number? #6Nations #FRAvENG
— James Chaloner (@jameschaloner) March 19, 2022
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England won’t make the semi-finals at the next World Cup. Overrated country. With the most overrated 10 itw. Allez les bleus #FRAvENG
— William🦋 (@AFCWilliam__) March 19, 2022
Great fighting spirit from England!! 🌹
Thought England played very well second half took the game to France at times who were clinical and deserved the Gram Slam congratulations France 🇫🇷 @EnglandRugby #FRAvENG #SixNationsRugby #EnglandRugby— Marc 'Smurf' Twaite 🇬🇧 (@MarcTwaite) March 19, 2022
As England failed to gain any ascendency in the second half, scrumhalf Ben Youngs came under the microscope for his slower delivery at the base of the ruck which seemed to start every phase off on the wrong foot.
The Test centurion has been a mainstay under Eddie Jones, with Youngs rarely missing a start since 2016. Fans called upon Jones to find a new number 9 as a priority to revive England’s play.
He’s been a wonderful servant but hopefully that’s the last time we see Ben Youngs in an England shirt….would love for Jones to go as well #FRAvENG
— Matt Tempest (@matt_tempest) March 19, 2022
England have a real problem at scrum half though. Youngs is not good enough and hasn’t been for years. Randall was a rabbit in the headlights when he came on as well. #FRAvENG #Guinness6Nations
— Brad Mayhew (@Mayhew_B) March 19, 2022
I’m a big Ben Youngs fan, but the speed of ball from Harry Randall/Raffi Quirke must surely be the future from here on. Put your feet up for a well earned rest Ben #FRAvENG
— ForagingFedyks4 (@simon_fedyk) March 19, 2022
Couldn’t agree more. Hesitant, dithery and frustrating to watch. Credit to @FranceRugby though, they’ve played brilliantly well throughout this tournament. #FRAvENG https://t.co/bCJyBps3G2
— James Brennan (@JamesBrennan_) March 19, 2022
Pointless lazy journalism. Surely the worst form of reporting is to post random tweets in order to try justify the clickbait headline.