England’s Ollie Chessum Reflects on Positives Amidst Six Nations Defeat
England’s Rugby forward Ollie Chessum remains optimistic despite the team’s recent 27-22 loss to Ireland in their Six Nations opener on Saturday. The defeat marked England’s seventh loss in their last nine matches, with a five-point lead squandered at halftime.
“In their home, they are going to do some damage,” Chessum acknowledged, highlighting the challenges faced by England in the intense matchup against Ireland. Despite the loss, Chessum pointed out the positives to be gleaned from the game, emphasizing the team’s strong offensive performance with 11 line breaks.
Reflecting on the defeat, Chessum noted, “They say you don’t learn when you are winning, so we have obviously taken some big learnings from the game at the weekend.” The match saw England concede 22 unanswered points in the second half, but late tries from Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman salvaged a losing bonus point for the team.
Chessum found a silver lining in the bonus point, recognizing its significance in the closely contested Six Nations tournament. With the upcoming match against France, Chessum stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and utilizing the bonus point as a stepping stone towards success.
Looking ahead to the clash with France, England faces potential challenges with wing Cadan Murley’s availability uncertain due to a foot injury. In the absence of Murley, players like Tom Roebuck or Ollie Sleightholme may step in to fill the void. Chessum acknowledged the formidable nature of the French team, who opened their campaign with a dominant 43-0 victory over Wales.
“The scary thing for those watching – they have managed to put 40 points on a team when you don’t really think they have reached second gear,” Chessum remarked, highlighting the strength of France’s offensive capabilities. With key players like Antoine Dupont leading the charge, France poses a significant threat to England’s defensive strategy.
As England prepares to face France, Chessum emphasized the importance of understanding the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. The team’s training focused on devising a game plan to counter France’s formidable pack of forwards and dynamic playmakers, setting the stage for an intense battle on the field.
In the midst of setbacks and challenges, Chessum’s unwavering positivity and determination underscore England’s resilience and commitment to overcoming obstacles in the competitive Six Nations tournament. Despite the defeat against Ireland, the team remains focused on harnessing the lessons learned and channeling them into a strong performance against France.
The upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling test of skill, strategy, and resilience as England strives to bounce back from defeat and make their mark in the fiercely contested Six Nations championship. The stage is set for a compelling showdown between two powerhouse teams, each vying for supremacy on the rugby field.
