By Charlie Bennett at Twickenham
Steve Borthwick insists substance is more important than style after boos from England fans during their 16-15 win against Scotland.
England were outplayed by the visitors, who had 58% possession and outgained them by 198 metres, but managed to pull a win out of the bag thanks to three Finn Russell missed conversions that – had even one gone over – would have won Scotland the game.
England kicked early and often against Scotland in what was an obvious tactic but home fans had had enough early in the second-half with boos greeting Alex Mitchell’s decision to go to the sky instead of keeping the ball in hand.
Mitchell’s decision was vindicated by Duhan Van der Merwe being ushered into touch for an England lineout.
Borthwick was unperturbed and pointed to England’s first win against their opponents in five years and first home win in this fixture since 2017 as justification for his methods.
"We were very good in attack against France but today Scotland brought a very smart tactical plan and had ascendancy in the first half," Borthwick said.
"In the second half the players figured it out and found a way to get ahead on the scoreboard.
"It was very difficult to play against and a very different type of game, which is great for this young side. The guys found a way to win a tactical arm-wrestle.
"We don't necessarily want to play the way we did today, we want to move the ball, but we found a way to win."
England are still in title contention despite nearly losing all three of their matches. They next host Italy, who they have beaten every year since the Azzurri joined the Six Nations in 2000, before finishing off against a Wales side staring at a wooden spoon.
England need Ireland to lose to either France or Italy to stand a chance of becoming champions but captain Maro Itoje is determined to keep his feet on the ground, rather than his head in the sky.
“I'm very proud that the boys found a way to win,” he said.
"We want to be a team full of character and fight. How much you can pull together to change momentum in your favour is crucial.
"It was a good experience for the team to go through. We've been on the end of some results that were negative experiences so this is nice — but it would be nicer if we didn't have to keep it so close."
