LEWIS Moody still harbours doubts that England are ready to lift the Six Nations crown despite a confident and promising start to the campaign.
The former flanker and captain, who won 71 England caps, still believes Ireland hold all the aces having responded from their World Cup anguish to prove themselves worthy favourites to be northern hemisphere champions.
While some Twickenham fans aired their discontent at the dogged and dour win over Wales last weekend, Moody is “loving” the way England are now playing with such energy and a steely defensive base following the arrival of Felix Jones.
Steve Borthwick’s side face their toughest test of the Championship so far when they try and end a three-match losing streak against Scotland on Saturday and World Cup winner Moody insists: “Of course England could win it but the gods have to align and they have to get everything perfect. Steve has said already they will probably lose some games as things go along.
“They have had a big change up in coaching with structure and new faces coming in. He is looking at the bigger picture and to the next Six Nations and World Cup.
“They will be going out to win the next game which is a very tough one against Scotland who have had the better of England in recent times. But, for me, the Irish are looking pretty good right now. On their current form, and what they have done against France and Italy, I can’t see them losing to anyone. “England have started well. Some people are being quite negative about the style of play but England’s defence against Wales was great, and so was the energy.
“Being a forward and defensive player the opportunity to get stuck into the opposition early on is brill
