Hartley pride as Lancaster era starts on winning note
ENGLAND hooker Dylan Hartley has hailed the discipline and character of an inexperienced side after they overcame pressure and a hostile environment to get the Six Nations – and the Stuart Lancaster era – off to a winning start.
Captain Chris Robshaw, winning only his second cap, and debutants Owen Farrell, Brad Barritt and Phil Dowson earned plaudits as England fought back to defeat Scotland 13-6 at Murrayfield on Saturday night. It was not pretty but the result was just the start that interim head coach Lancaster had hoped for, and bore out his pre-match emphasis on forging unity among a new-look squad.
Hartley said: “People talk about experience. Experienced teams don’t give away penalties; we had a lack of experience and our discipline was superb. Defence is an attitude and it sure as hell came through. It shows great character in the side.”
England regroup today with two changes to the squad, including the return of fit-again fly-half Toby Flood, ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Italy in Rome. Harlequins’ Karl Dickson replaces his brother Lee, who broke a hand bone in the Calcutta Cup win.