England’s discipline failings at Murrayfield and Henry Arundell’s red-card incident cast doubt over their attacking fluency. Punters may prefer Ireland or back England with a points-start (+4/6) if Arundell faces suspension; markets could also lean toward a lower total as England rebuild cohesion before Twickenham.
England's Murrayfield Hangover: Curry Admits They Were 'Fighting With One Hand Behind Our Back'
Tom Curry conceded England were hampered by a poor start as Scotland ended their rugby 12-test winning run with a 31-20 victory at Murrayfield. England trailed 24-10 at half-time after a first half defined by indiscipline and missed momentum, leaving the visitors with too much ground to make up.
Start of the Game Cost England
Curry singled out the opening 25-30 minutes as decisive. "Maybe that first 25-30 minutes let us down," he said, adding that the team had reflected on the defeat and aimed to use the disappointment constructively. England spent Sunday regrouping physically and mentally ahead of a crucial home clash.
Arundell Discipline Case Clouds Selection
Henry Arundell collected two yellow cards during the game and faces a disciplinary hearing this week after a high tackle that took Kyle Steyn out in the air. The wing’s situation leaves selection headaches for England and could influence their back-line options if a suspension is imposed.
Curry on Arundell and Team Responsibility
Curry praised Arundell’s temperament while stressing individual responsibility across the squad. He highlighted the need for players to "get yourself right and then you attack together," underlining a collective push to restore structure and discipline before hosting Ireland.
Twickenham Test: England v Ireland Preview
England host Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on February 21 at 2:10pm. Ireland arrive off a nervy 20-13 win over Italy and remain in the mix despite a heavy opening defeat to France. The fixture presents a different challenge to Murrayfield: a hostile home crowd for Ireland, but also a chance for England to regain control through a structured, imposing game plan.
Farrell's Fly-half Dilemma
Ireland coach Andy Farrell hinted at ongoing debate around his No.10 spot after Jack Crowley replaced Sam Prendergast against Italy. Farrell warned against a toxic fan environment affecting young players and indicated selection for Twickenham will be a considered decision as Ireland balance experience and form.
What This Means for Both Teams
England must tighten discipline and sharpen their attack to avoid being reactive to opponents. Ireland, buoyed by a win but carrying doubts from the France defeat, arrive with confidence that they can be competitive at Twickenham. Both sides will treat the game as pivotal for momentum in the campaign.
Fixture and Broadcast Details
England v Ireland — Allianz Stadium, Twickenham — February 21, 2:10pm. Wales v Scotland follows at 4:40pm.
Australia to face debutants Hong Kong in opening match of 2027 Rugby World Cup
Tom Curry admits England were "fighting with one hand behind our back" during Saturday's defeat to Scotland but insists the team is ready to mount a response against Ireland.
Sky Sports
