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England international Nick Easter told talkSPORT the Red Rose must stop their habit of starting matches slowly in order to compete with the best nations in a World Cup year.
Stuart Lancaster’s side are on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam with two wins from their opening two matches, but both performances saw the table-toppers struggle to make an early impact.
A memorable victory against Wales at the Millennium Stadium could have ended differently had the Red Dragons been able to build on a 10-0 lead after the opening 10 minutes, and Easter admitted it is an aspect of their game that will be “seriously addressed” within the England camp.
“It is something that will be on the forefront of our presentation on Tuesday when we come to review the game,” Easter told Full Contact. “It is something that people will be quite clear of.
“From my own experience there is unfinished business to play for England again. As much as we won a lot of games in 2011 the two losses we endured in the [World Cup] quarter-final against France and the Grand Slam game against Ireland despite winning the Six Nations, we lost the games in the first 20 minutes.
“Against top international quality that is it. It is something that will be seriously addressed. Apart from Jonny May’s try against New Zealand when was the last time we actually started well?
“Whether it be on the scoreboard or whether it be the intent with what we try to do defensively or with ball in hand, it’s a pretty serious issue and we need to address it before the next critical game.”
Easter became the Six Nations oldest try-scorer against Italy on Saturday, beating Scotland’s James Aitken by 123 days with his first international touchdown since 2008 and the 36-year-old said he was thrilled to be back on the international scene.
“I probably thought my chance had gone,” he revealed. “But luckily with it being such an important year and with the unfortunate injury to Ben Morgan I’ve been given the opportunity.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be back amongst it. There are a few changes and a few things pretty much the same among the England camp, but there’s changes for the good and it’s great to be involved.”
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