OPINION
Mick Cleary: 'England have managed to re-kindle that most precious of things, a modicum of hope'
Steve Borthwick has had an uncomfortable first Six Nations campaign, but there were tentative signs of progress against Ireland
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Mick Cleary Mick Cleary was sports feature writer for The Observer from 1988-1997 covering Wimbledon, Tour de France, F1, cricket, golf, athletics and horse racing. In 1997 he became Chief Rugby Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. He has covered eight Rugby World Cups as well as seven Lions tours. Cleary has also written several books on the sport.
OPINION
Mick Cleary: 'There was nothing to warm English hearts, nothing whatsoever.'
Steve Borthwick's men had a painful reality check in how far they had fallen behind the world's best side as France humiliated the…
OPINION
Mick Cleary: 'England may not gladden our souls but they are playing to type, just as Borthwick said they would'
Three games in and while not perfect, there are tentative signs of progress within the England camp after a forgettable afternoon …
OPINION
Mick Cleary: 'Even Tom Curry will have to go some to reclaim that starting shirt. Willis is back in the frame'
England put some pride back into the shirt with a much-improved effort against an ambitious Italy side, but there is still work to…
OPINION
Mick Cleary: 'It is time to install Farrell as England's starting fly-half'
Steve Borthwick has been dealt a poor hand but now is not the time for bemoaning ill-fortune, there is a Six Nations to win
