Friday 27 March 2015 17:32, UK
Despite their final day heartbreak, Mike Brown says there are more positives than negatives for England to take from their Six Nations campaign.
England finished as runners-up for the fourth successive season, missing out on points difference for the third time in a row despite scoring 18 tries.
But while Brown admits it was extremely disappointing to not get their hands on the trophy, he believes England are in a good place as focus shifts towards the World Cup in autumn.
The full-back told Sky Sports: “We knew it was going to be an incredibly tight tournament, with a number of teams having very good autumn series.
“For us, it was a case of picking up where we left off in the autumn, and I think our attacking game has come on leaps and bounds during the Six Nations, especially in the last game. In the games before that we were creating chances but not quite finishing them off.
It’s massively important going into a World Cup that we have strength in depth. Look at New Zealand in 2011, they were down to their fourth-choice fly-half in the final.
“It’s also great for other guys to show how much they’ve improved as players, guys who may not have had an opportunity if others were fit.
“It’s massively important going into a World Cup that we have strength in depth. Look at New Zealand in 2011, they were down to their fourth-choice fly-half in the final. They showed their strength in depth and we definitely have that now.”
RFU chief Ian Ritchie branded England’s recent Six Nations record as “unacceptable”, and Brown is in full agreement.
“I just think it shows how much England want to win,” he said. “He’s not saying anything different to what the players or coaches will be saying or thinking.
“We had high hopes going into this tournament that we could come away with the trophy. We’re definitely not pleased with another second. It’s our fourth in a row, and I’ve been involved in all of those.”
Brown’s focus now returns to Harlequins as they attempt to finish a disappointing season on a positive note. The 29-year-old was ruled out of Saturday’s Wembley clash with Saracens after taking a bang to the head against France, but he is hopeful they can drag themselves up the table and clinch a Champions Cup spot.
“Just like with England, we’re not satisfied with where we are,” he stated. “There’ll be a massive push from everyone as we want to finish the season in the right way.
"We should be higher up the table, but nothing is a given in rugby nowadays. We haven’t been consistent enough to warrant being higher up.
“With our recruitment it’s exciting times as Quins. A certain Wales and Lions prop has committed to us, which is great moving forward. Players like that inspire and motivate you. It’s exciting for everyone to see someone like that rocking up to training at the start of a new season.
“The Champions Cup is our target now. You want to be playing at the top table. There’ll be a massive push from us to try and get up there. It’s going to be tough but at least we’re playing teams that are around us in the table."
England Rugby Union player, Mike Brown, was speaking on behalf of HSBC at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens where he helped run HSBC coaching clinics for schools during the tournament
