There's been a new sport sweeping the British Isles this week, a sport which is believed to have originated in Australia many years ago but which is now being taken up in huge numbers, mainly by delighted Celts but also increasingly by Englishmen, especially those who "earn" their living as rugby journalists for the nation's red top and broadsheet newspapers.

I am, of course, referring to the sport of England Bashing.

Now, although I have to admit to having indulged a little in this activity myself from time to time, I have to say that the opprobrium that has been heaped on Martin Johnson and the England rugby team since their one point defeat to Ireland last weekend has been nothing short of ridiculous.

Did England play well last weekend? No, not really.
Did the players panic under pressure and give away too many penalties? Undoubtedly.
Does Danny Care deserve a slap? Without question.
Was it the worst England performance in recent times? Not by a long chalk.

According to most commentators, England were abject, lacking ideas, and intent on killing the game. "Incompetent cheats" was how one journo described them and England manager Martin Johnson was widely acknowledged to be out of his depth.

What short memories these people must have. Whilst it was by no means a "good" performance by England, one only has to think back to Argentina at Twickenham in 2006, or Ireland at Croke Park in 2007, or South Africa in the World Cup pool match in France, or Scotland at Murrayfield last year to find games in which England plumbed far deeper depths of ineptitude. Saturday's defeat by Ireland wasn't even on the same page.

More at http://totalflanker.blogspot.com/