The Daily Telegraph's Mick Cleary reports from what he saw as a refreshing England Saxons victory over the Ireland Wolfhounds.
"At last, here was some substance to accompany the froth. So far, fine words have done no more than given a much-needed varnish to England’s soiled PR image. Lancaster doesn’t delude himself that the uplift in England’s reputation is anything but a scratching-out of foundations. Results will not only define his regime but determine how long it lasts.
"This, then, was an encouraging kick-start, a thoroughly well-deserved 23-17 victory over an Ireland second-string that contained nine capped players. Even though Ireland outscored England three tries to two, the Saxons’ winning margin ought to have been more than it was.
"Of course, Lancaster is no longer the hands-on coach for the Saxons. But he was in the stands, along with his lieutenants, Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell. Previous England head coaches have not always attended in person. Lancaster had also had input prior to the squad gathering."
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