Monday 25 February 2019 12:03, UK
Jamie George has denied Warren Gatland's claim that England are chokers in the wake of Saturday's defeat by Wales in Cardiff.
A 21-13 loss at the Principality Stadium has placed the Grand Slam beyond the reach of Eddie Jones' team but they remain favourites to win the Six Nations, with Italy and Scotland still due at Twickenham and Wales having to play Ireland on the final day.
Gatland amplified England's misery by declaring "when it's really mattered, I've questioned whether they can win these big games" as a World Cup year took a fascinating twist.
Jones delivered a "no comment" when pushed for his response having fallen to his Kiwi rival for the first time in four meetings, and George was similarly dismissive.
"I think that's unfair. Warren can say what he likes. He's in a position of power after winning that game so fair play to them," Saracens hooker George said.
"What I know having been in the camp is that we are a team that wants to build and we are a team that wants to improve.
"We will learn from this. We have won big games before and we are going to win big games again."
George bristled when it was suggested that Wales had a greater desire to win the game against their great rivals, whose victory set a new national record of 12 successive Test wins.
"It definitely does not mean more to them. We have got the most passionate team I have ever been a part of. I wouldn't say it means more to them," George said.
"Let's take it back to Ireland when people were talking about how we are wearing our hearts on our sleeves. Hopefully we will always show that."
Prior to the game, Gatland had claimed Kyle Sinckler was an "emotional time bomb". The England prop performed strongly until he gave away two penalties in the second half, and was quickly replaced by Jones.
However, the head coach was in no mood to criticise Sinckler, saying: "Trying to single him out and trying to make a villain of him will do him a disservice.
"He's a very good young player, a young prop. He's got 20 caps and is playing in one of the most difficult positions on the field and he'll come through as a great Test player for England.
"Every player you've got to look after, but I'd ask you not to go after him because you're desperate to go after him. Give the boy a chance.
"He's a good young player and he's doing his best, and like everyone we all make mistakes, but he'll be alright."
