Jonathan Joseph says England will learn from mistakes
Tuesday 17 March 2015 17:18, UK
Jonathan Joseph expects a ruthless performance from England in Saturday’s Six Nations showdown with France at Twickenham.
Stuart Lancaster’s side were guilty of some wasteful finishing as they defeated Scotland 25-13 at home last weekend.
That Calcutta Cup victory was enough to put England top of the table on points difference but a tense finale is now in prospect with Ireland and Wales still capable of snatching the title if they can claim emphatic wins over Scotland and Italy respectively.
However centre Joseph, who has scored four tries in the tournament so far, was still encouraged by England's display against Scotland and he believes his team-mates will learn from their mistakes.
“There were a lot of positives (against Scotland),” he told Sky Sports News HQ. “We created a lot of opportunities and we put their defence under pressure. So in that sense it was great for us and it was just the finish that wasn’t quite there.
“We didn’t have the composure needed. We forced a few offloads that were not necessary, so for us it’s a case of getting that right this weekend because we have got to make the most of those chances.
People know where they went wrong and they will rectify that this weekend.
“You definitely learn from your mistakes. We analyse the game and look at areas where we can get better at and it’s done on an individual level and on a team level. People know where they went wrong and they will rectify that this weekend.”
England assistant coach Mike Catt described Joseph as England’s find of the tournament and he is now hoping to cap it off by securing the Six Nations title.
The 23-year-old added: “I was lucky to get given the shot and I am just thankful I’ve put in the performances that I have.
“I want to do my country proud and my family and my friends and I am glad it has gone well so far, and hopefully we can top it off this weekend.”
Catt said of the Bath star: "I've been working with him now for three or four years and I've always realised there was this ability in him. He's probably been one of the finds of the Six Nations.
"He totally understands what international rugby is all about. He's a very good talker. He understands George (Ford) and he's now doing what he did at London Irish three or four years ago. He's only going to get better."
Looking ahead to facing the unpredictable French at Twickenham on Saturday, the World Cup winner added: "Let's forget about the circus that goes around it and focus on what we've been doing as a team for these last six weeks.
"For us to finish the campaign on a high is about focusing on us and not the external things that we can't control. It's a very simple message - it's time to deliver and the players understand that.
"It's all about us sticking to what we are doing, because it is working, and more about touching up on the finishing really.
"It's just making sure every player plays the play and not worrying about the next phase or the phase before. It's just making sure everyone is on song and everybody is playing in the moment."
