Sam Underhill believes England must disregard external commentary as they prepare to rally for their upcoming challenge in a Guinness Six Nations tournament that has deteriorated after merely three rounds.
Ireland’s decisive 42-21 triumph at Allianz Stadium, following a similarly conclusive defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield, has eliminated Steve Borthwick’s side from championship contention only two weeks after their initial ambition to secure France’s title.
A poor display has drawn widespread criticism, and Underhill stresses the importance of England remaining cohesive before their match against a considerably improved Italy on March 7, a fixture at Stadio Olimpico susceptible to an unforeseen outcome.
“There are countless things one can point to after a match – especially following a loss,” the Bath flanker commented.
“When you achieve victory, everything feels positive. After a defeat, a myriad of people offer a myriad of differing opinions. The difficulty lies in maintaining unity and concentration.
Turnovers 
“We will evaluate it, and it’s likely too soon to determine the full implications. As athletes, our duty is to perpetually enhance our skills both individually and collectively. We must place our trust in each other and in the coaching staff. That represents the core essence of team competition.”
England was outmaneuvered across all aspects, a result of their numerous shortcomings combined with Ireland’s proficiency in exploiting those weaknesses.
The twelve-Test winning streak that had fueled expectations of winning the Six Nations, with even head coach Steve Borthwick anticipating a decisive championship match in France on March 14, has now become a desperate pursuit to avoid finishing in the lower half of the standings.
“We are, understandably, disappointed with the outcome,” Underhill stated. “We can acknowledge that, while also recognizing it sometimes constitutes a phase of progression. Development is not always linear, and our reaction is vital.”
“This competition is extraordinarily challenging, and the sport itself is consistently evolving, as are all the teams involved. Any opponent you face is never static: neither in their tactical approach nor in their individual capabilities.
“Our goal is to continually improve to our utmost ability. Even after a triumph, you identify numerous areas where enhancements can be made. The situation is no different following a loss.
“One is never as inadequate as perceived, nor as exceptional as believed. We were not the world’s leading team a month prior, and we are not the weakest team presently.
“We will persist. We will remain cohesive as a squad. I am hopeful for positive developments for this team in the future.”
The nation’s joint fourth most significant defeat at Twickenham offered an unfortunate way for Maro Itoje, one of England’s rugby luminaries, to commemorate his 100th cap.
“We discussed it as a team, that we were unable to provide him with the celebratory day we wished for,” Underhill commented.
“He is an exceptionally gracious individual. He personally remarked – that’s just how sport is, progress doesn’t follow a straight line. Those were his exact words.
“We can still commemorate the remarkable accomplishment that 100 caps represents. He is an outstanding player, an exceptional athlete, a wonderful human being, and a commanding leader.”
