The word being widely used to describe England's performance against Ireland yesterday: 'depressing'.
At no point during their 29-10 loss, to an Irish side that looked like they were operating at 70%, did the English look like scoring a try out wide or with a back, and the red card for Billy Vunipola, the only out-and-out no.8 in their squad, only added insult to injury.
Not to be deterred by their recent form, England were seen celebrating wildly after small turnovers, most notably through Saracens' Ben Earl.
A clip of Ben Earl going down to one knee and fist-pumping, following a crooked Irish throw near their line, has been widely shared and discussed on Twitter.
Some have argued that celebrating the small victories is an astute tactic to galvanise teammates and get into opponents heads, but given England's position, most were mocking and found it to be 'cringey'.
England Criticised For 'Cringe' Celebrations
I think you will find most experience players won’t celebrate these wins in this fashion, it’s a nod or hand touch and keeping focus on main prize, overboard if you ask me.
— BJ Botha (@BJBotha) August 20, 2023
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Simon Zebo (@SimonZebo) August 19, 2023
England are world champs in the celebrating small victories championship. https://t.co/j8hd1cFC0b pic.twitter.com/M9DdCGRUzy
— Jim Demps (@jim_demps) August 19, 2023
READ HERE: England's World Cup Prep Thrown Into Further Disarray After Vunipola Red
A couple of pros/ex-pros weighed in on the debate, including Munster's Simon Zebo, and ex-Munster and Ulster prop BJ Botha.
Zebo, never a man to miss a chance for a dig at England or Leinster, replied to the clip of Ben Earl with a slew of laughing emojis.
Botha's response was more thought out, and he explained, in his view, that most players do not act in this fashion.
I think you will find most experience players won’t celebrate these wins in this fashion, it’s a nod or hand touch and keeping focus on main prize, overboard if you ask me.
This is, of course, is not a a new 'tactic' from England. Itoje has been at it for years, while Ben Curry was roundly mocked for exuberantly celebrating a French knock-on during the Six Nations when England were down by 40 points.
SEE ALSO: Ireland Player Ratings As Ireland Dismantle England With Ease In World Cup Send-Off
