But with reigning champions Ireland due to visit Twickenham in eight days time, the 31-year-old knows Martin Johnson’s men must make improvements to their attacking play. 

“It goes without saying the result is the most important thing,” he said. “That’s what we’re in the business of — winning. 

“The days of beating Italy heavily are long gone. They’re not the side they were. 

“It’s simply not possible to run every time you have the ball in international rugby. Kicking is an essential part of the game whether you like it or not.

“You have to pick your moments and move the opposition about to create mismatches. That is something we will need to work on.”