NO-ONE should take anything away from England’s tremendous RBS 6 Nations win over France last Saturday.

They were up into the French faces right from the off and never allowed them to indulge in the free-flowing rugby that head coach Marc Lievremont espouses.

Written off by the majority of pundits they certainly pulled this one out of the fire and deserve full credit, none more so than defence coach Mike Ford and head coach Brian Ashton, who has been at the forefront of much criticism.

It was also great to see the final try scored by Sale Sharks and Lancashire-born Richard Wigglesworth, who was making his first start for his country – his celebrations after crossing the line were totally justified.

The result has thrown the 6 Nations wide open with only Wales now having a 100% record but they have still to play a much-improved Ireland in Dublin before finishing off against France in Cardiff.

However, as former Waterloo and Orrell player Austin Healey said after the game: “It was a great win but let’s keep our feet on the ground as this can only be considered a step in the right direction.”

Caldy director of rugby Tony Atherton, who has stuck with Wales from day one, sees no reason to change his forecast but acknowledged that England’s performance has thrown the championship wide open.

“It’s still Wales for me,” he said. “They have the right structure in place and the players are good enough.

“They have two difficult fixtures to come, away to Ireland and at home to France but they can do it.”

He added: “England were certainly up for it and France simply buckled under the pressure.

“I thought the defence was superb, particularly in midfield where the Wilkinson, Flood, Noon axis gave them no breathing space.

“They played with an intensity lacking in previous games and full credit to them for that.”

West Park’s new coach Chris Chudleigh was equally complimentary, saying: “A very professional performance as they did the simple things well and stopped the French from playing.

“Considering they played without the ball for much of the first half that was some feat.”

Picking out the England midfield, he added: “Flood and Noon hardly missed a tackle and that frustrated the French and kept England in the game. As for the championship, there is now all to play for.”

“I thought England were far more assertive in the tackle and ruck area,” was Liverpool St Helens director of rugby Paul Woodward’s observation.

“The back row, Nick Easter in particular, I thought was superb.

“Up front I know Mark Regan has come in for some stick but you sometimes need someone who can ruffle feathers and get under the opposition skin and Mark certainly did that.

“It was a very upbeat performance but we must not get carried away.”

England now travel to take on Scotland at Murrayfield a week on Saturday and although Scotland have not performed at all this season, playing England, particularly on home turf, is different.

“There is always the potential for an upset in any Calcutta Cup match but if England play as they did last Saturday there can only be one winner,” Woodward added.

As for the Championship – let’s take it one step at a time.