ENGLAND began their Gillette Four Nations campaign with a patchy victory over France - but coach Tony Smith insists he was never worried at any stage.
The overwhelming favourites trailed 12-4 at half-time to the 100-1 outsiders but responded to take control after the break with Richard Myler scoring twice.
“I was not concerned. We were just a bit excited, even before the game," said Smith.
“We were a bit anxious and put a bit of pressure on one another.”
Smith was always confident the remedy was at hand - and his players did not let him down as Warrington scrum-half Myler helped England rack up 30 points without reply after the break.
“We just had to settle down and build some pressure on the French,” added the coach. “We knew if we did that they would struggle.”
Smith cited mitigation in that his team are still developing an understanding - something he knows they will need in abundance when they face Australia in their next match.
“This is a new team, and it takes a little bit of time to get the combinations - and that showed tonight,” he conceded.
“We go up about three rungs in class next week.”
What did you think of England's display? Tell us your views
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greyhound, Bolton,Lancashire (26/10/2009 at 07:22)
That tackle on Myler near the end of the game was as bad as it gets and I think the Frenchman should recieve at least a 5 game ban for it.
They have always been the same the French and I firmly believe he should have the book thrown at him.
As for young Richard Myler well he must also learn how to duck a bit quicker in the future but on the night I thought he did very well as the game went on.