England's World Cup campaign saw them finish third, but their subsequent Six Nations performance was unconvincing. They managed tight wins over Italy and Wales but lost to Scotland. However, a thrilling last-gasp drop-goal by Marcus Smith against Ireland at Twickenham was a highlight, suggesting a potential blueprint for the future. This was followed by an encouraging but ultimately losing effort against France on Super Saturday.
The summer tour against New Zealand was closely contested, with England pushing the All Blacks hard but failing to secure a win. The Autumn Nations Series brought more heartache, with narrow losses to New Zealand and Australia, and a disappointing defeat to Australia in the final minutes of the game.
Off the field, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has faced criticism over bonuses, and coaching instability has not helped the team's performance. The year ended with a sense of disappointment, setting the stage for a crucial Six Nations tournament in 2025.
In contrast, Northampton Saints had a stellar year, winning their first Premiership title since 2014 by defeating Bath in the final. This victory was a testament to the team's resilience and skill.
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