"Plastic energy."

That's what Bongi Mbonambi described it as.

After scraping past Steve Borthwick's side in the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final, the South Africa hooker was scathing of England's back-slapping and celebrating of in-game wins.

By then, it had already become something of a meme. Back row Ben Earl pumping his fist to celebrate Ireland's crooked line-out throw in a pre-tournament warm-up was a particular source of online mockery.

But, while it isn't the diesel grunt that can win matches on its own, "plastic energy" is still something.

It is the body language that shows mindset and intent, that a team's pilot light is on and burning bright.

England had it under Borthwick at the Stade de France three years ago, coming agonisingly close to derailing the Springboks. And they had it in spades in Sunday's 45-22 win against the Wallabies.

Earl, inevitably, was one outlet, loudly celebrating a third-minute scrum success.

But there were plenty more examples throughout the match.…