England’s players had promised a performance that showed their faith in Steve Borthwick ; consider that message of unity emphatically sent. Crisis? What crisis? If last November’s victory over New Zealand remains the high watermark of the Borthwick era given the opposition, here, at least, was a performance that rose close to those standards, an answering of critics and call to arms that they needed at the start of this potentially fractious campaign. There was daring, there was dynamism, and there was more than a hint of indignation after a week of questioning over their spirit.

A pot still to boil or a flash in a pan? The next three weeks will reveal plenty about what Borthwick is really cooking but they have, at least, backed up strong words with equally forceful actions. Australia were not at the races but, perhaps, they were not allowed to be, with a refreshed and recharged Maro Itoje leading from the front.…