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Lots of cliches will be thrown about after another close loss – brave hearts, 15 heros etc. Just in case you missed it, they just lost by a point to New Zealand after a 2 point loss last week to South Africa. Sure, it’s gutting, but the lesson is that to win matches like this, you need that killer instict and belief to finish the job off. England had it in the World Cup final. Wales had the chance with a lineout close to the NZ line with minutes left. And they couldn’t do it. <br /><br />Worryingly, in the post-match interview, Colin Charvis used the phrase “bounce-backability”. Twice. Someone really should stop this kind of sporting linguisitc barbarism.<br /><br />England, however, seem to have it back. Beating the boks by 32 to 16 was huge, not least as SA wanted to get the tour back on track after losing to Ireland. But England played with a pace and intensity that has been lacking for the last 10 months. Martin Corry looked like the modern #8, and with Lewis Moody and Joe Worsley in form the Back-Hill-Dallaglio vacancies are getting filled. And Hodgson was very good. This bodes well for the next world cup. We have young players who are learning how to win against the big nations.