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VERSAILLES - England forwards coach John Wells said the champions needed to play "smarter" rugby against Samoa if they were to get their faltering World Cup campaign back on track after a record defeat against South Africa.
The Webb Ellis Trophy-holders were thrashed 36-0 by the Springboks at the Stade de France - England's heaviest World Cup loss - and must now, in effect, beat Samoa in Nantes this coming Saturday if they are to avoid the fresh indignity of becoming the first reigning champions not to reach the quarterfinals.
England's defeat was symptomatic of the problems they have suffered during their decline in form since winning the World Cup four years ago.
Up front, they were beaten to the ball at the breakdown with South Africa's quicker recycling giving them a solid platform from which to attack.
And when England did create opportunities, individual errors from the backs allied to poor decision-making meant their few chances were squandered.
Although they declined kickable penalties in the second half - the Springboks were already 20-0 up at halftime - the fact remains England became the first side not to score a point in a World Cup match at this edition and joined such giants as Namibia and Canada to have failed to register a score in the tournament's history.
"One of our main disappointments was we never really looked like rattling the scoreboard, apart from drop-goals and penalties," said Wells.
"The South Africans, as the game wore on, dominated field-position better than we did.
"We were always having to try to work from deep positions and when we did get into good positions ourselves, individual errors and mistakes cost us either the ball or territory.
"We know we've got a lot of work to do. We've just got to be smarter with the detail."
Turning to England's problems up front, Wells said: "I'm a big believer that if you don't win the collisions, it's hard work to win quick ball.
"We've got to start putting guys either through half-holes or keep our leg-drive going a lot better than we have to take a man full-on."
England lock Ben Kay, a World Cup-winner four years ago, admitted he was at a loss to explain how a side featuring so many experienced players were struggling to impose themselves in a key part of the game.
"That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? The breakdown area is the area we need to focus on. The last couple of games there have been too many guys receiving the ball standing still."
England are due to make a fresh announcement on the fitness of centre Jamie Noon (knee) and fullback Jason Robinson (hamstring), both of whom suffered potentially tournament-ending injuries against the Springboks.
They went into the South Africa clash without pivots Olly Barkley (hip) and 2003 World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson (ankle).
- AFP
