England’s Ollie Chessum blames French pace for rushed Six Nations try
Ollie Chessum has admitted the fear of being chased down by French wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey caused him to panic and score far from the posts during England’s Six Nations defeat in Paris.
The towering back-row forward intercepted a pass on his own 10-metre line in the 51st minute and ran 60 metres unopposed.
However, the Leicester Tigers star touched down near the left touchline rather than angling towards the centre.
This wide positioning resulted in a missed conversion by fly-half Fin Smith.
England ultimately lost the thrilling encounter 48-46 to round off a highly disappointing tournament.
Fear of being caught
“I was adamant that there was a red scrum out lurking in the background that was going to bring me down.”
said Chessum.
“So I just pinned my ears back and hoped that no-one managed to grab on to my coattails and bring me to the floor.”
The 25-year-old revealed he has received significant teasing from teammates and family for not making the kick easier.
Bielle-Biarrey, who crossed the whitewash four times himself during the match, was in close pursuit alongside Matthieu Jalibert and Thomas Ramos.
None of the chasing French trio could reel in the English forward before he crossed the try line.
Exceptional sprint speed
Leicester coach Geoff Parling was entirely unsurprised by the breakaway score.
The coach noted the player’s top sprint speed has been measured at an impressive 9.3 metres per second.
“As soon as he got the intercept I knew he was going to score because I know how fast he is.”
stated Parling.
Parling praised the forward for continuously driving his team forward against the formidable French opposition.
Frustrating campaign for England
Despite an improved final performance in the French capital, Steve Borthwick’s side concluded a miserable championship.
The national team secured only one victory from five fixtures.
This poor run of form resulted in a dismal fifth-place finish in the final championship standings.
“It was a frustrating few weeks, there’s no hiding the disappointment and frustration.”
the forward added.
Following the match, the try-scorer immediately flew back to London Heathrow.
He then took a taxi straight to Welford Road to watch his club lift the Premiership Rugby Cup.
