Two days after helping England record the greatest victory of the Eddie Jones era, Mark Wilson was brought down to earth through a shift of changing nappies.

Wilson tackled Ireland to a standstill in Saturday’s stunning 32-20 victory in Dublin, making a remarkable 27 successful hits to emerge as his side’s top defensive player alongside Mako Vunipola.

England’s players were allowed to return home on Sunday afternoon and Wilson found himself looking after his two children rather than basking in a hero’s welcome in his home town of Newcastle.

Mark Wilson
England’s Mark Wilson went from crunching tackles to daddy daycare (Brian Lawless/PA)

“I was on daddy daycare! So it was ‘there you go!’ Straight back down to earth – changing nappies and doing school runs,” the Falcons back row said.

If he holds off the challenge for his number six jersey from Brad Shields, who has recovered from a side strain, Wilson will be expected to lead the defence against France’s gigantic 154 stones pack at Twickenham on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Cumbrian insists that by using their size against them, Les Bleus’ muscular forwards can be subdued.

Mark Wilson
Wilson relished the physical challenge against Ireland (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

“That’s why you play the game – to have challenges, physical challenges. That’s something a lot of the lads and myself enjoy,” Wilson said.

“I know it’s been well documented that they are a big pack, but there are strengths and weaknesses in every pack in this tournament.

“You’ve got to exploit their size. It’s important that you stay away from their strengths.

“If you get into an arm-wrestle with them, it’s going to be a tough day at the office. We’ve got to think of ways of attacking that.”

Vunipola revealed that at one point on Saturday, Wilson said to his forward team-mates when they were gathered in a circle during a break in play, ‘oh boys, you’ve gotta love this’.

Wilson said: “It was genuine. We spoke during the week about enjoying those encounters.

“It’s something I know I and a lot of the lads enjoy….when your back is against the wall and you’ve got to fight for your team-mates.

“It was enjoyable to go up and hit things and do it again and again. That’s what you aim to do in defence. That’s certainly something I enjoy about the game.”