Ethan Blackadder returns as Crusaders name team for quarter-final

E.g. if Freeman and Furbank both go to Australia (which I think would be unlikely) England could still field a back three of Marcus Smith, Roebuck, and Feyi-Waboso, with Steward, Daly, Sleightholme, and Murley also in the squad. Similarly if both Curry brothers and Ben Earl all go (which I think would be similarly unlikely) England could still select Tom Willis, Underhill, and Cunningham-South in the back row. Hardly a developmental lineup! There would have to be newer and less experienced players brought in in the second row and at centre, but even here there could be starting partnerships of Martin & Coles and Dingwall & Daly.

I think there’s a good chance England’s progress will be built on directly in Argentina.

Must be tragic for a proud Welshman like yourself to see they've made such a disastrous mess of the game.

How are the Landers going since I wrote that piece about them?

I don’t know where you get 120 minutes for the Premer from, most games are around 93-94 mins from the games I have on file.

A model for future England is emerging, it’s not the same as averyone else and supporters can be rightfully proud that it has.

So I feel your conclusions are spot on Bob👍

Nobody else did that to Wales in the 6N - not France, not Ireland or Scotland. So some credit is due.

I wonder if Kevin Sinfield has had a hand in the selection of so many sevens with his League background?

I think England have earned their slices of good fortune. Goodness knows they have suffered enough from lack of same over the last 12 months! They had some luck v France and Scotland and rode it in the last two games and you cannot ask for more than that.

They were the biggest improvers in the tournament and as I suggested at the start were good enough to split France and Ireland at the top of the table.

There are risks too. Would SA get through another tournament successfully with Deon Fourie at #2? I doubt it. If they get a couple of injuries early on in the backs Cobus Reinach cannot plug all the leaks!

The biggest advance which enables England is their scrum, which is now the best in the 6N, period. England outscrummed France at the start and off the bench, and I think they will test the Boks too.

With those six front rowers and Opoku to come, they can play as many loosies as they like!