'Maro has had to carry the load': The reason Charlie Ewels has been chosen as Itoje's England lock partner

Well done to most sides this year - the standard of rugby is higher across the board (generally) and steel sharpens steel

I really enjoy the better parity amongst the top sides and most test matches have been proper in the summer and autumn

I was at Twickenham last weekend and my heart was in my throat for a bit. Well done boys and I look for good things from Hanekom tomorrow

Cheers

Borthwick has obviously earned the right to expect people to look elsewhere when the sort of personal problems likely at the heart of Jones' departure occur but it's hard to believe he's, if not entirely to blame, at least most of the problem.

England seem between choices in every aspect of their play to me right now

I still think your objection to calling this a tour to the UK is stupid and pedantic.

I repeat what I send earlier, the Boks are not playing anywhere except in the UK.

It's legitimate therefore to call this a tour to the UK.

But this is boring now, goodnight, goodbye. And good luck with your crusade (that really doesn't have any bearing on what the article is discussing.)

Would have also liked to have seen Rueben Love start a fullback with Jordan at right wing. For as much criticism Reese gets for his lack of speed, which is valid, Tele'a is just as slow.

Would like to have seen Perofeta cover 10/15 form the bench and park McKenzie in the stands (he played in 13 tests).

The England backline has faltered too, scoring some great tries, but then also making bad mistakes, such as the one that led to the Kellaway try. I felt that out in NZ there was too much possession kicked away, and that has continued this autumn.

One does miss a lot in just watching the game once, and not going back and checking on "what really happened". That is where the analytical part of your articles are so illuminating, Nick.

Also throwing a part time hooker in between Ox Nche and some other monster is a different prospect to packing down next to Fin Baxter or whoever - no disrespect to Fin, he's a good player but England's scrum can't afford passengers, the Boks can getaway with it.

Either Jamie needs to get fitter so he can play for 70+ minutes and then this isn't such a bad prospect... Or we need a different captain... But I don't think a lack of leadership at the death is close to the top of England's issues. A colander for a defence and a terrible conversion rate for red zone entries rank much higher. England need to find an attacking structure that doesn't rely on Marcus pulling rabbits out of hats and letting Wigglesworth off the hook.

Personally, I don't like the idea much.