'Plans have changed' - Samu Manoa makes shock international retirement

What we have now is a shambles. It clear El Abd doesn't know what he's doing and he has no track record to indicate otherwise. His appointment is ridiculous. Nothing against the bloke but he's only got the job because he's mates with Borthers.

When you look at how poorly organised our defence is and how blunt our attack is (Marcus excepted). It pains me to hear these so called pundits banging on about how close England are to being a top side based on narrow losses. England have massive issues, are a long way from being a good side and do not have the coaches to fix the issues. It's a testament to the quality of the players that they're managing to front up enough to compete with these sides.

A great way to put it DM, I think the players are there but the clarity most certaily isn't!

Lam isn't a 12 as far as I know. I'm not even sure how long he's been a 13. Either way, he'll need to show more at SR level, a very exciting prospect. Billy seems to be the 13 in waiting though, to be fair. Reiko is a speedster finisher. As soon as he goes back to the wing, the better.

DMac was incredible v EN̈G & IRE. Perofeta is another who needs to get a full SR season in. It's hard to stamp your mark when regularly injured.

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.