Jordan benched as Townsend makes big call

However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.

There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.

By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.

After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.

The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.

Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

I'm trying not to be too critical of JEA but he has it all to prove. The defensive failings have undercut England's dvelopment at a critical moment.

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