Before the start of the autumn internationals, I said that if we got a win against the big three, we could consider ourselves ahead of schedule.
Three down, one to go and we’ve not even got close to the draw against one onf the big three that I considered a successful campaign.
The game against South Africa, the World Champions, was as depressing a game I’ve seen in a long time. At least in the pool game against South Africa I had backed England to lose by 31 points or more. This time there was no anaesthetic.
It was hard to take anything positive out of the game. The lineout was ok against renowed lineout operators. In patches, Easter, Rees, Haskell, Care, Armitage and Sackey looked like they were playing at the right level. Cipriani belongs to this level but is out of sorts. In his short international career, three try-giving charge downs is two too many for a player of his supposed calibre. Flutey has shown glimpses but needs someone other than Noon outside him.
The pack looks wrong. How much blame should lie at the door of Wells? How long can the pack underperform yet the head coach takes the blame? Vickery & Shaw look like donkeys of yesteryear. An explanation of Kennedy’s demotion after the game against the Pacific Islanders has yet to be given. Monye’s body language at the tackle betrays him as a speedster without a natural feel for the game.
Borthwick – the only established captaincy candidate – continues to look out of his depth as a player. Palmer shows little promise. Yet there is no candidate enforcer for the front five (prefereably two).
The biggest problem against South Africa was moving the ball. It is an established key to success in rugby football that you pass the ball in front of the player, and he takes it at speed. Too often on Saturday, the receiver took the ball static, went to start running and get up to speed, only to be met by the blitz defence and taken down when he stood or even further back. Basics. Mini rugby basics.
And yet, what can be done?
Nothing.
The squad, picked in July, is in place. There look to be several Wasps players too many. There look to be many players trading on last season’s form and reputation (longer for Vickery).
So, nothing can be done for New Zealand. The only hope is the next squad review point before the Six Nations. Anyone want my ticket?
Get the feed
