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England found a way to win. Much like Saracens do. They won in a quite different way in the first test. This is really pleasing - it shows that they can adapt on the hoof. They were expecting to attack a lot off first phase but their platform wasn't there. Australia played well in the line out...

I wonder how much they the tactics are a reflection of the Lions' success against Aus. That was a poor Australia team but the lions wore them down physically over three tests with the greater physicality and squad depth. By the third test in particular the Aussies couldn't cope with the physical...

Add Ben Smith to that list. World's best fullback yet not especially quick. Just so intelligent in his decision making.

This is a team specifically picked to beat Australia. Eddie has a game plan that involves never getting caught behind the gain line as that brings pooper into play. Burrell and Yarde are better at this than Nowell as they are bigger and quicker than the alternatives. They also provide genuine...

I think Eddie is going to attack wider. Win the gain line in midfield - I expect to see some of our forwards out there a bit more as France's backs bar Vakatawa are relatively small. Care is quicker to the breakdown and has a better long pass from the lineout. Ford was a long way from Youngs on...

They have obviously watched the Scotland game and seen the effect of playing at a high pace against France. France have also had one fewer day off - a significant disadvantage. France have big gain line tacklers but not so much bulk in midfield these days. Expect Billy and co to appear slightly...

Cole has done a lot of work slowing ball though. He has almost decided that he isn't going for the turnover any more as the penalty risk there goes up. He does, however, slow ball at a lot of rucks, just keeping his hands on it for a couple of seconds. He hasn't been penalised for this I don't...

Roko has been great this season in a terrible team. Yarde has also played well, whilst May was electric in the World Cup warm ups. I'd also still like to experiment with Wade. He scores tries other players can't. His defence is probably not good enough but his size and astonishing acceleration...

Earlier this season Nowell got comfortably caught having intercepted. He is a good enough player that he managed to link up with others but his lack of gas is clearly a problem. Rush defences rely on a fast winger to cover in the eventuality that teams manage to get round the back. Nowell...

Who is now next in line? Tom Youngs is still injured isn't he? Please not Rob Webber!!!! Tommy Taylor perhaps?

Great back line but is Simpson going to get into the Wasps team in front of Robson at the mo? Also Slade has hardly played ten at all recently or kicked goals. Chiefs obviously see him there longer term - with Devoto and Hill covering 12, but Steenson won't go quietly. I see Slade as bench cover...

Couldn't agree more. Looks like a 7 where his pace/squat frame could be an advantage - we are obsessed with tall back rowers but if you aren't tall enough to be a line out option then being short can actually be beneficial at the breakdown. See also David Ward at Quins who sometimes plays at 7...

It would suit him but probably not till Eddie is gone.

In one moment they have finally looked decisive, only to then bottle it! Any success we have had in recent years has been based on the U20 pipeline so at least that is protected. I'm sure Hague is good but it looks like they have a jobs for the boys mentality - Hague is ex rfu as well...

Agree on Goode - I still wouldn't have him as a bench option. Not with two other players who can play fullback. I like Robson a lot. I actually think he and Simpson have got greater potential than Youngs/Care. It'll be interesting to see how he goes in the champions cup/later stages of the...

If he is serious about Tuilangi long term at 12 that could have further balance issues for the back line. Ideally we want a balance of distributors, strike runners, kickers and gain line breakers. Joseph is great but is only an OK distributor/kicker (he has got better in this regard). With...

Good article in the guardian on England having the option of a plan A and plan B, unlike Wales. I’d Like Lancaster to give himself these options though rather than pick identical options in the 1st team and on the bench...