I was at the game and it was pretty poor from both teams, especially England. There were moments in the first half where they played with such dynamism, recycling the ball so quickly that I thought it was going to be a heavy defeat for the Wallabies. But then they just seemed to revert to this tired old game plan that relies on the opposition making mistakes. Have a forward hitting it up the 10/12 channel, then hit 12/13 with a decoy runner. Switch back the other way and repeat. That doesn't work, then box kick.
They need to be more inventive in attack. Not necessarily throwing the ball wide all the time, but playing a bit smarter. And they need a 12. Farrell has done well for England in the past, more of a inspirational workhouse rather than an exceptional player, but he should have retired from international rugby years ago. He just does not have the pace for 12. And whilst you can get away with lacking pace at 10, it also places limitations on the backline. Defenders don't have to mark Farrell, they can hang out wider knowing he doesn't have pace or a step to make a break so can rely on a forward covering him. Look at how effective Marcus Smith is at making breaks even when there is no room. He sucks in defenders, Farrell doesn't.
I think overall England have a good squad, but they need a new coach. You would think Eddie Jones would watch the game and see that his game plan simply doesn't work and look to change things up. But come the next game, it will be the same old ****. Box kicks do not work, they never have, unless you're playing some gumby team that can't catch. I remember watching an ABs Scotland game and every time Scotland got the ball they would box kick and every time the ABs would run it back either scoring or making significant line breaks. Next time Scotland got the ball, they would box kick again, same result. These are switched on elite players - you would think at some stage the penny would drop.
