Just thinking about players, coaches and the team, and what struck me is that Youngs is Englands most capped player, and Farrell our top points scorer, and yet neither have consistently been the best available players in their respective positions, and certainly not for some time have either been rated highly, and yet England allow them to reach these mile stones, and I think that outlines the problem perfectly. An unwillingness by England management, and Sweeny and his cronies more widely, to change, grow and adapt. After this RWC English rugby needs a ground up rebuild, probably using the Irish approach as a template.
I'd also like to say that I don't blame Farrell and Youngs. They aren't going to turn down playing for their country when the offer is made, and I'm sure they give their very best. Farrell is clearly a dedicated chap who takes things very seriously. It's for the coaches to recognise that he isn't cutting mustard and take necessary action.
Anyway, still looking forward to the games this weekend. I really hope we make good account of ourselves, and get through to a semi, where, in the white hot heat of knockout rugby, anything could happen.
