ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS! Japan v England 2024 ----------------------- Rugby artwork in background courtesy of Blair Skivington www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BlrArtGB
You could slate MS for his YC but he did save a try because despite what the ref said cole was never making a tackle. Then England go down the other end and score, so not a bad outcome overall.
Would love to see Ted Hill get the call up for Ewels and would also like to see Curry start at openside for NZ games just because i think he is one of the few world class players England have available so should be played (nothing against Underhill)
Not sure you're watching enough recently rugby. Underhill has been absolutely class recently, being everywhere in the premiership final and leading 14 man Bath to a near win. He also has terrorised the All Blacks in all his games against them. Curry came back from injury recently and was okay yesterday but clearly looking like he's come back from hip surgery Underhill is one of the few match winners for England right now. Him and Curry might partner together for the breakdown battle but CCS might start for his carrying
Nice analysis. Pretty much agree and I am not going to niggle it. I agree about George vs Dan, the downside is that I believe that George is doing a super job as captain with this group. However, I thought it intriguing that Itoje took over as captain when George left the field....may be this explains why SB has insisted on taking and playing Itoje despite his minutes on the clock!. Perhaps Maro is the incumbent and another subplot of this tour is the transition of the captaincy ??? I don't want to assassinate Ewels but surely his England journey is over. 30+ anonymous caps plus 2 not so anonymous disasters...not a malicious or dirty player just out of his depth. I actually also thought Marler was quite lively off the bench but I know you think he is too slow....I didn't agree with Randalls selection for the tour and after yesterday I think it will be spencer and Mitchell for the tests vs NZ....hope its Mitchell plus Quirke longer term. Thanks.
I probably need to watch the game again but I felt George had a decent outing (say a 6) and seemed to make a few good tackles when Japan were on fire. Made a couple of really strong carries too. Agree that Dan is probably the better player though. I think the scores are reaosnable for everyone else. I thought Earl and underhill were superb so maybe up them a little. Earls tackle on the Japanese pace-hooker when he bypassed Finn Smith was massive, although they scored in the end. It is tough to predict what will happen with NZ, I just hope we can put in a performance as per Ireland and France and then we are in with a shout. We were a bit rusty against Japan but I think Japan could have blown a lesser team away in thje first 10 mins so we shouldnt underestimate them. If they had capitalised on their terratory early on the momentum could have stayed with them. They will get better in the EJ honeymoon period and then fall aprat like England did.
Yep! Not much to argue with. Think Underhill’s performance would usually have been worth an 8 but for whatever reason he didn’t get the results from the breakdown. As you say 7 is maybe a bit generous for Lawerence. Only major disagreement would be Freeman, not more than a 5 this time. Quality player that he is he was anonymous in attack and as a wing in a game like this that’s a big down mark. Cole and Marler both comfortably worth a 6 for me, did exactly what they were asked to do and positively impacted the set piece, but appreciate your mind is made up there.
I think smith really claimed that 1 shirt. 2 pretty slick assists, 1 try some decent hits that at least slowed down some bigger lads, even saw him put in a decent counter ruck attempt a few times. Think he's gained a few KGs that's deffo helped his tackled and doesn't seem to have hurt his speed at all. Yellow was a shame but that's just a silly mistake that cam be drilled out out of his game.
I wonder why Rodd did so poorly at scrum time when he seems to do OK for for Sale and I also wonder if Ted Hill is injured or at least fragile, because he would seem a natural call-up. Apart from the front row, I'm liking this England side more than any other since 2019. Marcus Smith has got better at kicking out of hand and tackling, so now he can really be an all-round player and offer that extra attacking threat - I love a running fly-half and he will worry NZ off set-piece and fast ball, if we get any!
Like the idea of bringing Ted Hill into the squad but it would leave England short of proper locks. Would have given Martin a 7 and Smith M an 8. Super skills, but can't give extra reward simply because they are so "out in the open". Also part of his role is goal kicking and the last 2 efforts were poor. Furbank also a 7, his contribution to IFW's try was a classic example of great running without ever touching the ball.
Agree entirely with Rich regards our captain. Thought his actual performance in the six nations were poor. Granted the loss of his mum and the captaincy of this young emerging team must of had an impact . But still see his basics as better than the dynamic Theo dan. And I would still go again with Rodd who to my thinking is worth another go.
You read some of the articles on the BBC for instance and you’d think it was England who have conceded 8 tries. Can’t believe the negativity in the media. I thought it was a good performance in tough conditions.
BBC have a very strong love affair with wales and Scotland . Have been like that for a few years now. Never watch or listen to anything they have to say on England anymore. Glad you pointed this out as well wearside .
Not unusual for channels that talk about rugby to talk about rugby especially when their national team is playing? The more talk about rugby the better, game needs growing.
Agree with a lot of your comments and most of your scoring. Rodd 4 Agree didn’t do basic’s in the scrum plus the tap & NO go! George 6 A player who desperately needs a rest! Cole 6 Does what it says on the Tin! Played the longest of the starting front row! Itoje 7 Played 80! Why? Martin 7 Solid! CCS 8 would like to see his stamina over 80 minutes tested Underhill 7 Earl 8 Adapted to No 8 and then Centre seemlessly Mitchell 8 Marcus 8 think you slightly over marked! IFW 6 Lawrence 5 Not his fault but took time to adapt to inside centre role again Slade 6 Freeman 6 Furbank 6 Dan 7 Marler 5 Ideal opportunity to give Baxter a cap missed! Stuart 5 Ewels 0 Curry 5 Randall 4 Needs to do the basics (like box kicks!) before adding on the flashy stuff! Fin 6 Roebuck 7
Great channel mate, and ratings are always subjective but the big disagreement for me is Theo Dan. Have a look at his defence when he comes on, running around missing tackles left, right and centre. Equally as culpable as Finn Smith for that try. He can be as pretty as he wants ball in hand but he’s at risk of being labelled a show pony unless he starts making simple tackles.
we were in control at half time and Fin Smith should have played the whole of the 2nd half to gain some more International minutes . He will probably be on the bench for the ABs unless SB decides there is cover with Furbank and Slade on the field should anything happen to Marcus Smith
Not fair on Ewells to pick him. Especially, after his last 5 mins - but even before. ‘To keep your head whilst all around you are losing theirs’. Although, in Ewell’s case, he was the only one to lose his head - again. He’s a good club player. Agree with another comment that it would be nice to see Pearson there. Langdon - oh - where art thou now?
I think I'd struggle to give Smith 9 after a yellow card, maybe dock him a point. I'd also score Earls and Underhill 8 and bring Cunningham South down to a 7. Small margins
Before hand I would have had some slightly different ratings, having listened to the reasoning though I think your there or there abouts. Maybe a little lower on underhill than I’d have had him, it wasn’t a game the ref was willing to allow too much of a scrap at the breakdown m, after getting pinged Underhill adapted and backed off which I think is a positive in itself, too often you see players not adapt and try the same things expecting a different outcome, completely agree on Freeman would have liked to have seen more involvements from him and hopefully will with time, it’s difficult to judge as we don’t know what instruction he’s given by SB certainly for NH he’s allowed to roam and given some free license. Pack generally pretty good without being spectacular. Interesting to see how Furbank develops certain has a nice attacking game with time he hopefully improves judgements on when it is and isn’t time to go. A good hit out and nice evolution to this new cycle.
Spencer to replace Randall. Sadly lacks any oomph in defence and not the right mind under pressure. In NZ experience and a cool head are needed. I think you slightly overrate Cunningham-Smith at this stage in his career. He needs to be able to go the 80 minutes and runs out of gas. And you underrate Underhill who has been outstanding for England since his return and a total in defence. It allows Earl to be the attacking threat he has become. I like this backrow and second row combination, but agree with you on the front row weaknesses.
Back row and the half backs were all good, can't understand the 7 for Lawrence, he may do well in the prem but in an England shirt he's bang average, thought slade was the better of the two. The back three were alright, Dan was good as was roebuck all other subs were poor at best.
Earl looked better at 12 than Lawrence has. The reality is Fin Smiths main black-mark was a bad miss for one of Japans trys. If Lawrence wasn' asleep on the wing he'd have scored from Fins cross-field kick and there was a lovely pass out wide to IF-W that created a break on the right wing. 5 for me.
Hard to compare how Coles is “solid” and gets a 5, but Mitchell does the “nuts and bolts” and gets a 7. Feels like your base assessment is wrong (for the reasons you give I think both are a 6 as they did their basics well but no more).
Marcus has the vision but he needs to show he can do it against the very best - NZ, SA. Personally I believe that in the medium term Finn Smith will be the more reliable international 10. Ewels international career is over. I would like to see Tuima brought in for the experience. George will be 1st choice this tour, in squad for next 6N and probably not even in the squad this time next year - it is not that he has got bad, it is just that the options for England at 2 are that good. We desperately need Baxter to become an international quality LH this tour, the cupboard is a bit thin - but not as bad as at TH
My theory is that after the Lions next season he'll be ousted as 2. Like with Hartley, I don't think George will be selected by the Lions, while Theo Dan has a good chance to be selected for the Lions next year. Dan Sheehan is probably favourite for the position but the Irish lineout is pretty bad and I don't think Sheehan is gifted with his darts. Would say if Itoje or Martin are involved then Dan may be in with a shout
Smith a 9 is just fan-boying. He had a good game against limited opposition and under no pressure. A 7. CCS had a decent game but wasn't better than either Earl or Underhill. 7. Earl MotM by a distance. Scored a try, set up a try and his work and threat helped deliver three more. Both Mitchell and Smiths trys are made by defenders stepping in to pick up Earls running line and leaving space. He helps drive CCS over the with Underhill. As said below great covering tackle after Fin Smith missed his tackle and his intercept when Japan had numbers although in their half could easily have stopped a big break downfield. Again and again comes up with big moments. 8. Lawrence one of two poor players, Ewels the other. In less than twenty minutes Earl showed a better grip on playing 12 than Lawrence has in his last 10 caps with Slade. He butchers both his own and other players running lines far too frequently, makes poor decisions and for all his supposed threat he rarely breaks the gainline on carries. IF-W had relatively little to do but every time he touches the ball something positive seems to happen. England need to be much sharper about how effective he is as a counter-rucker too. He pretty much drove three players of the ball once whilst three England players stood by watching. By the time they reacted the chance was gone. 7. Dan seems to get marks for not being Jamie George. He was fine but still sticks his head down too often rather than looking for passing options once he has the ball. 6. Both Maro and Martin 7s.
Agree on front row ratings as AB's front row will massacre England in the scrum and in the loose.2nd row ok,back row excellent. Smith best we gave but again midfield leaves one unsatisfied missing tackles/little in attack,back three good.
History, recent and past. We beat them approx once a decade. Don't know the exact numbers, but we've only won games in NZ on a (small) handful of occasions. Games are usually pretty close, but we have been blown off the park on quite a few occasions down there. It's their national sport and they're bloody good at it.
"Showed and go'ed" ????? Is that how you spell it? Looking forward to beating NZ. ??? swap order of front rows over for next game- no - put Marler on with Cole after half time with Dan as the old bomb squad. 0 is a bit harsh for Ewels but Hill is a good shout.
Funny that Slade is defending the same way that Am is considering England recruited Felix Jones, the SA defence coach from the last 5 years... Am's defence was shite in Jones' first year - look at the England 2018 summer tour and the number of tries England got in SA. Takes a while to get Jones' system right
Ted Hill for Ewels please, pretty please with a charry on top!!!😁
Really unsure how he can be so over looked.
Absolutely 🙏🙏🙏
Jonny May said Hill is the fastest player he played with.
He isn't a lock
Big supporter of Sam Underhill and I thought he was superb.
I'm so confused why no one is talking about Dan's huge defensive holes when he came on.
Spot on. Probably disagree with Dan's 7 though. I think you have a but of a soft spot for him haha but we all have our favourite players!
Spot on. Well done. You mentioned the key moments for all concerned. 👍
As much as I like Ewels (as a team player) I think his red is a blessing in disguise 😂 I hope Tuima or Ted Hill gets called up as a replacement
Top content as always. Completely agree with your scores. And don't have any arguments against.
You could slate MS for his YC but he did save a try because despite what the ref said cole was never making a tackle. Then England go down the other end and score, so not a bad outcome overall.
Would love to see Ted Hill get the call up for Ewels and would also like to see Curry start at openside for NZ games just because i think he is one of the few world class players England have available so should be played (nothing against Underhill)
I can't see how you can take anyone off of that back row for NZ
Not sure you're watching enough recently rugby. Underhill has been absolutely class recently, being everywhere in the premiership final and leading 14 man Bath to a near win. He also has terrorised the All Blacks in all his games against them.
Curry came back from injury recently and was okay yesterday but clearly looking like he's come back from hip surgery
Underhill is one of the few match winners for England right now. Him and Curry might partner together for the breakdown battle but CCS might start for his carrying
4 for Rodd very harsh, he won scrum pens and the one against him was incorrect as the japanese tighthead lost his legs. Rodd 6 good performance
Spot on Rich - bring Ted Hill for Ewels. Front row needs to step up,
Nice analysis. Pretty much agree and I am not going to niggle it. I agree about George vs Dan, the downside is that I believe that George is doing a super job as captain with this group. However, I thought it intriguing that Itoje took over as captain when George left the field....may be this explains why SB has insisted on taking and playing Itoje despite his minutes on the clock!. Perhaps Maro is the incumbent and another subplot of this tour is the transition of the captaincy ??? I don't want to assassinate Ewels but surely his England journey is over. 30+ anonymous caps plus 2 not so anonymous disasters...not a malicious or dirty player just out of his depth. I actually also thought Marler was quite lively off the bench but I know you think he is too slow....I didn't agree with Randalls selection for the tour and after yesterday I think it will be spencer and Mitchell for the tests vs NZ....hope its Mitchell plus Quirke longer term. Thanks.
I probably need to watch the game again but I felt George had a decent outing (say a 6) and seemed to make a few good tackles when Japan were on fire. Made a couple of really strong carries too. Agree that Dan is probably the better player though. I think the scores are reaosnable for everyone else. I thought Earl and underhill were superb so maybe up them a little. Earls tackle on the Japanese pace-hooker when he bypassed Finn Smith was massive, although they scored in the end. It is tough to predict what will happen with NZ, I just hope we can put in a performance as per Ireland and France and then we are in with a shout. We were a bit rusty against Japan but I think Japan could have blown a lesser team away in thje first 10 mins so we shouldnt underestimate them. If they had capitalised on their terratory early on the momentum could have stayed with them. They will get better in the EJ honeymoon period and then fall aprat like England did.
Nice one 🎉
Yep! Not much to argue with. Think Underhill’s performance would usually have been worth an 8 but for whatever reason he didn’t get the results from the breakdown. As you say 7 is maybe a bit generous for Lawerence. Only major disagreement would be Freeman, not more than a 5 this time. Quality player that he is he was anonymous in attack and as a wing in a game like this that’s a big down mark. Cole and Marler both comfortably worth a 6 for me, did exactly what they were asked to do and positively impacted the set piece, but appreciate your mind is made up there.
Agree about Unders....I really think he is having a renaissance after a disastrous spell of injuries....hope he stays fit
I'd give Ewels a 10 for ruling himself out of the NZ series.
I think smith really claimed that 1 shirt. 2 pretty slick assists, 1 try some decent hits that at least slowed down some bigger lads, even saw him put in a decent counter ruck attempt a few times. Think he's gained a few KGs that's deffo helped his tackled and doesn't seem to have hurt his speed at all. Yellow was a shame but that's just a silly mistake that cam be drilled out out of his game.
Great analysis but think the lads deserve a higher rating, great win in tough conditions
I wonder why Rodd did so poorly at scrum time when he seems to do OK for for Sale and I also wonder if Ted Hill is injured or at least fragile, because he would seem a natural call-up. Apart from the front row, I'm liking this England side more than any other since 2019. Marcus Smith has got better at kicking out of hand and tackling, so now he can really be an all-round player and offer that extra attacking threat - I love a running fly-half and he will worry NZ off set-piece and fast ball, if we get any!
Like the idea of bringing Ted Hill into the squad but it would leave England short of proper locks. Would have given Martin a 7 and Smith M an 8. Super skills, but can't give extra reward simply because they are so "out in the open". Also part of his role is goal kicking and the last 2 efforts were poor. Furbank also a 7, his contribution to IFW's try was a classic example of great running without ever touching the ball.
Agree entirely with Rich regards our captain. Thought his actual performance in the six nations were poor. Granted the loss of his mum and the captaincy of this young emerging team must of had an impact . But still see his basics as better than the dynamic Theo dan. And I would still go again with Rodd who to my thinking is worth another go.
The team played well new Zealand will be a different level but they are building aswell so I think a draw in New Zealand would be a fair result
You read some of the articles on the BBC for instance and you’d think it was England who have conceded 8 tries. Can’t believe the negativity in the media. I thought it was a good performance in tough conditions.
BBC have a very strong love affair with wales and Scotland . Have been like that for a few years now. Never watch or listen to anything they have to say on England anymore. Glad you pointed this out as well wearside .
Do you play ruggs or used to play?
Incredible how many English rugby enthusiasts have feasted on this meagre starter.
Not unusual for channels that talk about rugby to talk about rugby especially when their national team is playing? The more talk about rugby the better, game needs growing.
Agree with a lot of your comments and most of your scoring.
Rodd 4 Agree didn’t do basic’s in the scrum plus the tap & NO go!
George 6 A player who desperately needs a rest!
Cole 6 Does what it says on the Tin! Played the longest of the starting front row!
Itoje 7 Played 80! Why?
Martin 7 Solid!
CCS 8 would like to see his stamina over 80 minutes tested
Underhill 7
Earl 8 Adapted to No 8 and then Centre seemlessly
Mitchell 8
Marcus 8 think you slightly over marked!
IFW 6
Lawrence 5 Not his fault but took time to adapt to inside centre role again
Slade 6
Freeman 6
Furbank 6
Dan 7
Marler 5 Ideal opportunity to give Baxter a cap missed!
Stuart 5
Ewels 0
Curry 5
Randall 4 Needs to do the basics (like box kicks!) before adding on the flashy stuff!
Fin 6
Roebuck 7
The 'tap and no go' was really odd, wasn't it!?
Great channel mate, and ratings are always subjective but the big disagreement for me is Theo Dan.
Have a look at his defence when he comes on, running around missing tackles left, right and centre. Equally as culpable as Finn Smith for that try.
He can be as pretty as he wants ball in hand but he’s at risk of being labelled a show pony unless he starts making simple tackles.
we were in control at half time and Fin Smith should have played the whole of the 2nd half to gain some more International minutes . He will probably be on the bench for the ABs unless SB decides there is cover with Furbank and Slade on the field should anything happen to Marcus Smith
Agreed.
Got it right about Bevan Rodd
Not fair on Ewells to pick him. Especially, after his last 5 mins - but even before. ‘To keep your head whilst all around you are losing theirs’. Although, in Ewell’s case, he was the only one to lose his head - again. He’s a good club player. Agree with another comment that it would be nice to see Pearson there. Langdon - oh - where art thou now?
Ewels has now got 2 red cards in his last 5 minutes of international rugby.
Langdon is injured. I'd like Pearson in the squad but he hasn't had an overall strong enough season to warrant it.
Thanks for the review. England will improve, they just might steal a victory in NZ.
I think I'd struggle to give Smith 9 after a yellow card, maybe dock him a point. I'd also score Earls and Underhill 8 and bring Cunningham South down to a 7. Small margins
This game against Japan has been massively over-analysed. You might as well have assessed England against the Oxford XV.
Averaging the pack with 6 is again not preposterous for NZ✊
Back row was the difference. For all the nauses out there - when was the last time England's 6, 7 and 8 scored?
…good analysis, as ever… Marcus Smith features at last… such a wasted talent at international level…
IFW as development prospect for IC? Good through contact and sound hands.
Before hand I would have had some slightly different ratings, having listened to the reasoning though I think your there or there abouts. Maybe a little lower on underhill than I’d have had him, it wasn’t a game the ref was willing to allow too much of a scrap at the breakdown m, after getting pinged Underhill adapted and backed off which I think is a positive in itself, too often you see players not adapt and try the same things expecting a different outcome, completely agree on Freeman would have liked to have seen more involvements from him and hopefully will with time, it’s difficult to judge as we don’t know what instruction he’s given by SB certainly for NH he’s allowed to roam and given some free license. Pack generally pretty good without being spectacular. Interesting to see how Furbank develops certain has a nice attacking game with time he hopefully improves judgements on when it is and isn’t time to go. A good hit out and nice evolution to this new cycle.
Marcus smith is a maverick player, fin smith is a more pragmatic player. If Borethwick can get it right, should be effective
Spencer to replace Randall. Sadly lacks any oomph in defence and not the right mind under pressure.
In NZ experience and a cool head are needed.
I think you slightly overrate Cunningham-Smith at this stage in his career. He needs to be able to go the 80 minutes and runs out of gas. And you underrate Underhill who has been outstanding for England since his return and a total in defence. It allows Earl to be the attacking threat he has become. I like this backrow and second row combination, but agree with you on the front row weaknesses.
Ideal opportunity to give Baxter a cap missed! says
@Simon-gh5ks Agreed👍
Back row and the half backs were all good, can't understand the 7 for Lawrence, he may do well in the prem but in an England shirt he's bang average, thought slade was the better of the two. The back three were alright, Dan was good as was roebuck all other subs were poor at best.
I agree for Finn Smith but his backline has earl at 12 and neither of England's first choice wingers so he shouldn't be judged too harshly
Earl looked better at 12 than Lawrence has. The reality is Fin Smiths main black-mark was a bad miss for one of Japans trys. If Lawrence wasn' asleep on the wing he'd have scored from Fins cross-field kick and there was a lovely pass out wide to IF-W that created a break on the right wing. 5 for me.
Marcus Smith gets a 9, played just over 50 minutes and got a yellow card?
Agree with you about Jamie George
Plus two rank awful shots at goal. He will not be getting a 9 against decent opposition.
Isiekwe has been called up to replace Ewels sorry about the Ted Hill false excitement.😑
Did you forget Marcus Smith's yellow card? Poor decision by Smith and surely impacts his rating.
Sorrry no prep for NZ as Japan were loose, poor tackling and too much space and time given to England. ✊
Hard to compare how Coles is “solid” and gets a 5, but Mitchell does the “nuts and bolts” and gets a 7. Feels like your base assessment is wrong (for the reasons you give I think both are a 6 as they did their basics well but no more).
Marcus has the vision but he needs to show he can do it against the very best - NZ, SA. Personally I believe that in the medium term Finn Smith will be the more reliable international 10.
Ewels international career is over. I would like to see Tuima brought in for the experience.
George will be 1st choice this tour, in squad for next 6N and probably not even in the squad this time next year - it is not that he has got bad, it is just that the options for England at 2 are that good.
We desperately need Baxter to become an international quality LH this tour, the cupboard is a bit thin - but not as bad as at TH
Agree, fully.
My theory is that after the Lions next season he'll be ousted as 2. Like with Hartley, I don't think George will be selected by the Lions, while Theo Dan has a good chance to be selected for the Lions next year. Dan Sheehan is probably favourite for the position but the Irish lineout is pretty bad and I don't think Sheehan is gifted with his darts. Would say if Itoje or Martin are involved then Dan may be in with a shout
Smith a 9 is just fan-boying. He had a good game against limited opposition and under no pressure. A 7.
CCS had a decent game but wasn't better than either Earl or Underhill. 7.
Earl MotM by a distance. Scored a try, set up a try and his work and threat helped deliver three more. Both Mitchell and Smiths trys are made by defenders stepping in to pick up Earls running line and leaving space. He helps drive CCS over the with Underhill. As said below great covering tackle after Fin Smith missed his tackle and his intercept when Japan had numbers although in their half could easily have stopped a big break downfield. Again and again comes up with big moments. 8.
Lawrence one of two poor players, Ewels the other. In less than twenty minutes Earl showed a better grip on playing 12 than Lawrence has in his last 10 caps with Slade. He butchers both his own and other players running lines far too frequently, makes poor decisions and for all his supposed threat he rarely breaks the gainline on carries.
IF-W had relatively little to do but every time he touches the ball something positive seems to happen. England need to be much sharper about how effective he is as a counter-rucker too. He pretty much drove three players of the ball once whilst three England players stood by watching. By the time they reacted the chance was gone. 7.
Dan seems to get marks for not being Jamie George. He was fine but still sticks his head down too often rather than looking for passing options once he has the ball. 6.
Both Maro and Martin 7s.
Agree on front row ratings as AB's front row will massacre England in the scrum and in the loose.2nd row ok,back row excellent. Smith best we gave but again midfield leaves one unsatisfied missing tackles/little in attack,back three good.
Highly doubtful considering England held their own against Ireland and the Boks over the last year.
What makes you think NZ are better than England?
History, recent and past. We beat them approx once a decade. Don't know the exact numbers, but we've only won games in NZ on a (small) handful of occasions. Games are usually pretty close, but we have been blown off the park on quite a few occasions down there. It's their national sport and they're bloody good at it.
haha because they are, history would agree too
"Showed and go'ed" ????? Is that how you spell it? Looking forward to beating NZ. ??? swap order of front rows over for next game- no - put Marler on with Cole after half time with Dan as the old bomb squad. 0 is a bit harsh for Ewels but Hill is a good shout.
Tuima for Ewels. Isiekwe has never produced for England, time to give someone else a shot.
Slade is trying to defend like Am. He is not Am
Funny that Slade is defending the same way that Am is considering England recruited Felix Jones, the SA defence coach from the last 5 years...
Am's defence was shite in Jones' first year - look at the England 2018 summer tour and the number of tries England got in SA.
Takes a while to get Jones' system right
Please learn the names. Feyi-Waboso not Feyi-Wabusu
Ted Hill not a bad shout at all