South Africa are maybe not head and shoulders above England, but they are still better by a head.
Even though England started so well again in Saturday’s 29-20 defeat, the Boks dialled it up when they needed to and their bench was far superior, not just in the pack but in the backline as well.
England’s bench didn’t bring much control, added tempo or the ability to finish the game. It felt like England were always chasing and they lacked a bit of direction in that last 20 minutes.
I would be lying if I thought there was a moment in the game when England could win, but they certainly put themselves in good positions and had opportunities to be within range, and then you never know what is going to happen.
Someone could go to the sin-bin, or a kick could be charged down – England just needed the bounce of the ball to go their way.
I am, therefore, reluctant to question this England side and the coaching staff because they are playing some really good stuff.
Sometimes, when I was watching England under Eddie Jones, I was lost – it was awful to watch and I just didn’t enjoy going to Twickenham.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has tapped into something in this England side.
Having played and been in squads with Steve, he is not a maverick and he is not the charismatic leader, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a really good coach.
He has to understand who he is and what he brings to this side.
Can he bring in a coach who has more charisma? You look at France and their head coach Fabien Galthie, who is a bit more stern and aloof, but then you bring in characters like Raphael Ibanez and Shaun Edwards in the backroom staff as the ying and the yang.
Andy Farrell was that guy with Ireland under Joe Schmidt and with the British and Irish Lions under Warren Gatland before becoming the main man with Ireland, as another example.
If England lose to Japan, Borthwick is going to be under enormous pressure.
I don’t believe he is now though, because the fans are looking at the rugby and can follow this team. With a few tweaks, the bounce of the ball and a bit of momentum from some wins, Allianz Stadium will be a tough place to go.
Of course former England boss Jones will feel he can come and upset England with his Japan team, but as much as there will be motivation for him, you can multiply that by 10 for England.
They enjoy the way they are playing now compared to the tedious strategy and regime Jones applied. I would expect England want to send him away with his tail between his legs.
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