ENGLAND: STICK OR TWIST | CHANGES FOR AUSTRALIA?

[@EggchasersRugby]

I should've mentioned Sam Underhill. I was asasuming he is unavailable (because why wouldn't you pick hi if he was available?) but he is still in the squad of course...so maybe The Orc gets in this week after all?

[@ashhallett900]

@@EggchasersRugby I'd say Underhill can only be for match fitness. Only just got back to a full match for Bath recently iirc

[@whamarshall]

Save the Orc for the Okes 🇿🇦

[@JJfromJ]

​@@whamarshall😂😂😂👍👍

[@Coverdrive50]

Why wouldn’t you pick Will Evans, Ted Hill, Tom Pearson, Ibitoye, Christian Wade if they were available? English coaches MUST stop ignoring great players for reasons that are simply unclear

[@wjhd6823]

​@@Coverdrive50A lot of those suggestions come across as flavour of the month, which a lot of fans subscribe to. This guy made one great run in a game? Having a good season so far after 6 games? Scored a hat trick once? "He must be in the England team! Why is he being ignored!" That's not the way to pick players. They need to be tested in camp and proven better than who they'd replace. And when they change players too much, people moan about no consistency, but when there's consistency, people moan about not having the new "exciting" player in. Can't have it both ways.

[@BenBen-bi5vn]

As a Springbok supporter, I think England have AMAZING potential. They have some absolutely outstanding young players coming through, particularly in the back row. I reckon they'll be the best team in Europe again in a year or 2.

[@dulls8475]

We have always had potential but we still cant solve our front row issues. It keeps costing us games.

[@BenBen-bi5vn]

@dulls8475 True. But Baxter, Opoku-Fordjour, and Fasogbon have big futures at prop.

[@dulls8475]

@@BenBen-bi5vn This is the fun of being an England fan. We have been waiting 20 years for a great team. In the 2019 and 2023 rugby world cup our front rows lost us the game. We have had 5 years of front row issues. Ps the Boks are a great team and you are living in a golden era for SA rugby.

[@thewomble1509]

We have some potentially great back rowers but too many weaknesses in other areas right now, particularly the front row and centres. All of which isn't helped by Borthwick refusing to go for broke and give younger players their heads.

[@BenBen-bi5vn]

@thewomble1509 Front row I don't see as a huge concern. Baxter, Fasogbon, and Opoku-Fordjour are 22, 20, and 20 respectively, and are already top quality. But yes, centres are a massive problem. I want to see Freeman given time at 13. But 12 is the main issue. Lawrence is the only reasonable option there at the moment. Might have to add B Janse Van Rensburg to the squad ASAP before the Boks claim him!

[@paultooley]

Hi Tim, i normally pretty much agree with you but not this week!! Playing someone who hadn’t played for a month above a form number 10 was not right. Slade is not match fit, as is Tom Curry!! They should play the best performers in their position currently!! Should have Picked Tom Pearson, Tom Willis and Ted Hill in the 23 with Fin Smith at 10!! I would switch Freeman to Centre and bring Ollie Slieghtholme in on the wing for a bit more pace and power!!

[@whamarshall]

My assumption is, the blitz D is too fragile a system to keep bringing in new players and get them up to speed. That said, when are they supposed to learn the systems if they’re sitting at home

[@Damien-bi6ng]

Could not agree more! The defence strategy should not hinge on one player only. It should be a team effort!

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Can I just say what a breathe of fresh air this channel and it's comments are. Almost every other rugby channel is reactive mad picks, people saying Curry is past it, exclusively blaming ford, still complaining about not bringing youth into team despite the average age of the starting 15 being 26 and only 4 players in the 23 above the age of 30. Anyway, my point is, thank you Tim! You're the voice is sanity and reasonable takes.

[@SweptDust5340]

? That’s pretty meaningless as a statement, two things can be true, the team can have a good few younger players and Borthwick can also be entirely uninspiring and wasteful of these games. Dan Cole is a great broke but has no part in the long term future of the team. Ford was not match fit. Randall is never going to be a steady the ship player

[@Gilescowdemdem]

​@@SweptDust5340if only there were examples of great teams gradually phasing older players out so the balance of experience and youth is consistent...also if only there were examples of teams going full youth with little experience and that imploding. Of course cole isn't making it to the next WC but he's done a great job for us at the scrum up until this game so I'm not sure what the complaint is. Ford was clearly fit but had a bad game, it happens. He's also only 31...

[@Gilescowdemdem]

"a good few young players" there were 3 guys over 30 who's started, 31,32 and 34. The rest are in early or mid 20s. The vast majority of the team are young players.

[@jnturner506]

I'm a Quins man and I hate to say it, but I don't think Dombers is international material - he's a club legend never quite stepping up (think Billy Twelvetrees, Dave Ewers, et al). For me, any one of T Willis, Underhill, Hill is ahead. The bottom line is, we have a coach in SB who's a serious play-it-safe-with-what-you-know merchant - look at Ewels back in, Ford over F Smith, with btw lack of vision in matching 2 mismatched halfbacks (Randall and Ford) to close-but-lose the game. The Spencer/M Smith pairing was doing very well - don't break what ain't broke..

[@hafidkouloun6405]

Hi Tim! I agree with you on those flip scenarios about Ford but he is a liability in defense and has once more proved it with that tickle-tackle on Telea a few inches from touchline. Shocking!

[@petercoles373]

This! This! This!

[@mewbrigsfarm599]

I agree the half back pairings were mismatched if you play Ford have Spencer, Smith have Randall. ‘Closing out a game ‘ against ABs a hazardous strategy. Ewels ? No way ….what the actual ?! He’s a good club player along with Isekwe and Dombrandt. Underhill would have been the man to bring off the bench. Coles is a legend but time to change the guard.

[@JackMontgomery10]

Very rarely do I disagree with you on anything Tim, but to keep George Ford in would be a travesty after last week! All 10’s can miss that penalty, and I certainly do not blame him for the drop goal when you consider Smith also shanked two himself. For me, it was that shocking attempt of a tackle on Mark Tele’a that lead to NZ putting themselves ahead in the game. We should be picking the England team on form in the Prem, and therefore Fin Smith is an absolute shoe in on the bench for me.

[@Johnny-p8l]

Especially when you consider how complete Fin Smith is as a defensive fly half as well

[@JTAIT-b7g]

He isnt the first guy to slip off Mark Telea & he wont be the last.

[@JackMontgomery10]

@ it’s not that he slipped off, it was a shocking attempt. He went far too high

[@axxey]

@@JTAIT-b7g this is not when telea is flopping around sideways and backwards all over the place as usual, this is 1m from the sideline, one of the easiest places to defend, it was completely terrible.

[@argy8141]

@@JTAIT-b7g The trouble is Ford's tackle looked more like an attempt to apply makeup to Telea. Ford has always been weak on the tackle. I didn't understand why he got an elite contract and so he won't be dropped, another Boredwick own goal.

[@Jack-qv5ru]

Id like to see our forwards making more carries. They’re all fully capable.

[@tobymcflurry258]

Im english and i really think we're underestimating australia, thinking ahed to south africa already is arrogant and tempting fate 😅 i hope im wrong but think it will be close and we could lose.... again

[@AlanParkinson-i8g]

100% agree on Randle, he is similar to Care and Porter so more likely to create space for Marcus. I'm huge George Ford fan but disagree on keeping him. If he had decent game time this season then the kick or drop goal would have been 98% nailed on. He needs match time but internationals isn't the place

[@damonvanopdorp2905]

I wonder if the rush defence is causing England to mishandle the last quarter of games through fatigue.

[@darthmaul408]

The Ted Hill thing is baffling. It really is if there isn’t an injury. He covers both second and back row, has pace, power and has demonstrated leadership qualities and Worcester and Bath. Makes zero sense. Another is Beno Obano. Like you said Tim, his face doesn’t fit for some reason. But on his day he get stuck into oppositions scrums like nobody else available to England. Short, squat build, a bullocking runner and the ability to pop a tighthead up due to his strength and low centre of gravity. I could be talking about Ox Nche there. Obano could play a very similar role for England.

[@AllInTheGame01]

Rightly or wrongly, Borthwick should be wary of giving off Gareth Southgate vibes; Freeman @13 is the general consensus for a reason; blows my mind that the Willis Bros aren't ENG options!

[@ashhallett900]

Jack plays in France, not eligible. Otherwise I'd agree, for the most part.

[@AbeHopwood]

Borthwick is the complete opposite of Southgate Southgate: awful starting 11, really good subs Borthwick: really good starting 15, not the best subs I will say, it's not really Borthwick fault that some of the forwards off the bench weren't performing well, but I'm not a fan of Harry randal at 9 at all, and ford hasn't played since September. So even though Ford is incredible when he's on form, Steve was just expecting too much from someone who was just injured

[@davidholgate123]

Both of the Willis brothers have been very average when picked before on the whole!

[@markpiotrowski6174]

I think the issue with George Ford wasn't so much the kicks but his poor tackle attempt was what put us behind in thr first place-I dont think he fits into the defensive system

[@Athorner.53]

If ted hill isn't injured, Borthwick should be ridiculed, our unselected back row would be one of the best itw. Hill, T Willis, J Willis

[@IverKnackerov]

Borthwick can’t pick Jack Willis ….. talking of ridicule, you just volunteered

[@StopTheRot]

@@IverKnackerovcharming. Isn’t Ted Hill in trouble for assaulting someone?

[@thewomble1509]

@@IverKnackerov He CAN pick Tom Willis though .........but doesn't.

[@covdog1311]

Good choices but why o why do we not have Willis ,Pearson and Hill in the squad to offer something different Now is the time not a week from the WC

[@henrybullock4514]

I think for a young prop like Fordjour it’s good for him to cover loosehead whilst also training a bit at Tighthead. Would be good to have a world class ‘swing prop’ in the future like South Africa have had (Nyakane) and could have (Thomas du Toit)

[@timdiggle5090]

Fordjour is a tighthead but can play at loosehead. Only England (U20 & Senior) see him as a loosehead!

[@steveparrett3832]

RandALL! (Apologies, not a comment on your choice, just the spelling. I know I never did teach but the blue pencil vibe is still there.) Agree wholeheartedly about not having Ford on the bench - not because he is a poor player, far from it, but simply because there is fly-half back-up on the field if Smith has to go off. I would play him for the 80 minutes unless injured. Really not a fan of Dombrandt on the bench, would rather have Hill there, except he isn't in the squad :(

[@marvinmarlin9655]

Totally agree about the Dombrandt to Sleightholme change. I cannot understand why Ted Hill isn’t in the squad and there is nothing atm, on the club or England site regarding any injury. I really don’t understand? Not another case of the face doesn’t fit surely?

[@AdamM7796]

Hi Tim, With the discussion on the England Attack and Hinging it on the 10, I believe that people sometimes get confused with what they are looking for from the attack I believe that you can go with a Marcus Smith style a brilliant 'Attacker' on the Ball, Great stepper, great at throwing the big pass, attacking kicks etc A George Ford style where he runs a great 'attack', so his option taking is brilliant, he's organisation and getting the best out of what's around him rather than being the premium attacker himself. This is evident in South Africa's Selections, Lebok is in the Direct Smith Mould, Pollard is hypothetically more of a Ford, SFM is a Hybrid.

[@joshuaaustin5647]

There is nothing wrong with the starting XV. Your bench let you down. Ford made multiple crucial errors - missed kicks, missed tackle on Telea… and the replacement front rowers were dominated in the scrum.

[@DerekChaplin-mu1gc]

As always great commentary and food for thought, thanks Tim. England fielding almost the same starting 15 for 3 tuff games on the trot, will they be competitive for the SA game in 2 weeks' time? Interesting, all the pundits l have heard comment on the substitutions England made and when they made them seem to think they were unnecessary and not adding anything to the performance. If the bench can't add value, then l suggest it needs to be changed. Perhaps shows the gulf between the SA and England squads.

[@FraserTopham]

Totally agree with giving Randall a start

[@lewisbarraclough]

Good selection. The scrum was underpowered in the second half I would try ewels and Luke CD to try and sure it up ready for south Africa.

[@pietervanderwesthuizen5801]

The England vs. Australia game this weekend is shaping up to be a test of resilience and passion for both teams. England needs to leave last weekend’s performance behind, regroup, and come into this game with a fresh mindset. This match needs to be played as if it’s the first, with each player putting their heart into every tackle, pass, and play. Australia will arrive determined to prove that they still have the skill, grit, and hunger to compete at the highest level. They’ll be looking to capitalize on any English hesitations, making this a potentially fierce contest. England must be prepared for the intensity that Australia will bring, as they’ll be playing with a point to prove. Ultimately, this game is about heart and who wants it more. The team that can push beyond the mental and physical challenges will have the upper hand. England has a chance to reset and rise to the occasion, but only if they dig deep and play with unwavering commitment.

[@adamwhittington4399]

Regarding ford I agree with everything you said. My question is, is he likely to be one of our top 3 10s come the next world cup. If the answer is no, I feel fin smith would use the experience better. Best to make those mistakes and learn from them now. For me it's all about building depth towards the next wc. That also goes for every position I guess. I think england need these losses to learn the most about themselves. I'm not concerned of disheartened anywhere near to where I was when Eddie was at the helm. I'm mad excited about the talent coming through. I'm taking more positives than negatives from that game. That said, as you mentioned, the attack needs sorting out and I think of the 9s in the squad. Randal is the one.

[@PatrickSamphire]

That all looks pretty reasonable. I could live with that. I agree that Baxter will learn and get better, and he needs the experience to improve. I wouldn't mind having Dombrandt, but only if he's playing with Smith, because they are pretty good together. Bringing him on when Smith is off is pointless.

[@davidpearn2484]

Don't underestimate Australia.

[@rikiwikeepa4684]

Exactly they can be very dangerous especially there back line

[@rikiwikeepa4684]

Marcus missed 2 dropped goals in the game

[@vinylrulesok8470]

As long as England's front row replacements aren't up to snuff England will continue to lose close games to teams who can scrummage. It's that simple

[@whamarshall]

Like your initial 5:3 choices. Gives us some new variations to try out.

[@dominicbritt]

At this stage in Englands development I’d be tempted to use the same Team throughout autumn Tests…that’s how they’ll get that next step up…

[@dominicbritt]

Well look at that - well done Steve Borthwick… good decision for the Teams development.

[@halion4487]

England is just at the start of their progression at the moment. The second half of this past six nations was the first time they really showed this play style, so the only top level team they’ve beaten has been Ireland. Losing to the all blacks, who aren’t the powerhouse of the past but are still probably the third best team in the world, is no bad thing. The only issue I see is the final 10 minutes, where the replacement backs just weren’t up to scratch, and the front row got bulldozed. Randall was really poor, and Ford (whilst being a great player) put on a performance that wasn’t deserving of the match day squad. The kicking was fine in my mind, you’re gonna miss some, but the tackle on Telea was simply unacceptable. I would keep the starting 15 basically unchanged, with a 5-3 split with Finn smith on the bench. Ford needs a few weeks to earn his place back (something which should be done more, no one should be comfortable with their place if they aren’t willing to take the pain and put a shift in) and Finn smith deserves a couple of games on the bench against the weaker Australia and Japan. if Ford has shown his willingness in training then I’d play him for South Africa, but if not then Finn smith again

[@steph333-w6u]

Er we are the 3rd ranked team in the world. And we are way earlier in a total rebuilding phase that England. A bout 4yrs earlier in fact.

[@judeandrew696]

The voice of reason as opposed to the voice of hindsight which seems to have dominated everywhere else.

[@waynec9914]

Hi Tim. Love your channel but we will have to agree to disagree today. You said England should have won? Based on what exactly? I found the England performance disappointing and the ABs even more disappointing. Yes it was a tight game and a good game in the context of the game. However England defence was terrible let through 4 tries, one disallowed. Attack was non existent every point England had was gifted by AB lack of discipline and execution. So no I don’t think England should have won that game. That said I did think leading up to the game that England had the team to win on the day. Keep up the great work always a pleasure watching your channel.

[@NTL578]

I think England should have won from the position we were in at the end of the game. However I still NZ were the better team. We need to shift mentality from always thinking about taking 2/3 points at every opportunity.

[@nojosm]

Looks a good choice to me Tim,

[@henrymilleruk100]

I think sticking if fine. I know it feels devo to not win when so close but I actually think England are just playing so much better than 12 months ago. I don’t think it is a big problem to be solved like you say at the start. This will come together, it will click.

[@glentweedie602]

Hi Tim. The phenomenon about sport is that someone has to lose. The question you need to ask is: Did your team get thrashed or was it close?? And to go down by 2 points in the final seconds by the width of the goalpost against the AB's is not a crisis situation. On any given weekend any team can be beaten. Mindset, determination and selection of in form players will do that. But take the fact that the Roses weren't brilliant on Saturday (against the AB's you have to be) into account and then a loss by only 2 points seems acceptable.

[@beejallison8283]

Halfbacks will generally only be kept on field if they are way better than replacement and or game has been really slow stop start

[@kevinstreet5709]

Y you have my subscription, but keep it as is,the starting line up 😊

[@shonunezekiel]

Tim - the high box kick seemed to be more of a weapon with the laws now insisting on access for the attacking players - in such circumstances Spencer seems to be the player you want on the pitch more than Randall - unless Borthwick is giving each of them 40mins.

[@CptDobby]

I agree about starting Randall with Smith, then having Spencer and Ford on the bench, they have more similar energies. The big change I'd make is to call up Fraser Dingwall and 12, move Lawrence to 13, and have Slade on the bench. That way Lawrence can play his natural position and Slade can provide cover Lawrence (straight to 13), Dingwall (Lawrence to 12), Freeman (Feyi-Wasboso to 11, Lawrence to 14), or Feyi-Waboso (Lawrence to 14).

[@tompicken490]

I do not blame Ford for missing any of his kicks, as thats just what happens at times. All the best kickers in the world miss kicks at crucial times (thinking of Barret in the WC final for example). My issue is the tackle attempt, and his role in this much improved England team. No one knows for sure but maybe he puts in a better hit if he didn't JUST come back from injury. I also think both the Smiths make that tackle. You said in this video that they "didn't manage the last 20 minutes well". Ford came on at 62'. I would not have included him for the NZ game mainly due to the timing of the injury. I would have 100% included him in these tests however at a later stage. He carried England during the World cup all by himself at times. However, that was during a time where his leadership and control was needed at most. I believe this England team have become so much more cohesive and combinations have developed that an argument could be made his USP is not as valuable here as it once was. I personally value playmakers who are a major attacking threat in themselves. It gives defences more issues knowing they have to mark all the options as well as the player.

[@heathman1149]

Love the vids dude❤❤

[@tcr_tiagy]

I agree with all your changes, not many as England played well, just a few tweaks. I still think the loss is greatly due to some players not being in form, Slade, T Curry and Ford hence the 6-2 split. Borthwick's call to get them match fit against NZ is very questionable. Dombrandt great for Quins but he hasn't had a game for England that justifies his place in the squad. I'm hoping Borthwick sticks to a squad for 12months ish and then does a few updates. Daly, Cole, Dombrandt, will not be in the 6 nations squad.

[@Charleighcharger]

Ford’s atrocious attempt at a tackle is why a lot of people want him dropped, not the missed drop goal

[@lukesalter5925]

I would love to see Freeman move to centre and Ollie Sligeight Holme out on the wing.

[@paulcavanagh9370]

Spot on Tim. Poor bench, poor timings, keep Ford, total lack of high class Props.

[@steph333-w6u]

True but here were 2 teams on the field the stats were quite telling for England

[@alanlewis1625]

No, no, no; all the while Steve B. is England head coach, the England team will never beat any of the top 4/5 sides in the world, and will NEVER win any competition. Yes, you can say that England beat Ireland in the last 6 nations. A bit of a fluke! There will not be a 6 Nations title, and definitely CANNOT win World Cup. He doesn't have the intelligence, creativity or imagination. He refuses to pick "in form" club players, and he is totally reliant on the "paint by numbers" approach to rugby.

[@clivezeederberg2782]

England stayed in the game and needs a reliable kicker to close out games. All Blacks stayed calm and closed out game better

[@CharlieMain-q9y]

These comments may come back to bite me but I feel a couple of changes can be made as it will be a different much more open game and Australia are not as good at the moment as NZ . I would move Freeman to the centre and have Slightholme on the wing in the backs and start Dombrandt with Earls at 7 . The bench would be a 6 -2 split again with Davidson , Dan , Baxster, Tom Currie , Coles , Ben Currie , Randel and Slade . My rational being that you have cover at 10 and the centres with Slade and in this kind of game there will be more room for Dombrandt . Like Tim , Ted Hill and Tom Willis would both be starting if I had a choice

[@andrews1289]

Need to build some consistency in combinations if England have any chance of beating the Boks. I reckon we'll need to have one of best performances if not the best of the Borthwick era and posisbly SA to have an off day still. Probably a few tweaks mainly on the bench. Slade still jumps out of the line a lot, and I don't think he's really turned he's ever really stood up in a white shirt. Id probably give Freeman a look at 13 and bring Sleightholme onto the wing. I'm not a 100% on the backrow. Did Tom Curry perform well on Saturday? I need to watch the game back. Earl is really industrious but I still have doubts about his size to make hard yards and would be better at 7. Think Willis should have been looked at as an 8 option but he's not in the squad. CCS is more of an 8 without Ted Hill in squad could put Martin to 6 and Nick Isiekwe into second row. Bench would keep the same but drop Dombrant for a utility back in Daily or Lozowski.

[@hanoitripper1809]

Needed Joe Marler in the 2nd half when the scrum failed

[@stevieg8356]

I hope I’m wrong but I think Borthwick is on borrowed time. There seems to be a mindset problem lack of a killer instinct. Instead of backing yourself to score tries the ball gets kicked away in good attacking positions, or an attempt at a drop goal. There is also the issue of selection better players constantly get overlooked. For all the talk of England improvement we’ve lost 6 of our last 11 games it’s simply not good enough.

[@NTL578]

Agree, the mentality is so defensive. They don't seem to have the same mentality in the Premiership.

[@tonyalways7174]

I think George Ford is maybe the best No 10 England have had in the last 10 years and I always preferred Farrell at 12 but at some point England has to let go of that era and give the younger guys a chance to grow into international standards. The Australia Japan games are that chance in my opinion.

[@cybertrophic]

realistically, put Dombrandt at 8, because his link-up with Smith is a pre-existing relationship. Put Earl at 7 and let him use his talents. Randall to start at 9 with Smith at 10 - gives us more options in attack. Slade needs dropping. Call up Beard, or use Freeman at 13 and Sleightholme on the wing.

[@stevemaughan356]

Bench - Baxter, Cowendickie, Cole, Hill, Underhill, Randle, Sleightholme, Lazofski

[@sargam3082]

Arms are looking huge Tim, can see you've been throwing some iron on the bars 😂

[@BootsontheTable]

WHAT? You aren’t throwing all the toys out after one game? What kinda commentator are you? I completely agree with you and I expect the same starting 15 on Saturday. I’d love to see Sleightholme on the bench, but if I was a betting man I’d say he goes with exactly benched too Saturday baring any injuries we aren’t aware of

[@johnbradshaw7525]

Sam Underhill needs to play again & Beno Obano should be picked too.

[@Solicitor1957]

Personally, I am worried about Australia, who have some very good players. I don’t think we should assume the result…As to our team; I think our front row is one dimensional and we do not have adequate replacements at this point in time. So we need to compensate for that with a fast and dynamic pack elsewhere. Heaven knows why the manager can’t see the potential of Hill, Willis, Pearson etc when every man and his dog can! Weird. Especially when picking Ewels and Dombrandt who are very fine club players but who have never shone even once at international level. Now is the time to bring them in. I would certainly play Slighthome on the wing moving Freeman inside. We need more pace and power.

[@jamienorwood6855]

Randall in for Spencer. Sleightholme for Slade (Freeman at centre) Get some pace in our attack 🤔

[@IverKnackerov]

England fell away in the scrum because we lack experienced props. That can’t be fixed in a week. We ended up losing the game because George Ford hadn’t played in a month, and was introduced to try and shut up shop, rather than keep attacking. And time and time again, it’s been shown if you stop attacking, you lose to NZ. Oh, and he can’t tackle too. But normally that gets hidden away, by others covering for him.

[@graemecross3182]

I think what you missed to mention is dont write off Australia they have good players but lost their form but if things click for Australia england will have a headache.i agree with your changes england did play well.

[@johanvanzyl3078]

Despite a few mistakes and Ford coming on, England were on track to beat the AB's. For confidence and consistency the team should not change

[@steph333-w6u]

You do yourself no favours if you ca't see that NZ mistakes kept you in the game, some but not all caused by excellent defence. We played raggedly and still put 3 tries past you.

[@PF-vu2gd]

Don't blame Ford, England should finished the game when they were 10+ in 10 minutes to go...

[@axxey]

Ford gave the allblacks their last try, the kicking isn't as relevant.

[@PF-vu2gd]

@axxey ABs 3 tries came from set piece and Eng only try was a gift intercept from the ABs... 3 straight losses this year...

[@adamsubtract81]

I'd like to see Freeman at 13 and Sleightholme in at 11

[@BenBarraclough]

Not sure Freeman is ready at International level to play 13,he doesn't play 13 at Saints all the time.

[@craigdawson8879]

Fix the bench, the replacement front row are not up to standard, cost the game against the ABs

[@Antonym12198]

I appreciate this title

[@julianabson7870]

England have lost 4 games narrowly and dont need to sweep it under the carpet but dont need wholsale change in players or coaches either. I think there is evidence SB is evolving the style from last season 6 nations to NZ tour and now but some further tweaks may be needed before we hit a rich vein of form and threaten the best. 1st up tackling was poor not helped by the high risk high press and is probably the hardest to perfect. A bit more solidity or magic in midfield, either one would set a tone. I thought Sleighthomes pace threat gave Smith more options in attack.Hard tonpick on Cunningham South for agility skills when he buldizered over for 2 but does the back 5 need more balance? Ted Hill 4 Eng. We lack options in the friont row and are a year or two from blooding a new generation with time to settle, so haven't got a world beating platform to play behind. Fix that and its a different game.

[@mercedessl8718]

Tim, you made a contrived comment justifying the inclusion of Ford, on the bench, for this weekend. You said suppose Smith had missed that drop goal, to win it, everyone would have screamed why didn’t SB use Ford! Well my response is it wouldn’t have needed that drop goal to win it as Smith was tackling and covering adequately so when Talea received the ball, one yard out from touchline, Smith would not have flapped high on Telea and ended up on his backside in touch leaving Telea to score in the corner. I said on your earlier video please look, again, at the Ford attempt of a tackle. This is not the first time I’ve seen Ford tackle that way.

[@rdw9747]

I hate the New England strip. The stripes are awful.

[@99RML]

It looks someone cut up a bunch of old school ties to make the trim

[@EggchasersRugby]

Hard agree on that!

[@pauljohnson8302]

Looks like a Leicester 3rd choice kit 😢

[@sakabula2357]

Sorry to hear about Marler..Rugby needs characters like him..will see him on Strictly come dancing soon..lol

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

Rugby needs players who feel up other players crotches on the field?? Seriously?

[@soundscapemusic8980]

Surprised at the optimism surrounding Saturday's performance. Seems we had taken a step back from where we were in New Zealand for the first two tests. Never really threatened their try line at all and our only try was off an intercept. Penalty count at one stage was 2 (eng) 10 (ab's) and we were behind. Why? Because the All Blacks actually went and scored tries, and they should have scored more too. Oh, and stop picking players like Isiekwe, Ewels and Dombrandt who have had their chances and never impressed. There is too much talent in England at the moment

[@AbeHopwood]

Cause we went for 3 points instead of attacking line outs. I guarantee if we kicked for corner rather then the posts we probably would've scored at least 1 or 2 more tries. I mean we had like 5-10 chances to do that for christ sake

[@mewbrigsfarm599]

I’m with you Isekwe, Ewels (especially) and Dombrandt have nothing to add ship em out. Great club players…

[@andrews1289]

I don't know why the scheduling isn't as usual where there's a tier 2 nation up first. It's only half an excuse as its been 5 weeks or more since the RC finished then NZ had that hit out against Japan. I think that's why he went with Slade to try and keep some consistency despite him not playing.

[@fatneck2008]

Isiekwe and Dombrandt should never play for England. Did you see Isiekwe celebrating that scrum as tho we had won the game? Shameful.

[@LaChartre]

@@fatneck2008jeez, heaven forbid they should have any fun on the pitch eh.

[@BrianBevin-d2b]

Why isn't any booðy talking about Sam Undèrhil ?

[@argy8141]

Sorry Tim, you have a bromance with Ford, he has too many ineffective games. Everyone remembers his good games and trots those out when defending him. He may be great in camp but a bit like Farrell, personally I think he has gone past his best before date. In these days of extreme game analysis, when you see Ford on the field you put your big runners down his channel. You'll get line breaks or penalties every time, unless he is supported which will lead to space somewhere else. Simple game management. You can try and hide him on the wing to mitigate the risk but the issue is still there, he cannot one on one tackle strike runners. Marcus isn't great either but he has at least worked on it, I remember seeing Marcus playing blindside at a scrum so Quins could put one of their flankers in the 10 spot to stop Saints big strike runner a few years back. I do agree with Dombrandt not being in the squad, England seem to want gnarly back rowers, that's not Dombrandt, he is a "glider" and it works well for Quins, not sure it fits Englands game plan. But like Eddie, Boredwick seems to want to pick players rather than pick a play style and fit the best players for that style.

[@keithrichardsom1898]

Keep it as it is

[@des4852]

NZ attacked far better than us scoring 3 tries to 1, we never looked like scoring, need to look at our attack coachng

[@stuartedwards8188]

Morning, going through the team I'd look at Genge, Spencer, Slade, Dan, Cole, Isiekwe, Dombrant and Randall. Genge, I think has been found out by oppositions, put him on his arse early doors and he's in effective. Spencer was too slow and predictable. Slade is struggling coming back from injury, so I'd rest him. Dan was poor when he came on and Cole did a job, but against Australia a younger player needs a go. Dombrant has had so many chances and I think Hill deserves his place.

[@jingleballix]

Sam Vesty needs to be appointed attack coach.

[@DoddyIshamel]

If I was Borthwick I would demand a redemption performance and start the guys from the NZ bench. And if they flopped I would know they have no place in my SA squad, nor indeed in my 6n squad next year.

[@normanbarrett1307]

No need to risk any key players against Australia.

[@BenBarraclough]

Didn't Australia lose by 3pts the last match they played in Oz?

[@AverageJonesRugby-r7z]

Keep backing your players, the supporters have to constantly be behind them. That's our biggest secret down in SA we just keep the faith even when the losses rip our guts out we keep backing our boys it makes the world of difference. Best of luck against Australia but I'll be rooting for Australia. Up the South!😊

[@librapower7810]

And since I'm half Irish I'll be rooting for Ireland this week

[@rogermassey8844]

Ford's inexcusable failure was his tackling not his kicking which you did not mention. Problem is clearly Borthwick's caution; preferring unfit trusted players against introducing and developing new talent. Attack does not work and defence although heroic conceded too many tries. Excuses running out for Borthwick. An easy win over a weakened Australia will not prove anything. Persistant failure to win games against better teams is the problem. Talent pool is there but developing and using it is the problem. What does exit of good coaches tell us?

[@IverKnackerov]

A couple of two-faced foreign coaches, showing a lack of loyalty, tells us nothing about England and everything about them as individuals

[@mikeshaw9058]

Accept that the coaching staff are aware of things that are not in the public domain. Given that it was painfully obvious that George Ford was not mentally match fit!

[@geotruthnz7013]

The All Blacks constructed 4 great tries (1 was disallowed from an earlier infringement) England constructed 0 tries. The All Blacks basically scored all England's points for them as well with lack of discipline and a bad pass. England didn't deserve to win that game but the All Blacks seem to be trying hard to lose even when they are so much more skilled than the opposition. I would be worried if I was English that England couldn't construct good tries, forget about the missed kicks you need to develop your attack.

[@mewbrigsfarm599]

Fair point

[@JosephHeather-t3b]

Sam Underhill is one of the best flankers in England

[@richardholder8970]

I think South Africa are going to be to good for us at the moment but I think we will beat Australia & Japan Tim

[@rl2204]

Itoje looked good.

[@andrewharris1837]

Australia back row is strong so we need to win some turnovers against Mcreight.Cunningham smith must start with earl so Hill or Evans from Quins at least on the bench

[@andrews1289]

On the press conference Tim I thought Borthwick came across as a bit arrogant with some of his responses. He can give his usually formulated responses which is what the RFU suits like....

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

Borthwick - rugby's Gareth Southgate, but without the success.

[@glennaston2412]

Glad to see AOF in camp, don’t understand the inclusion of Ewels, don’t want Ford on the bench; either Ford or Smith start with Furbank as cover. We don’t need to waste a bench slot with a replacement 10 when we have Furbank and Slade as decent options already on the pitch. Finally I want to see England look to dominate for 80 minutes not, as we seem to be doing, attacking for 60 then “seeing the game out” by going back to a conservative kicking game. So I completely disagree with Tim on the Smith / Randall & Ford / Spencer regime. Either Smith is good enough or he isn’t (I think he is) so either trust him or drop him. This whole replacement 10 as if they do the work of a 9 is ridiculous. I’d also point out that both 9s played the full 120 minutes in the 2003 World Cup..

[@librapower7810]

I expect to see daly on the bench and Cole starting

[@WilliamFrance-v3r]

Ford is exceptional, but frankly his form this season hasn’t warranted a start against the All Blacks; Fin Smith has, even if he hasn’t been at the level of Marcus. Same with Slade, Lozowski deserved to start (and I say that as a Quins fan so you know it’s true). I wouldn’t roll the dice but I want to see more players rewarded on form

[@jamesstorms536]

Obano is injured apparently. Otherwise I think he would have gotten the call up when Joe retired.

[@trimad6128]

Wigglesworth isn’t an attack coach which I’ve said since his appointment.Its clear as day and he is only in this position because of being a yes man to borthwick.Until this addressed we are still playing like Leicester

[@TP1988]

Sanderson has persuaded AO-F to play tighthead, but for all his promise he gives up 15kg at least to top tight heads at international level. The man’s a loose head who’s so good he can play tight head at Prem, not a tight head who can play loose

[@martynslinn6607]

Ewels i do not understand but in my view that squad should beat Australia but i think it might be close, Obano why not, Dan Coles

[@tonyhalliday3188]

You are absolutely correct on the could have/should have comments. Several sliding doors moments throughout the game, harsh to single out players (and coaches) in such reactive scenarios. We can all identify shortcomings and better solutions post game, but basically the ABs were the better team - in spite of their many errors. These narrow losses are frustrating but hopefully we will come out on the right side in the coming days.