We are a good way through the traditional Autumn international series. What have we learnt? Firstly the game is in a strange transitional situation. Their is no side that looks like world beaters, South Africa are undoubtedly the best of the Southern Hemisphere. New Zealand are a side that seeming to have lost the All Black aura and Australia, after a tough tri-nations are showing promise under the inspiring leadership of Rocky Elsom.
The northern hemisphere are the usual ups and downs of celtic and Latin nations. Fortunately for the Northern hemisphere France in Toulouse were truly brilliant a mixture of dynamic back play and aggressive forward play. Wales and Ireland look a bit rusty, they have direction but are just lacking some of the fluidity that playing together brings. The real issue is England, the highest number of players the most money what is the problem.
Against Argentina the English forwards were pleased with being able to hold the Argentina front five. The thrust from the forwards was not their, for some reason the English coaching staff can not seem to get the best out of players such as Tom Croft. Monye looks ineffectual and the midfield looks woeful. The general excuse chucked out is the injury crisis and hardness of the English game. Yet France seems to produce great players in an equally tough league. Johnson needs a mentor, someone to give his coaching staff direction otherwise England have wasted a year before the world cup without direction.
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