Brian Moore's 6N's appraisal

[fivepointer]

Good stuff from BM, who I think has given a very fair all round assessment.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyu ... cking.html

He finishes with England and sums up - "The media and England fans are waiting for Jones to work magic and conjure up a devastating new brand of rugby. At present he has egregious challenges to right deficiencies in the old brand. Let’s walk properly before we try to run"

[twitchy]

Guscott on the beeb:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35575140

To go and smash Italy required a high-intensity performance that was accurate, clever and smart - and the first hour from England wasn't. It was patchy, inconsistent and looked fragmented.

It was a sign of an England side getting used to a new coach.

I think Owen Farrell's try - England's last - is how they will want to play. People will say it was Italy getting tired, but you can play with that intent and accuracy from the beginning and England would have worn out Italy far sooner.

For me, the visitors looked a little bit like the old England of the past four years. They were taking time to get into their shape. They should be looking to play more with quick ball, momentum and straight running.

I'm not sure how long Eddie Jones can hold back the likes of Maro Itoje and Jamie George, because they are having an impact. If they continue on this upward curve they will force their way into the line-up. But I understand what Jones is doing - you have to integrate them bit by bit into a winning team.

[gthedog]

The scoreline flattered.
The replacements did a job but all told England were poor. Were it not for an intercept Italy were right in the mix and pushing. When they can play 80 minutes with fewer errors they will be much better.
England are penalty machines however which is a big concern for you I would say

[Mush]

The intercept try was timely (lucky) but it prompted good use of the bench. Once that score was on the board the result was inevitable. Credit to EJ in my opinion.

[kk67]

The scoreline flattered.
The replacements did a job but all told England were poor. Were it not for an intercept Italy were right in the mix and pushing. When they can play 80 minutes with fewer errors they will be much better.
England are penalty machines however which is a big concern for you I would say

Nope. England are work in progress.
It's a strange and wonderful time for them.......I fear they're about to learn something.

[gthedog]

The scoreline flattered.
The replacements did a job but all told England were poor. Were it not for an intercept Italy were right in the mix and pushing. When they can play 80 minutes with fewer errors they will be much better.
England are penalty machines however which is a big concern for you I would say

Nope. England are work in progress.
It's a strange and wonderful time for them.......I fear they're about to learn something.

All teams are always a work in progress
Does a work in progress mean pretty much the same team that played in the WC and the last Six Nations?