The Nigel Owens verdict on the big calls that upset a nation

Fin Smith has the best all round game, with the least weakness in each area (but less strengths). His distribution is quick and he has get’s the most out of England’s attack, as he does with Saints.

Marcus has the best running game but is over playing those strengths and didn’t distribute enough. I actually think the Lions tour has helped focus him on rugby and he is getting better after a patchy Six Nations period.

George Ford has the best tactical kicking game, a good running game but is weak in defence.

Owen Farrell has the best defence and is the best place kicker but is the slowest and doesn’t attack as well as Fin Smith.

If you could have 1 fly half with;

Distribution (Fin Smith)

Running Game (Marcus Smith)

Defence (Owen Farrell or Fin Smith)

Place kicking (Owen Farrell)

Tactical kicking (George Ford)

. . . . That would be some player.

Ok, I see with Depoortère that you meant new players that were not part of the team before - newcomers.

I think that since Galthié has already seen 115 players since the QF against SA in 2023, the pool is already very large. It’s 115 guys who have been at least at one the 42 gatherings or the tours in Argentina and NZ. So maybe he saw more the idea of putting B/C players in a situation of high international pressure. Especially the younger ones.

I don’t think Mallez will be the new Thomas Du Toit, but they’ve earned their first cap at pretty much the same age. Late bloomers happen, and props know that very well of course.

Heyes did well but shame we didn’t test Fasogbon this tour.

Not sure ENG solved the confusion in the back row, as Underhill probably added to it. Curry, Curry, Pollock & Pepper are likely the go forward open-side options and they need to give games to Pollock & Pepper, so will see in the AI’s. Underhill is better than both but they also need games to develop. It’s 5 good players into 3 or 4 spots.

We need to find the 8 to replace Willis at 60 mins and would like to have seen CC-S used over Dombrandt but will also have Earl & Pollock back, who could fill that last 20 min need.

Will be interesting to see if SB tries Chessum/T Curry/ Willis or sticks with Curry/Curry/Willis with Pollock & Pepper coming off the bench. This feels like the short term future of our back row. Tough on Hill, never felt like he has been given a chance and too many wasted caps on Dombrandt at the expense of CC-S.

Not sure why Quirke was not selected, scrum half is still an issue and whilst Spencer did his best in an England shirt, JvP & Quirke have time on their side, whereas Spencer is not getting any younger. feels like a wasted opportunity at 9 and hard to see how we test them all when Mitchell returns as starter.

Atkinson was the big success, just hope they don’t pick Farrell at 12 and delay Atkinson’s development, he needs game time, which will be a challenge if Farrell returns.

Back 3 feels like Furbank, Freeman & IF-W but Carpenter, Roebuck & Hendy adds strength in depth to that back 3 and will be interesting to see how quickly Lee Blackett gets Arundell back to his best at Bath.

Some big selection decisions for Steve Borthwick, which he occasionally struggles making at this level (Mitchell, Willis etc). Interesting few months ahead but certainly heading in the right direction.

Fabien Pelous said that the heavy defeat made them think that they couldn’t get lower. And Skrela, the team coach, told them before the SF that this game against the ABs is a contest they should lose 9 out of 10 times they play it. So let’s make that one game where they win.

They knew what to expect, and they adapted.

We do struggle when he goes off and Dombrandt is not the solution. Would like to see CC-S given a chance at 8 for those final 20 mins, which feels like he is a similar robust ball carrier but guess we will also have Lions or Pollock as options after the Lions for the final 20 mins.

Will be interesting to see the direction of the back row, Willis & Tom Curry are definite starters, just depends if SB wants two opensides, or tries Chessum at 6 to add more height & power like the Lions.

At hooker, England have an abundance of riches - George & LCD as starters, with Dan & Oghre coming through and suspect Tuipolotu may be an outside chance for the RWC squad. His stock will rise over the next 2 seasons.

Itoje, Chessum & Martin are the 3 main starters, Coles is improving, not sure what happened to Isiekwe this tour and then Borthwick continues to tinker with CC-S & Hill at lock, with Ewels showing he can still do a job. They are fine but Ribbans would be a welcome return and Kpoku should develop.

Atkinson was the big plus this tour, he and Lawrence would be interesting, with Ojomoh still improving & Masi-White adding another option at 12.

England will likely start back 3 of Furbank, Freeman & IF-W. Add Hendy & Carpenter into that mix and potentially Arundell and you are in a good place, with options.

De Glanville is solid but the others are ahead of him and he will struggle for games at Bath next season.