1. Borthwick under serious pressure
England have now lost their last 5 games. Regardless of the opposition that is not good enough and what adds to the frustration is the similar way that each game has been lost. England have been either ahead or in an arm wrestle at the hour mark of each of these games but have consistently found ways of losing time and again. Borthwick will not be fired this year but if things don't improve after the six nations, how tenable is his position. England definitely have the players to be better but must close games out when it really matters. Fans will also want to see significant improvement in the blitz defence under new coach Joe El-Abd who lacks the pedigree of his predecessor, Felix Jones. The other departure was that of Aled Walters who was known as a strength and conditioning guru. Attempts to replace him have been made but have not been successful. Premiership clubs voted to block Saracens coach Phil Morrow from holding a joint role at both the club and the national team. These developments have become more concerning after Steve Borthwick pointed to a potential lack of squad fitness as a reason for fading in the latter stages of matches. Defeat to Japan is unlikely but it would be a disaster and magnify the pressure on the coaching staff. They will be hoping to end the international year with a convincing win against Japan and then look to rectify the many issues plaguing the team by the Six Nations.
2. Sam Underhill needs to be one of the first names on the teamsheet
Injury is a large part of the reason that Sam Underhill has not gained as many England caps as he might otherwise have had. It could also be argued that flanker is a position of massive strength for England to the point where two world-class flankers (Courtney Lawes and Jack Willis) are not considered for selection and the position is still considered a strength for the team. It is however, in my opinion, undeniable that England are a better team when Underhill is starting. He is an elite jackaler and tackler and is now adding ball carrying to his game. England seem to have lost their identity as a team in recent games and Underhill is someone who brings a clear style of rugby that is proven to be effective which means he is someone England can look to build around.
3. Perhaps England don't have the players to consistently beat the top 4 teams
I have spent the last two points talking about how England could fix their issues but is there an inescapable reality in which we must admit that England simply lacks the talent to consistently beat the best in the world? That may seem very negative but consider these questions. How many English players would make South Africa's starting XV? How many would even make the Springbok second XV? I'm not being hyperbolic when I say I doubt more than 5 England players would make South Africa's second XV. England's players are very close to South Africa's in terms of ability but the strength and depth of the top teams in the World separates them from England.
4. Cheslin Kolbe is electric
He has just been nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year. If that doesn't convince you of his brilliance, I suggest you watch his highlights from this game. He scored two excellent tries, embarrassing England defenders for fun. His athleticism is noticeably a level above those he shares the pitch with. Freddie Steward will not want to see the replay of what Kolbe did to him to score from a cross-field kick. It took one brutal step to bypass the charging Steward before the winger basically strolled to the in-goal area. His versatility will continue to terrify defences, even if he loses out on the World rugby award which will likely go to one of his teammates, either Du Toit of Etsebeth.
5. Handre Pollard is still South Africa's best fly-half option
To me, Pollard shares a lot in common with Dan Biggar and Owen Farrell. All three are/were world-class fly-halves who have been, at times, overlooked due to not being incredible athletes or rugby magicians. Each of these players has, at one time or another, been dropped for a "more exciting" replacement but each was brought back into the starting line-up when their teams realised just how invaluable they are. Pollard faces this competition from Manie Libbok who is a great rugby player but one with significant flaws. His goal-kicking is not as reliable as it needs to be in order to lead a team to a World Cup title. In steps Handre Pollard who may not be the same calibre of athlete but is: an exceptional goal-kicker, in-game kicker, game manager, defender, tactician and leader. His genre of fly-half may not be sexy to everyone but I would argue provides the perfect balance for South Africa. The Springboks do not lack power in the pack, nor do they lack pace or creativity in the backs so what they need is a reliable kicker who can lead them tactically to success in tight games. That man is Handre Pollard. He should not be overlooked.
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