Coming into the autumn internationals, we were expecting so much from England and they have delivered so little.
I don’t think there has been any progression this autumn from England and that is very disappointing - especially when we have the players. I am a big fan of Stuart Lancaster but I think he is in danger of annoying the very fans who he has worked so hard in getting onto his side because of certain selection processes. Yes, England have had injuries but quality players have been overlooked and out-of-form players have been played, and played out of position.
Australia is a massive game for England and they have a chance to save their autumn. Played four and won two is not the end of the world, but England are going to have to play a style of rugby that we have not seen from them since that first 15 minutes against New Zealand if they want to beat the Aussies.
England will need to play with speed and structure to make use of the quality ball that the front five will secure. England have showed that they have tremendous strength in depth in their front five but it is very worrying that the amount of ball they have won has stifled the backs, rather than set them alight.
There seems to be a lot of people who don’t seem to think we need any pace at 12 and that we can just move Owen Farrell there. An in-form Farrell at No.10 is one thing, but I still think there are issues with him in that pivot role and the way England want to play. However, moving an out-of-form Farrell to 12 just makes no sense to me. I find it amazing that everyone is banging the drum about this move, about how England need to give the combination of George Ford and Farrell time. We need pace and direction - Ford gave that against Samoa but we need a 12 who will take that pace and direction on. I don’t see Farrell doing that.
Bossing the game
I thought Ford played well against Samoa and he really needs to take control of the game on Saturday against Australia. He needs to stand flat and he needs to boss Chris Robshaw out of the way!
Robshaw was outstanding against Samoa and he tackled himself to a standstill, however everything seems to go through him - he is like another fly-half which does not work for England. If you are going to take the ball up then take it up, rather than using yourself as a pivot. Robshaw needs to get out of the way and support a bit more; let Ford do his job.
England also need to kick with absolute accuracy too, they cannot afford not to be accurate because Australia will make you pay. England will of course be looking to target Australia’s forward but that is not enough. How many times have we seen England totally dominate the set-pieces against Australia but still lose?
Australia are a frightening good side who will be hurting after two losses. England cannot be wishy-washy in their game plan because the likes of Michael Hooper will have a field day if England cannot commit to a structure.
Watch England's final QBE International of the year against Australia on Sky Sports 2 from 1:30pm on Saturday.