Another autumn series been and gone but a rather more successful one than usual for England. As for the first time since 2002 (excluding the 03 world cup) they have completed the autumn series undefeated. Yes they didn't face current world number 1 the all blacks but they proved a lot of points against the rest of the southern hemisphere. In this we will go on to look at the success stories of the series.
1. Strength in depth.
England's main worry coming into this series was the ever increasing injury list. With star players from the success down under being ruled out such as Itoje/Watson and Nowell England knew they had it tough. However selection for the six nations will be much tougher now as everyman who wore the jersey played out of there skin, notably Jonny May who burst back on to the international scene with 2 tries in 3 appearances. Eddie jones no longer needs to worry on this front as he walked all over 3 of the best teams in the world with a supposed 'weakened' side.
2. Ford/Farrell
Just as they did in the summer these 2 complimented each others game perfectly and continued to prove that playing both does actually work! With Farrell's almost immaculate goal kicking and fords pinpoint tactical boot england carry the near perfect kicking game. With 2 playmakers at 10 and 12 its really seen England's attack become something that even Michael Cheika can appreciate.
3. Mako Vunipola
This man is slowly becoming a rugby god. Not only is he a beast in the scrum he is also learning a lot from his brother in the loose making big yards constantly and has surprisingly slick hands. The future is certainly bright for the English front row union.
4. Ben Youngs
If mother care need to promote dummies then they need to get this guy in because he is selling them for fun! Making the australian and south african look silly was fantastic to watch. Can't pick a fault in the rest of his game either. My player of the series
However England aren't the finished product just yet as is evident of the first 20 minutes against australia as like the kid who fell out the tree they just weren't in it! Apologies for the awful honey badger quote. But England need to make sure they start the game 110% and not lackluster like they did against South Africa and Australia as they got lucky in them and other teams would punish you to the point where you can't get back in the game! Sort this problem and the consistent issue of discipline then you never know come the end of 2017 you may see England in the number 1 spot!
