1) Crunch decisions
Saturday was not the first time Chris Robshaw and Owen Farrell have found themselves standing on the Twickenham pitch in the closing moments of a big game, uncertain what to do next. They paid the price against South Africa in 2012 and opting not to kick for goal against Wales was another curious call. A draw would have helped England much more than a loss.
2) Breakdown discipline
Time after time England undermined themselves by failing to adapt to Jérôme Garcès’ interpretations around the tackle area. Wales barely threatened England’s try-line before their dramatic late score from Gareth Davies, but the host side’s indiscretions enabled Dan Biggar to keep his side in touch.
3) Midfield blend
It has been a recurring theme of the Lancaster era and shows little sign of ending. There is no issue about picking two of Owen Farrell, Sam Burgess or Brad Barritt, depending on the required gameplan, but all three together leaves England glaringly short of pace and a secondary kicking option.
4) Substitution policy
Another well-worn record. Several of England’s changes this time were injury related but sending on George Ford for Burgess with 10 minutes left was hard to fathom. England were ahead, Wales had multiple injuries and, at that point, had not managed a try. Why send on the smallest man in the squad and give the biggest Welsh runners a fresh target?
5) Injury cover
Billy Vunipola, Courtney Lawes and Jonathan Joseph all look certain to miss the Australia game; the three of them, in their differing ways, are key ball-carriers within England’s attacking structure. Joe Launchbury, Ben Morgan (if fit) and Henry Slade must all be close to starting.
