1. James Haskell is a man transformed
Not every England supporter was happy when it was announced that James Haskell – another six‑and‑a‑half rather than a ‘proper’ seven, according to those who had seen England embarrassed at the breakdown by Michael Hooper, David Pocock and Sam Warburton in the not-too-distant past – would play on the openside flank during the Six Nations Championship. His performances in Australia have been little short of astonishing, though, leading the tackle count, playing just on the right side of the offside line and outperforming the more vaunted Hooper. He is not the most popular player in the country, but even the harshest of observers must admire the Wasps flanker’s tireless performances.
2. Redemption for Chris Robshaw
The deposed captain became something of a scapegoat after England’s shambolic World Cup exit and, like Haskell, was not a popular selection in the back row before England’s Six Nations triumph. He, too, was immense , especially in defence, securing turnovers, entering double figures with his tackles and earning the award for man of the match. During the defensive effort in the series-opening Test at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane he was a far more prominent leader than he had ever been under Stuart Lancaster.
3. George Ford stands tall
The Bath fly-half was not meant to play in this series after an awful display against Wales in May. His tackling is seen as a weakness and, even though England improved defensively in the first Test when he replaced Luther Burrell, Australia’s ball carriers regularly targeted the No10 channel in Melbourne. Ford rose to the challenge magnificently, supported by his back row and Owen Farrell outside him. What’s more, he banished the demons of a forgettable domestic season when in possession too, gaining territory and relieving pressure with his smart, accurate kicking from hand.
4. Dylan Hartley answers his critics
The hooker’s poor disciplinary record made him a controversial pick as captain. But Hartley got the ball rolling with the opening try and showed the same leadership that made him an important part of Northampton’s first Premiership success in 2014. His record as permanent England captain now reads played eight, won eight, with a first grand slam in 13 years and a first series win in Australia. This is all the more impressive given that before the Wales match he had played 17 minutes for Saints since suffering from concussion during England’s victory against France in March. Eddie Jones and Hartley have been vindicated beyond all expectations.
5. Australia should be kicking themselves and their penalties
Between the 32nd and 74th minutes, when Farrell crossed for the try that sealed England’s win, Australia were awarded nine penalties. Despite trailing by no more than six points for 40 of those 43 minutes, their captain, Stephen Moore, did not elect to kick a single one at goal, instead attempting to break England’s resistance in one fell swoop. They could not, and Moore has some explaining to do after this historic defeat.
