A Reality Check
England received criticism for failing to adapt their game plan against the Welsh last Saturday. They continued to kick to Wales' back three although they were dominating the lineout and clearly needed to keep the ball in hand and bring attacking players like May and Tuilagi into the game. However, they stuck to their game plan against Ireland by out kicking the Irish and keeping the ball at the fringes of the defensive line whilst competing physically and outmuscling them. So credit has to go to Gatland for coaching the Welsh discipline and managing the referee namely by massively widening the gap at the lineout. They kept the ball for multiple phases for the Hill try and although it wasn't pretty, it was functional. Where the disappointment lies with England is the lack of leadership displayed by Farrell in not getting the players round and discussing different ways to play. Jones also proved too reticent to make subs, for example the fabled Robson could've come on and a