England must kick on: captain Robshaw

Tactically we look very poor and selection wise Lancaster has a habit of picking club players who obviously won't be Test players on the pretext of 'form': Stevens, Botha, Dowson, Dickson, Turner-Hall, Strettle, Sharples and I'd go so far as to add Barritt in that list too. I know he likes to keep the clubs happy, and all clubs like their players representing England, but some of the selections have been bizarre. Likewise tactically on Saturday we looked as poor as we did against Australia last season. There's no cohesion, no drive. We look clueless. Last season he picked a lightweight, mobile pack, and then a back division to play set-piece rugby. Very naive stuff. Martin Johnson came into the England job and selected an incredibly young and inexperienced side and told them to chuck the ball about. They got walloped. He then made England hard to beat, and then after 2 hit and miss seasons he added some flair to the side. After a loss to South Africa in 2010 he then thought that he had to tighten England up and England became more conservative with the selections of Deacon and Wilkinson, for example. So when Lancaster took over England were a) already hard to beat, and b) the fans knew we had players who could play an up-tempo game. Lancaster has tried to start afresh acted like he'd taken over the most dysfunctional side in the world, and so last season was basically a replica of Martin Johnson's 2011 6N side. We should be further along the upward curve than we are now. We are doing too many things too poorly.

"It’s a great memento for us" In 3 years time no one will remember the reffing, so I guess he's right. But he's also right about having to kick on.

I thought they were comprehensive,but that's just my opinion.As for comparing with Australia,well you have to assess that in the context of where Australia is atm. On the NZ trip,I agree with you,this will be a very difficult assignment for England.But that cuts both ways.England will be the hardest test NZ will have had in many a year at home.I also expect the game in a fortnight to be a 50 - 50 affair.Also I think England are tracking well. Interesting that you don't.Any particular reason why?

I'd disagree that the defeats were comprehensive. Compare the results to what SA have done to Australia in SA over the past 2 seasons. The NZ trip will be hard. Not looking forward to it. I'm pretty sure that England isn't heading in the right direction.

Geez the mentality of some on here is no greater than children. Uncle that comment makes you look so bad and not only a poor loser but an imature poor loser that doesnt know much about rugby. Not being funny, thats what it looks like. Are you better than that?

True.But,we will see how England go next year with a three test series in NZ.That draw in SA also saw England suffer two comprehensive defeats. Agree with your comments on the bitter Aussie fans,though.Regardless of any refereeing blunders,England were comfortably the better team.

Bitter much Uncle? I don't normally get very atavistic over rugby, its way too civilized. But frankly, the snivelling Aussie response to this defeat makes me long for an NH whitewash over your shower. perhaps we could call it a Grand Slam.

Following the 2011 WC England have won in Scotland, Italy, France, Ireland, Argentina and drawn in South Africa.

Is winning seven from eight tests this year the sign of an 'average' team? Plenty of other sides would love to have a stat like that.

I'm avoiding the game threads because of the usual post-match hysteria. Robshaw was exceptional on Saturday. He has exactly the sort of attitude that your forwards (as a whole) lack, and seemingly the majority of your fans too. I'm very willing to point out the weak points of England (which there are many, and which I noted before the game), but this sort of comment sums up the outward looking, excuse driven culture that the Wallabies reek of. Childish and pointless.

Uncle, to be fair to England it was their first hit out for quite a while. Not really sure what the Wallabies excuse was. Robshaw isn't ever likely to win opponents over because he's not flashy, but he's a very consistent performer who gives 100% on every occasion. Which IMO is a pretty good starting point, also his team have respect for him, which also helps.

Mr Virus (hopefully) won't save England this time..

England are certainly fashioning a good record at " Fortress Twickers".Let's see them do the same away from home.

New Zealand will beat all 16 of them by a margin in excess of 15 points.

You will not get the gift of George Clancy and co every test. Your average Robshaw and so is your team.