Scotland was always going to be the season defining game and the season is now defined.
I feel sorry for Borthwick in the sense that he's had to deal with a lot of retirements, injuries and departures to France. However I didn't feel he was the right man for the job, still don't and he just seems a bit confused.
Now likely to finish behind Sco, Fra and Ire. How many of our players would those teams want?
In the front row Marler might make the Scottish team but that's about it. George encapsulates some of our problems well - he's a good guy who's enduring a terrible personal period, for which he gets everyone's total sympathy. But away from that - he'd been overtaken by LCD pre injury and while Dan's a little way off, you can see why SB's interested in him. Playing OK, but past his peak. He has no captaincy experience and I'm pretty sure wouldn't make the Irish, French or Scottish teams.
In the row Martin might be of the most interest. Itoje and Chessum might occasionally appeal but neither make a compelling case. I like a lot about Chessum, but would be locking him in the weights room over the summer.
Back row isn't balanced. Roots isn't of the required standard. Underhill is but he's not quite at full throttle. Earl's going well but wouldn't make the Irish or French teams at 8 - where he eventually fits in will be interesting. We have players to return / develop who will make this unit stronger.
9's been an Achilles heel for years. Look at the influence Dupont, JGP and even White have on their teams. JVP and Mitchell have shown glimpses but nothing sustained. Maybe only Ita might consider one of our 9s.
At 10, Ford's right out of form. I don't think Ita would consider him, maybe only Wal might, but he'd be of no interest to Ire, Fra or Sco.
In the centres Aki, Tuipolotu and Danty are all powerhouses. North for Wal too. Lawrence isn't quite that type, but he's better than he looked yesterday. Manu was a game changing powerhouse but isn't now, although could see him lining up alongside Lawrence next time out. Midfield still a mess though.
On the wings, the top 3 have Penaud, McVdM and Lowe all of whom can be match winners in their own ways - we just haven't had that since peak May and Watson. IFW looks like he's got something about him but he's still in short pants at club level, let alone internationally. Freeman also has potential.
Furbank's selection yesterday was odd. Steward's fine and has a point of difference. Doesn't have Keenan's all round skill set, but put a semi coherent back line around him and we'll see more of the attacking game of which he's quite capable. If 15 is a problem that needs fixing it's the least of them.
There's plenty of talent coming through - in some positions - but it'll be a while before we see the real benefits of those. Also the issue of continuity - Ire / Sco and Ita have major concentrations of their squad in one or two clubs while peak Fra usually have a large Toulouse representation. Our 23 yesterday had to meld 5 Sarries, 4 from Bath, 3 from each of Saints, Quins, Chiefs and Tigers plus a Shark and a Bear.
Not hopeful of seeing major improvement any time soon.
