I just watched the game as seen on TV rather than my view from the stands...
1) Simon Shaw was, at the same time, a brutally effective lock forward and a f***ing nuisance penalty-factory.
2) Dickinson certainly reffed it in an 'Australian' way. He gave a lot of free-kicks, and more importantly, seemed to use the free-kick as a way of covering up the fact that he couldn't control the scrummaging. Thought we got the rub of the green, but then we deserved it because we played better. I definitely think England's recent opponents deserve some credit for pressurising us into sin-binnings (obv. not silly ones like Care's), because here we were on top but still conceeding hundreds of penalties and Dickinson didn't feel the need to get his cards out.
3) Much better game from Borthwick.
4) Some of you will hate me for saying this, and maybe I'm looking through rose-tinted specs, but Mears to me looks like the senior British hooker atm.
5) Croft and Worsley went nuts; I'd still love to see one of Haskell/ Crane/ Narraway at 8 though.
6) Ellis today was typically ponderous around the rucks, but typically good at reading the game. His kicks into space have led to a number of England tries this spring. Care may be a better 9 to watch but he'd do well to learn decision-making off Ellis.
7) Flood played well, Goode had a shocker. If Flood's injured next week I dread to think who we'll pick. Wilkinson, Geraghty all injured, Hodgson's not up to it, Cipriani's woefully off-form... Barkley? In spite of everything I said midweek, he'd be better than Goode.
8) Flutey is really starting to look like an international centre, I've changed my mind about him. Seems to work well with Tindall as well so while I'd still prefer to see someone like Tait or Clarke there, Tindall'll do for now.
9) Cueto should have played himself onto a Lions tour, if not because he's the best defensive winger in the Isles and attack-wise he's on form atm. Undecided about Monye today, but I'm happy picking Cueto + a speedy gonzales on the wing for now.
10) Armitage is really starting to look like mustard, and should certainly tour with the Lions. Grows with every game; he's solid under high balls, hasn't let us down defensively, great boot on him, ability to cut open a defence... plus, considering he's not a main goalkicker, he has a habit of accumulating points which is always useful.
11) Inverdale was out of order at half time with his rudeness to Ibanez.
12) You would expect the British Broadcasting Corporation's coverage of a British team's game against another country to be biased. I don't see what the problem is since all the home nations tend to be represented where necessary, and Brian Moore who is the usual pundit isn't afraid to criticise England at all. I remain in awe of Jonathan Davies' ability to pick apart a play and read exactly what each player in it is doing in just a few seconds; his vision is incredible. He's even better on the Challenge Cup coverage.
