England exit Rugby World Cup: Where did it all go wrong?

 

Key players, or a lack of:

With Stefan Armitage left out after the selectors choosing predominantly home based players, the weaknesses at the back proved costly for England’s downfall, particularly in the game against Australia.

But his preferred picks in captain Chris Robshaw, who to his credit performed sound throughout the summer, and the unfortunately injured duo of Billy Vunipola and Ben Morgan proved further that his key players hadn’t.

Australia’s David Pocock, who was outstanding at the last World Cup, was as epic this time around. Against England, he made nine tackles, six carries and 14 metres, four passes, two offloads and three turnovers, whilst Robshaw managed just six tackles, five carries, three metres, two passes and no turnovers in comparison, showing the clear gulf in class between the two sides.