3 England stars who didn't impress against South Africa – and who should replace them for the Six Nations

Rugby News
Saturday, 20 November 2021 at 18:24
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England signed off on 2021 in style as they outfoxed and outfought 2019 Rugby World Cup final conquerors South Africa in front of a rapturous Twickenham crowd.
However, there is still plenty of work for Eddie Jones to do heading into the 2022 Six Nations following England's fifth place finish earlier this year.
Below, we look at THREE changes we feel he must make following this historic win.

#1. Jonny May

Replacement: Adam Radwan or Max Malins
Telegraph: "Complete brain fade taking a tap inside his own 22 and then conceded a penalty but desperately tried to atone for his errors."
JOE: "Spilled the ball forward after a Le Roux kick through. Featured positively in the build-up to England's first two tries. Barely seen in the second half as the England pack struggled."
RUGBY PASS: "The leading England try-scorer in the Jones era fashionably looked the part with his mo’ but his hands weren’t as attractive at times."
Evening Standard: "Struggled to get to grips with a game he was reasonably rarely involved in, fumbling and running aimlessly on occasion."
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Jonny May of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#2. Tom Curry

Replacement: Move Curry to flanker and play Alex Dombrandt number 8
JOE: "Ran into a couple of brick walls on carries. Missed a couple of tackles."
Telegraph: "Hard going with the pack on the back foot but still managed to get his head over the ball and won a couple of crucial penalties. Needs moved back to the flank."
Evening Standard: "Understated at times but ever a menace at the breakdown and the busiest of England’s loose forward trio. Took the captaincy with Lawes off and perhaps took the wrong option with the penalty on halfway – Steward’s big boot might have had a chance. Needs to be back on the flank.:"
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Tom Curry of England on the break into Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#3. Jamie Blamire

Replacement: Bring back in Jamie George or Luke Cowan-Dickie once they're fit
Evening Standard: "A little loose at lineout time even as England tried to protect his throwing vulnerabilities with calls to the front. His try-scoring run ends,"
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Try Celebrations for Jamie Blamire of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

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