Rugby union: Talking points from this autumn’s internationals

England’s forwards impress against Australia, Ireland look good for the Six Nations and plenty of plus points for Scotland

It took longer than they might have wished but England have finally cracked the code and beaten a major southern hemisphere side this month. Their forward strength, in particular, is increasing. Joe Marler was one of his side’s most consistent players of the autumn, with Alex Corbisiero, Mako Vunipola and Matt Mullan now queueing behind him. Dave Wilson was a set-piece rock at tighthead, where Newcastle’s Kieran Brookes also made a positive impression and Dan Cole is hoping to resume. Courtney Lawes had one of his best games for his country at the weekend alongside Dave Attwood, with Joe Launchbury and Geoff Parling completing a very handy second-row quartet. Tom Croft is another lurking Lion and Billy Vunipola will have to roar back very strongly to displace Ben Morgan, England’s equal top try-scorer this autumn along with Jonny May. On top of all that there is Manu Tuilagi – when he is finally fit to resume – to add some arrowhead directness in midfield. England know they still have to raise their game significantly in 2015 but not many teams will push them around. Robert Kitson

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source Sport | The Guardian http://ift.tt/1wbPSXd