Is it a result of the 8 man rugby perpetrated by the EAs and Chiefs that is dominating the Premiership meaning we can't compete at International level if we can't dominate up front?
Yep.
Agree too.
The EA's influence in particular is now so deeply embedded within the Prem and RFU, to the extent that I think English rugby is facing a long time in the wilderness. The forwards based kick, chase and smash strangulation tactics work when you've cheated the salary cap to assemble a star studded super squad to give you a massive advantage, but you can't do that at International level.
Jones and Borthwick have both come through the EAs set-up, as have Sanderson at Sale and Wigglesworth at Tigers - they're now the top three in the Prem. The rise of the EAs blueprint in the GP has coincided with the last two fifth place finishes in the Six Nations. Exeter have functioned off well executed eight man rugby but it looks like the pre-latching rule has put a spoke in their game.
The RFU has signed up to the EAs blueprint now too so I can see Sanderson being lined up as next cab off the rank if it doesn't work out with Borthwick, or maybe Wigglesworth stepping up.
Whoever is coach though, it doesn't explain the lack of test match intensity on Saturday. That's a fundamental requirement but England just didn't have it, mentally or physically.