England rugby crisis UNCOVERED: What Eddie Jones must do next… and what Ireland got right

Our man Neil Squires assesses England's 24-15 defeat to Ireland, the Irish Grand Slam triumph and what this all means for the future.

Worries for the summer ahead

England’s three-Test tour of South Africa in June suddenly looks a very different proposition to a month ago. England’s aura has gone and the way they have declined, you would not put the fluff in your pocket on Eddie Jones’s side even against a side ranked two places below them in the world. Two of the three Tests are at altitude and new boss Rassie Erasmus will definitely improve the Boks.

Joe Schmidt primed for the All Blacks

Joe Schmidt’s CV to become the next New Zealand coach is all but complete. After masterminding the defeat of the All Blacks in Chicago in 2016, the Twickenham triumph not only completed a precious Grand Slam but an unbeaten year with Ireland. All he has to do now with Europe’s top side is win next year’s World Cup. CJ Stander’s try was the perfect example of the shrewd Kiwi’s attention to detail. He had used the midfield set play only once before against England three years ago, recalled it had worked against their rush defence and dusted it off again for the big occasion.

England need Billy Vunipola desperately

England are half the side without Billy Vunipola. This is a huge source of concern given the Saracens No 8’s recent injury record. Without him to put them on the front foot in the Six Nations, they were a side in retreat. Nathan Hughes was rushed back too early and departed almost as quickly to another injury and Sam Simmonds, for all his pace around the field, looked lightweight as a No 8 in this company.

Maro Itoje risks losing place in side

If there were another Test next week Maro Itoje, shortlisted for world player of the year in 2017, would be in danger of being dropped. He is a shadow of the player who starred for the Lions in New Zealand. Ineffective in attack, his tackle and turnover numbers are down too. He looks like he could with a rest.

Bad discipline is becoming a concerning issue

England have developed a self-harm habit. The penalty count has been off the scale in this Six Nations – double figures in each of the last four games. Some have come when England have been under pressure but far too many have been soft ones gift-wrapped with a bow for the opposition. England want to play a pressure game but the frequent blasts of the referee’s whistle has led to the release of that pressure valve.