England's November - A Success Or Not?

England recorded 3/4 wins in their November International campaign, with Eddie Jones' side building back their confidence ahead of a big 2019. 

The winning feeling is back after a rough 2018

After a disasterous Six Nations campaign, where they came into the tournament as last years winners to this year finishing a disappointing 5th and a South African series defeat, England regained that winning feeling this November. In an excellent match-up England narrowly held out South Africa to put things right from the summer tour, a much changed side beat an energetic Japanese side and a thumping win over rivals Australia. Eddie Jones will be happy his side have brought back some confidence as they now build for the 2019 Six Nations.

England can win ugly

Eddie Jones can rely on his squad to grind out a win when they aren't at their best. A gritty performance vs South Africa where they had to dig deep to just about hold on for a result will be really pleasing for this England side, especially against a rival. Also after a disasterous first half vs Japan, England came out in the second half to do the business for another ugly win.

New young talent coming through

This November England will be delighted with the depth and youth brought into the squad. With experienced players missing throughout the squad, others stepped up and showed that this England side has real depth. A good mix of youth and experience was blended in this England side and the standout new talent coming through has to be Joe Cokanasiga. The big winger impressed on his debut against Japan and backed it up against Australia the following week with another try. At just 21 years of age, the future on the England wing looks bright.

The return of Ashton and Tuilagi

After last years hat-trick vs England for the Barbarians, there was cries from England fans to bring Chris Ashton back into the fold. After 4 years out, he was brought back in this November, made his return vs New Zealand and in typical Ashton fashion scored after just 2 minutes to announce the return. Meanwhile for Manu Tuilagi, it was a hard-fought long road for him to get back into the England setup but he finally made his comeback off the bench vs Australia, claiming it felt like his first cap all over again.

Indiscipline costs win over No.1 team in the world

The only blemish on England's record this November came against the All Blacks, in a game which will go down as an opportunity lost. Out of form, New Zealand were there for the taking and after racing into a 15-0 lead playing some excellent rugby, England's insidcipline let New Zealand back into the game and a chance to beat the best team in the world slipped. 

England can consider this November a success, there's plenty still to work on but as they build ahead of a massive 2019 they can still consider themselves contenders for major honours.