Rugby union: talking points from the final round of autumn Tests

Ireland have much to thank Schmidt for, Italy bear the brunt of All Blacks’ frustrations and Fiji look ominous foes for AustraliaEngland’s autumn ledger reads as follows: P4 W3 L1; tries scored 10, tries conceded six. They have looked both excellent and sluggish at times but the overall end-of-term report has to be a positive one. If the Vunipolas return fit and firing, Manu Tuilagi and Joe Cokanasiga stay intact and Owen Farrell adjusts his tackle technique, they will be tough, at the very least, to beat in 2019. The Six Nations already has the makings of a wonderful tournament, with England’…