Matt Dawson column: I’m reluctant to criticize England, but change is needed

South Africa may not be head and shoulders above England, but they are still better.

Although England started so well again in Saturday’s 29-20 defeat, the Boks turned it up when they needed to and their bench was far superior, not only in the pack but also in the back line.

England’s bench didn’t bring much control, increased pace or the ability to finish the game. It felt like England were always chasing and they lacked a bit of direction in the last 20 minutes.

I’d be lying if I thought there was a moment in the game when England could win, but they certainly put themselves in good positions and had opportunities within reach and you never know what’s going to happen happen.

Someone could go to the sin-bin or a kick could be charged down – England just needed the bounce of the ball to go their way.

I am therefore reluctant to question the England team and coaching staff because they are playing some really good stuff.

Sometimes when I watched England under Eddie Jones I was lost – it was horrible to watch and I just didn’t enjoy going to Twickenham.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has exploited something in the England team.

Having played and teamed with Steve, he’s not a maverick and he’s not the charismatic leader, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a really good coach.

He needs to understand who he is and what he brings to this site.

Can he bring in a coach who has more charisma? You look at France and their head coach Fabien Galthie, who is a bit more stern and aloof, but then you bring characters like Raphael Ibanez and Shaun Edwards into the backroom as ying and yang.

Andy Farrell was that guy with Ireland under Joe Schmidt and with the British and Irish Lions under Warren Gatland before becoming the main man with Ireland as another example.

If England lose to Japan, Borthwick will be under enormous pressure.

I don’t believe he is now though, because the fans watch the rugby and can follow this team. With a few adjustments, the bounce of the ball and some momentum from some wins, the Allianz Stadium will be a tough place to go.

Of course, former England boss Jones will feel he can come and upset England with his Japanese team, but as much as there will be motivation for him, you can multiply that by 10 for England.

They are enjoying the way they are playing now compared to the dull strategy and regime Jones employed. I would expect England to send him off with his tail between his legs.