Quote: Andy Gilder "Results against the "Big Two" have been on a steady upward curve over the last couple of years. Harsh to swing the axe under those circumstances'"
In 12 games against NZ & Australia, England have won 3 under Steve McNamara - a win ratio of 25% against the top international teams.
2 of those victories came this year against an NZ team missing their first choice half backs (Johnson & Foran), captain (Mannering), main attacking threat (Vatuvei) & their biggest go forward (Warea-Hargeaves). Would NZ have won this test series if all those had played...we will never know but an educated guess is that they probably would have done
It seems to me as though a 2-1 series win against an under-strength Kiwi team has "papered over the cracks" for a lot of people in terms of McNamara's coaching abilities when the reality is once again in the World Cup 2 years away we will be no nearer beating Australia or NZ with him as coach when it matters.
The main issue is who to replace him with, as unfortunately I dont think anybody is available currently who would realistically be interested in the job who is any better than McNamara (assuming Powell, McDermott, wane etc are unable to do it alongside their club head coach role)