Not sure there is an adequate replacement though? Brian Mcdermott maybe.

getting knocked out by samoa and not even playing another tier 1 team in the comp is essentially the same as getting mullered.

Leeming's defence is probably the reason why. That, and his lacklustre form at the end of the season, which saw him displaced from a starting position by Jarrod O'Connor after Leeming returned from an injury. He's still a contender for next time though.

Again, I ask, when did England get mullered?

I didnt say they got mullered, you did.

See here