MIKE BROWN: I expect England to beat New Zealand and South Africa after showing intent against Japan

There was a lot more setup in England’s attack yesterday, so hopefully they can use that as a springboard for the next two weeks.

New Zealand and South Africa will present far greater challenges than they have faced thus far and they should reveal where England stands.

Japan was so far off the pace that you can’t draw too many conclusions. We are still waiting to see Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell perform against strong opposition and I think it’s make or break against the All Blacks.

If they win, and I think they will, then all the systems go over. If they lose, there’s a good chance Eddie Jones will make changes for the Springboks next week. We are now in a World Cup year and you have to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

I was critical of Farrell last season but I’m really impressed with how he’s started this season and he’s probably ahead of Marcus. He plays rugby better at club level, so if one of them misses it’s probably Smith.

Farrell has shown he can adopt that fast-paced, laid-back style of play when needed, as well as the territorial game he’s been doing for years. He has adapted his game well.

Manu Tuilagi will return to inject his power. The only other changes I would make are on the wing. I don’t feel like Joe Cokanasiga and Jonny May are doing enough to justify their place. Chasing kicks isn’t enough to earn selection. I want wingers to contribute more, with a lot of engagement and touches that cause problems all over the field. I would have Cadan Murley and Tommy Freeman: a partnership full of speed, strength, airiness and work pace. You need to be mobile against New Zealand as their playing style and attacking kicks will move you.

The attackers dominated Japan and no one deserves to be dropped.

I expected England to win all four autumn tests and after the blip against Argentina they would win the rest. It’s not vintage All Blacks.