Ashton: rebuilding job might take that little bit longer

BRIAN ASHTON has accepted his England rebuilding job might take longer than initially thought after the world champions’ Croke Park calamity.

Outmuscled in the forward exchanges, out-thought at half-back and outpaced by Ireland’s magnificent threequarters, England must head back to the drawing board ahead of hosting RBS 6 Nations title favourites France on March 11.

Some players will come under scrutiny more than others – former England captain Will Carling has already questioned centre Andy Farrell’s selection at inside centre – but it is the pack which requires closest attention after the Ireland forwards dismantled them piece by piece.