England get ‘reality check’

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO emerged from the ruins left by England’s latest calamitous away day collapse — a 22-9 loss to France — and conceded: “This has given us a bit of a reality check.”

England did nothing to disprove the popular theory their miserable reign as world champions will end in early October when they return to the intimidating Stade Velodrome.

Assuming England emerge from a World Cup qualifying pool that also features South Africa and Samoa, Australia or Wales should be waiting for them at the quarter-final stage.