I'm a bit surprised on how Ashton has been shoved out of it. I know he hasn't done great, but I'm not sure he's had the players to do a great job.
in fairness he didn't exactlly do bad did he? 2nd in the world cup and in the 6 nations wasn't a bad year in charge
but the WC was a shambles until the Australia gaem before which the players had a meet minus Ashton to sort out their tactics
In the 6N we threw a game away against Wales, scraped past Italy, were clueless in Scotland and beat a woeful France (fine achievement) and a demoralised and clueless Ireland
Selection policy was inconsistent (Balshaw at Full back all 6N?) and tactically we were uninspring
He was treated badly, but moving forward without him is the correct decision