posted Jun 20, 2008

The inexplicable 2nd half collapse was against Wales in the 6N not SA in the RWC. England played very well in the 2nd half against SA and came very close to beating them, although I don’t doubt they were beaten by the better team. My point is that we ARE a very good side capable of beating anyone.

The results just don’t support the notion that we are anything other then a very good side. Over the last 10 years we have been consistently the best Northern Hemisphere team and for 3 of those years 2000-2003 we were arguably the best in the world. Remember we beat the AB’ both times the sides met in that period. I think we are probably ranked 4th right now behind SA, NZ and Wales. Next year we should climb back to 3rd and be on course for a 3rd successive World Cup Final. Not bad for a bunch of slow, old arrogant poms who can’t pass, tackle or run!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Jun 20, 2008

England are a good side, but im not expecting them to win this match, cmon most teams in the world even South Africa struggle to go to New Zealand and win internationals there, especially if they havent even got their coach present at these matches too, even more so when its a new one!

so i really cant think that we can read too muchg into these tests unless they are fairly posotive results!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Jun 20, 2008

to make england good at rugby we need a whole sale clear out of every 1 in the england setup !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Jun 20, 2008

The head says we will lose by at least 10 points, but the coaches have made some intelligent changes. It looks like the new regime will be ruthless and if you have a bad game you will be dropped. It also looks like horses for courses. They have plugged the midfield gaps so it will be interesting to see what the ABs do - especially with 2 opensides playing. I think there is enough steel in the Engalnd team to run them close. And enough pace in the back three to cause them problems.

Can they deliver under 80 minutes of intense pressure without making a mistake? Probably not after the build they have had! On the other hand I suspect its a pretty angry camp so we might see a great game!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Jun 20, 2008

Nickthehalfback presents a viewpoint I hadn't considered. Very interesting indeed. It's not the lineup I envisage for the future, but the parallel to Woodward's men is an interesting one. That said, I reckon the All Blacks of 2007 would have put out RWC2003 team to the sword. I know we're in 2008 and the AB's have lost much of their aura, but the AB's of 2007 were the most accomplished team I've ever watched play.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Jun 20, 2008

Thank god they've picked varndell I was wondering where the comedy element was going to come from!

Sorry Leicester fans but the guy is a wimp!
As proved by Mr Tuquiri!!!!!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Jun 20, 2008

The England pack have not sussed that the object of the game is to win the back for the backs to try and cross the opposition goal line. There will waste the first 15-20mins pushing and shoving like last week.
NZ will not play as patch as last weekend, 54-3 to New Zealand.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Jun 20, 2008

ball not back

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Jun 21, 2008

Alistair's article sums up England's entire approach to this game - Noon especially relishes the collisions !!! problem is all the developing teams such as the AB's relish running into spaces and collision only occurs in defence - y is it that Noon and tindal seem to look for contact and get smashed? - England pigheadness of not realising that running into a black wall doeen't not mean that you can run through it. Another problem is that the collision at the game in Christchurch today all went the AB's way - all very well and good loving the contact element, but its only effective if you're going to come out on top - Ma'aa Nonu gave Noon and Tindal a masterclass in when to look for contact on your terms and when to attack the weaker inside shoulder, the gap or move the ball to another point of contact. It was like watching E-yore getting hammered by Tigger on steroids!!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Jun 21, 2008

Jamie Noon and Mike Tindall might not create opportunities in the way that a more subtle blend of centres would be able to, but there won't be many holes in the defence.

really?

add comment | complain about this comment