posted 3 Weeks Ago

MossdaleRhino JP started out as a second row forward, it is just to add a bit of mustle in the forwards not that it matters in the scrum anyway we could have Rob Burrows in the pack and it would not make a difference to the outcome of the scrum.

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posted 3 Weeks Ago

I think we will win this game. Kiwis looked good against the Aussies but i think that is their peak performance. I watched them last week against a totally patched up french outfit and first half they were worse than we were against the french. Man on man i think we are stronger than them and even though they have a good pack i prefer ours with the youthful enthusiasm of tomkins and eastmond in the halfs and a pretty strong bench i fancy us strongly. I know a lot of people have a gripe with wilkin but he is very versatile and can do some good things at times. i.e. Challenge cup game against leeds where he played stand off and was outstanding. On the other hand i am not sure about Westwood. His effort is always 110% but sometimes at international level that is not enough. Its a shame hock is banned because for me, he is an ideal international sub with the impact you get off him.

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posted 3 Weeks Ago

If England do pull it off then Tony Smith will be the best coach ever for such a master stroke but if we lose people will be asking for his head. This is a big call and I hope it pays off Come on England

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posted 3 Weeks Ago

How do you think we will get on paulhalfpint?

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posted 3 Weeks Ago

halfpint,

Even if England go down in a fight it is still a positive move from Smith. He said a month ago he is looking at forming a squad in preperation for the next world cup after a pretty ordinary performance in OZ last Nov.
I personally think England have got the team to win this weekend, but if they fall short against the world cup holders it is no shame as long as they play with character and committment. Cheers & good luck.

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posted 3 Weeks Ago

What has been the most upsetting to me last year & the 1st half last week, was the complete lack of understanding running through the team - Smith has been given more time than any other england/GB coach I know & still they struggle to gel as a team..!
To my mind, the come back in last weeks match was because the lads through out his play book & took matters in to their own hands

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posted 3 Weeks Ago

Either way filfth the second half last week will give them the confidence to try a few things this week maybe, but they have to stick together as a unit and not individual razzle-dazzle or they will get rolled.

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posted 3 Weeks Ago

Lol - meant "threw" honest..!

southsydneynrl - I totally agree with you, I hope they play with confidence & if they do it'll be a great match to watch. If they turn up & play I wouldn't want to call it either way.

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posted 3 Weeks Ago

the only small issues i have with the selection are these... Sam Burgess scares the New Zealand team and should start.
also i agree with dropping maguire and Smith but surely they should be on the bench, Maguire is still the best english player in his position and would make an impact if he comes on. and Smith showed bright moments last week and is still our strongest running centre

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posted 3 Weeks Ago

Delighted that Eastmond has been given a start, and in his right position as No7. Could be an exciting (and hopefully long term) half-back partnership if things go well. I know that Sam Burgess can make a great impact coming off the bench, but I'd still like to see him in the starting line-up as we really do need to get our noses in front from the kick-off. Love watching the Kiwis and can't wait for this one.

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