posted Nov 6, 2009

I really can't see an england win this weekend. Too many new faces who haven't played together and too many with too few caps. When the pressure comes on I see england giving away pens and seeing yellow cards and conceding points. Aus will I fear be far too strong for this team having played some pretty tough games recently.

If england can stay in touch I will be surprised. I hope I'm wrong but I dn't think so.

The only good thing to come out of it will be that a few new boys will experience what its like to play at the very top level which can't be bad.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Nov 6, 2009

what a pompous load of drivel!! the author of this article knows very little about rugby. Absolute tripe...

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Nov 6, 2009

England's only hope is really dreadful weather.

In a way, a good thrashing is needed for people to start to realise that we just dont have good enough coaches at HQ>

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Nov 6, 2009

Of course England have a chance although I am expecting an Aus victory.

Scrum time: crucial area. Wilson is less of a penalty count waiting to happen than Vickery. If Eng get a nudge on here and ref is not the usual random penalty generator at scrums that international refs seem to be these days, then Aus could be in real trouble. I expect Aus first choice front row to do fine but it they are forced to bring on doughboy as prop then Eng could have a significant edge.

Line out: If Thommo can throw straight this looks like Eng area. If Aus struggle then Eng can play a very simple territory game.

Break downs: Aus have serious edge here and this is much more significant than a possible deficit at set pieces. Moody and Croft will need to be first and smash Smith and Elsom out the way otherwise Eng will have a painful game. Personally I think this is where Aus will win the game.

Back line: To my suprise I give the edge here to Eng both in size and creativity. What will be crucial is to get Bannahan and Moye running at pace off the shoulders of the centres. If Geraghty gets ball and has Bannahan running a line on the inside shoulder of Hipkiss, Monye coming from deep on the outside shoulder of Hipkiss then 2 things will happen, Aus defence will be fixed (miss pass to Cueto becomes a threat) and secondly a simple pass to Hipkiss still gives England lots of options. All of this only works if both Monye and Bannahan really go looking for work.

What I want to see is Eng running with ball in hand and posing problems not just kick and chase

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Nov 6, 2009

england will get smashed.
your rugby team is up the creek without a paddle

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Nov 6, 2009

gower.
What a very thoughtfull insightfull, inteligent comment, you should be really proud of your contribution. Well done!
Is Gower a village and are you their representative idiot?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Nov 6, 2009

For my money, I reckon the two teams look pretty close on paper. The advantage will definitely be with the Aussies for having game time together under their belts, but they certainly shouldn't be an unbeatable prospect for this England side.

I actually really like the look of England at the moment. The all Leicester back row should be a cohesive unit from the off - not to mention Croft adding an extra line out dimension - and I've been waiting for ages to see Wilko and Geraghty play together. The pack looks like it has enough all round grunt to win its share of ball and Hipkiss, Cueto and Banahan have the physicality to commit men out wide and create some space.

In fact the only thing I'm going to moan about is the fact that it's on sodding Sky and I have to watch NZ v Wales instead.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Nov 6, 2009

Yes...let's be honest, the only way either Wales or England can win will be through penalty kicks, certainly not tries. As for JW just wait for the Wallabies to run at him and he'll go flying in his attempted tackle.
Wales 13 - NZ 27
England 9 - Aus 17

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Nov 6, 2009

Look, England should be favourites for this game... they are at home, the Ozzies dont like Twickenam, we have Jonny Wilkinson back to direct the game, this I believe will be the peice of the puzzle missing. His very aura will scare the Ozzies, any man who comes away with points nearly every time he ventures into the opponents half has got to be considered world class. If England can dominate Rocky, Smith and Palu and neutralise them, england will win this game. I hope they play to win, I would rather win 12-9 than lose after scoring 4 tries, hopefully England will play with a bit adventure with that cracking back line but as long as they attempt to and Jonny kicks his goals I will be happy, ignore the critics England, just go out there to win the game by any means possible and you will be praised by the media come next year regardless of how you played.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Nov 6, 2009

Alex; Interesting. Wilkinson is a great player, no doubt, but why would the Wallabies have any special fear for playing him when they play Carter week in week out? IMO Carter is a more complete player and just as deadly with his boot. He isn't 30+ either with a body that has been savagely battered.

Something also reminds me of one particular Bok player that seemed to kick the balls between the sticks even from inside his own half as well. Not sure if he actually missed an attempt at all in the Tri Nations. Wilkinson is a factor but the Wallabies would hardly be quaking in their boots. His impact will be more felt by his team mates probably, but whether he alone can make enough difference to their play remains to be seen.

The facts are stark. The Wallabies seemed happy playing at Twickers last year and much of the England Team are not your first choice and in some cases second choice either. That is not to say they can't win and should they it will be a famous victory. But why would they be favourites?

add comment | complain about this comment