posted Nov 7, 2009

Still feeling confused and a little gazed with this being the first international I have watched since July 4th, this doesn't have the proper intensity of test math rugby. It feels a little subdued with an enormous amount of injuries which has already tarnished this series before it has properly began. Regardless of our autumn results, we won't properly learn anything from this series as this is no where near our strongest selection.

If England lose, so what. Who cares? It will just go down in the history books as an English loss at Twickenham and an Australian victory. For myself this match has no meaning or identity, no importance or significance. It feels 2nd rate as some of the players on show are not up to international class. As we all know, our injury problems have been well documented but I just can't help but imagine what things would be like with Sheridan, Mears, Vickery, Shaw, Rees, Easter, Flutey, Tait, Cipriani etc...

Also, this is the Jonny Wilkinson show. In the first half, all eyes were focused on the return of our prodigal son. Wilkinson is a sporting superstar in this country and rightly so for all he has achieved down the years in an England shirt. It seems as if everyone else is playing 2nd fiddle with Wilkinson the main attraction and talking point. Come on, lets not kid ourselves. This is not a good Australian side. They have lots of problems in their ranks, inexperienced personnel and have come to these shores on the back of a woefully poor Tri Nations.

And, funnily enough, this England side isn't that streetwise either. I hate Martin Johnson's Leicester bias. You have got to be joking me if the coaches think Jordan Crane and Louis Deacon are ready for the hotbed and pressure cooker of international rugby. What a load of rubbish. I don't like Leicester, never have and never will and these two individuals have appeared a little out of their depth so far.

Having thought about the climax to that fantastic British and Irish Lions series, the two do just not add up. In fact, I will go far enough to say I am a Lion before an Englishman. There is a huge amount of history, tradition and legacy associated with the Lions. Every second counts and you could see the unbelievable heartbreak that was felt after Morne Steyn broke our British hearts. That still lingers and hurts me. It was a magnificent series which showed everything good about the sport of rugby union.

And this match? Well, I could turn it off now without caring about the final 35 minutes to be played. At the end of the day, in my eyes it is a pointless, meaningless friendly between two under strength heavyweights of international rugby. The British and Irish Lions, you have shown the light for others to follow.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

I think Vino has summarised it spot on. England are doing what England do but when the Aussies run from deep in straight lines at you, England's defence does look wobbly. Aus will be aware of that, in the 2nd half, will need to contain it.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

"can't help but imagine what things would be like with Sheridan, Mears, Vickery, Shaw, Rees, Easter, Flutey, Tait, Cipriani etc..."

this poor aussie side would lose.. simple as.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

The Islanders and Kiwi in the Aussie side seem to be the difference.

Can we not acquire some more? lol

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posted Nov 7, 2009

England seriously have to hold the discipline together, it was the difference between the two sides in the 1st half.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

BBC - When I click on this graphic Live rugby union commentary - England v Australia why do I hear some football rubbish and no Rugby?

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posted Nov 7, 2009

geraghty proves hes special
and that johno should introduce skilful players instead of headless runners like monye and hipkiss

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posted Nov 7, 2009

"geraghty proves hes special
and that johno should introduce skilful players instead of headless runners like monye and hipkiss"

ouch.. posters curse.

he looked a bit special needs with that kick.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

"geraghty proves hes special
and that johno should introduce skilful players instead of headless runners like monye and hipkiss"

--------

You mean the two players that are making a difference? Gerraghty hasn't been anything special this game

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posted Nov 7, 2009

roomurrhamil;

I actually feel that Monye is a very good player.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Monye is a good winger, he is a poor fullback and Foden should have been on the bench instead of goode - another poor call by Johnson

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posted Nov 7, 2009

England have not scored for half an hour, I'm getting anxious.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

That was a harsh call for the Aussie Penalty. He Sliped

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Has anyone in the England coaching set up ever heard of the term 'quick ball'? Utter rubbish

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posted Nov 7, 2009

ouch,

the scratch nature reallyshows here.

making a pants aussie team look ok here.

shows how bad oz are thought they have to battle against such an injury ravaged team. should be 50. will be for NZ.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

You mean the two players that are making a difference? Gerraghty hasn't been anything special this game
_________________

monye is not good and smart enough to play fullback yes he runs fast and his defence is ok but its not enough at this level as the aussies are proving you need to spot the gaps and offload well what monye can not do its the same for hipkiss
geraghty may not have the best of the game but he still make things happen and play with his brain
england play is too easy read because the players jhono picks are not able to use their brain and thats why the irish and welsh are better than us

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posted Nov 7, 2009

monye is not good and smart enough to play fullback yes he runs fast and his defence is ok but its not enough at this level as the aussies are proving you need to spot the gaps and offload well what monye can not do its the same for hipkiss
geraghty may not have the best of the game but he still make things happen and play with his brain
england play is too easy read because the players jhono picks are not able to use their brain and thats why the irish and welsh are better than us

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Ah I thought you meant he wasn't good in general. My mistake and I apologise.

He is out of position though. Maybe should have put cueto at full back and monye on the wing

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Just seen.. Oz got a try through poor officiating and then got the lead against Bell through the same.


well done oz.. utterly undeserved. Pathetic for an SH team to need that help.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

They were bound to win but they do not deserve this scoreline.

take away 8 points from the officials and it's a different game.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

A lot of us said Moyne should not play 15, now it is a test of Johnson as manager -

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posted Nov 7, 2009

, Right now lets stop trying to score tries... wilko, drop em.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Erinle: What's the point?
Monye: As much a fullback as my gran, and she's dead.
Geraghty: I read somewhere he was good?
Bell: What a player. Not.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Oz.. what a joke.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Looks like Geraghty has played his last game for England; poor passing, kicking,tackling, generally poor

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posted Nov 7, 2009

johno is a total failure until now
hes more to blame than the players imo

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posted Nov 7, 2009

comment by trebell (U9277532)
posted 1 Minute Ago

Oz.. what a joke.

Spot on, which makes the scoreline even more embarrassing.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Perhaps we need some Tongans, Kiwi and PNG players to be (still not very) good..

Getting beat up front now by bunch of softies my Nan could kick in.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

No score from England for 40 mins, this is utter tosh. I was impressed in the first 20 mins, but this is school boy from England and Johnson should look elsewhere in my opinion for another job that has no contact with coaching, or rugby management. Terribly naive stuff from england. i mean, these are the Elite players right? Or have I missed something?

Vino?? your thoughts?

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Why why why!?! Winning position and some fantastic defensive work to this!!!

Pathetic! No attempt to regain monentum or anything. Instead we concede 2 soft tries which a one armed hobo could defend.

You can't really blame the injuries either. We have more of a talent pool than australia.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Oddly though this all does Englands depth for the future no harm at all.

We just need our players managed better so we never get this many injured at once again.. never happens to the SH does it!

Can't wait to see Wales and Ireland tank this comedy team.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

We have got to start grasping basic ideas of the modern game, quick ball and dynamic running with and without ball - England stuck in the past still - if MJ doesn't bring in some coaches who can do the job the he should go also.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

What a shame for England, they looked the better side in the first half but some very odd substitutions have cost them the match.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

what a pathetic display....
Erinle...please stay in France
Geraghty...The Irish must be so happy he chose to play for England..
Bell...dear oh dear

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posted Nov 7, 2009

"johno is a total failure until now"

Yep a total failure. I will pick you up on a couple of points though.

1. He only has a handful of his first choice team.

2. England are playing against one of the top 3 sides in the world.

So stop whinging and try getting behind the team.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Why do England persist on playing people out of position? I think we are in major trouble if we have no full back cover for Armitage.Monye isn`t even the best winger in England.Bring in a proper full back, get rid of Monye and bring in Simpson Daniel.I guess JSD`s problem is he isn`t big enough to smash through players which seems to be a requirement these days.He will give you guile and momentum though

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posted Nov 7, 2009

We just need our players managed better so we never get this many injured at once again.. never happens to the SH does it!

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But then the depth of talent which you have picked up on should be as good as if not better than the players they have replaced. If they aren't then why pick them?

It's not the man managment which is the problem, it's the fact there is no plan B. Instead of going back to what wins low scoring games (penalties and drop goals) for some unbeknown reason it suddenly became a "good" idea to run against an aussie side which were getting back into the game.

There is no excuse for complacency. We have seen it time and time again from england.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Oh Dear, anyone wanna buy an England Jersey off me? I can't wear it anymore. This is like the 1980s all over again.

Johnson !!!!!!!!!!

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posted Nov 7, 2009

England have not scored since the 25th minute?

How's that even remotely possible at Twickenham ???

Anyone? I'm looking for answers here.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Just to make my day worse Redruth lost by a point at home.

It was a rare day i felt too unwell to go.

Still.. 80k Player budget loses by a point to 2 million one? Hold your heads up my Cornish boys.. you can be very very proud.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

EXACTLY THE SAME AS BLOODY LAST YEAR.

Decent 1st half,at least some shape and composure.

After the break a total sodding embarrasment.
No basic ball control.
No incision,just pass the thing along the line and hope a hole opens up.
No dynamism.
No leadership
NO points.
Is Johnson up to the job,judging from his tenure so far he aint.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

Johnny and Moody were the only players who could be pleased with their performance today.

Cueto, Croft and Borthwick werent bad however. With Haskell and Hartley doing well off the bench.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

I am sick to death of how England are prearing for the Future. No no no. They have been saying that for 5 years.

England have a serious issue and it is the wrong coaching set up. Plain as. Get of Johnson now while there is time to bring in a dynamic approach, he ain't good enough. I woudl suggest NOTTINS, he seems to be a know it all. Wonder what he would do?

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posted Nov 7, 2009

And Red Baron said England by 10. Wishful thinking you big dosey muppet. You mean to say, England to lose by two tries to nill and a decision to not score anything else after the 25th minute.

Three steps back for England and the abyss gets darker and deeper with every single game they play.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

12 days preperation as well in contrast to jet-lagged Aus.....no excuses there guys...
I think JG got it right in last Sundays S.Times...no brains are the problem, the players have to learn to try to run round opposing players and not just run straight at them.Some basic skills would also help too.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

"Three steps back for England and the abyss gets darker and deeper with every single game they play."

it's worse for oz.. they need 20 players missing to win. they are rubbish.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

I didnt think it was that bad an improved display, the forwards perform alot better, but the backs misfired. Remeber Australia have just been through several games against South Africa and New Zealend, this was a new England side, any consistency gone because of injury, but they looked in much better shape then they have done.

Positives: Wilkison, Moody, Wilson, Hartley, Locks and Lawes didnt do anything wrong.

Negatives: Monye, Banahan and most of the backline.

I said it before the game but Monye shouldnt play 15, he is a decent albeit predictable winger. We needed a least one of Strettle, Foden or Tait in that team, even off the bench, not an uncapped older player like Erinle.

But believe me that was alot better then the mess we have been seeing. We could try to see the game out, but that wouldve been a risk. It was the first game for a new centre partnership, Wilkinson had an excellent comeback.

Going forward I would look for Hartley, Lawes to start and Tait to be brought back to the bench over Erinle. I would also rethink the back three. Persist with Geraghty at 12, but Hipkiss has proven me right, he did little wrong, but didnt really contribute anything towards us getting a try.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

I shudder to think of what the scoreline would have been if Wilkinson had been unable to play...

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posted Nov 7, 2009

I still cant believe Englands display in the second half. What went wrong???

On a positive note, it was great to see JW looking his best again.

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posted Nov 7, 2009

We cannot rely on JW to play S.Africa an NZ on his own...

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posted Nov 7, 2009

plenty of new faces in the Wallabies lineup - we've had our fair share of injuries but nothing like your lot. It is definitely a developmental side imo with Robbie trying to reshape the team.

still, it was enough to beat you again and it will only get worse with the ABs

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