Comments on: RWC 2019: Day 7 Update

By: Hendog

Hendog — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 18:06:09 +0000

Good point about handling. I haven’t seen other matches sadly – how are other teams fairing with the humidity and sweaty conditions?

By: Harlequin

Harlequin — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 16:58:25 +0000

Who knows Don?I agree with your comments and nothing so far has minimised my doubts after 4 years preparation and they need to go up at least 2 gears against tier 1 opposition.Maybe they will maybe they won’t.Assuming 1/4 final v Wales we will be very pushed to win based on form to date.Eddie’s complete confidence is misplaced in my view

By: Mike L

Mike L — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 15:58:33 +0000

Doesn’t necessarily mean they didn’t turn up. Could be good defence…

Obviously that is a judgement call, so opinions may differ.

By: Don P

Don P — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 12:48:47 +0000

How about England begin fast AND finish fast?! Bit radical I know, but a full 80? Not a bad idea for me. And isn’t this what the ‘finishers’ (hate that word) are for? England have been routine, adequate so far v moderate oppo. But, they must cut their error rate out. Not just for the Fr game, but for harder games to come. Surprised how sanguine some here are about what should be a concern over their frequent fumbling. Can’t keep blaming humidity. It’s neutral. Anyway, England ought to at have least parity at set piece & an edge in the loose. I expect more however. France are generally less experienced than England, so as the match wears on, they should consequently wear France down. Don’t understand JJ mentioned as playing in the centres. Maybe the bench? Especially as Jones will likely pick his usual backline.. & pack. Probably start latter with 2 7’s, although Wilson at 6 wouldn’t go amiss IMO. More heft, grunt in the tackle? 2 F’s inside, Tui outside? May, Watto.. & Daly, despite TRB’s general punter disapproval of the incumbent 15? I would also take a punt on Heinz’s quicker service to start, but I expect Ed won’t. A note of caution; wouldn’t underestimate France to the extent that their heads will go down if England jump out in front. NZ found this out a couple of times previously & almost again reaktively more recently. Prejudging a team can be a dangerous game. Also, I think France won’t seek to come 2nd best to England. Having stated that, I think it’ll still be England.. by 15-20?

By: Egg Chaser

Egg Chaser — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 11:25:54 +0000

If the French pack get parity/dominate the set piece I’d rather have Farrell at 10 as a better operator on the back foot, but Ford is undoubtedly the more creative FH on the front foot.

By: acee

acee — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 11:05:46 +0000

Anyone think OF will start at centre V Argentina and France? (nose permitting!)

By: jake

jake — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 08:21:01 +0000

I wouldn’t go that far re Brown – England still have Watson to fall back on and I think this could be the case in harder games.
I do think Daly is probably trying to do too much and just needs to play his natural game. His kicking from hand is clearly valuable compared to Watson/May etc. I would like to see more from him in attack – he has pace to burn and players outside him who are faster…he needs to utilise that more.

By: Leon

Leon — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 07:33:57 +0000

With France you need a fast start as if they get a sniff they run rampant but if you get ahead on the scoreboard heads go down and they revert to type

By: Leon

Leon — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 07:32:02 +0000

Personally I don’t want us to strike fear into anyone we perform far better as the underdog

By: Leon

Leon — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 07:30:26 +0000

agreed it went both ways
But given that England had over 70% possession it was more noticeable from the Americans

By: Ten Ton Donut

Ten Ton Donut — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 07:23:58 +0000

Yep Daly seems to be getting worse in every game not better. Poor kicking, bad positioning, falling off tackles, he used to have a good eye for space but that’s gone awol. I wouldn’t have him anywhere near the team at all now hes been terrible.

By: Don P

Don P — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 07:22:01 +0000

They couldn’t score Q.