England Team, named to face South Africa 9/6/12

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Mike Brown has never impressed me in an England shirt, but his form this season would appear to merit selection, I hope he can carry it through to Test level. Similarly Marler has had form not to be ignored, he has the attitude to deal with 'The Beast' I hope he has the nous too.

Not sure if Foden has played wing at Northampton, but he did a few times for Sale and was fairly succesful there, he seemed to have losthis appetite a little during 6N, hope has has refound it.

Similar theme to 6N for this tour for me, not overly fussed by results, manner of performance the major factor. Hope to see us maintian our discipline and defence and begin to build a more varied attack. I am certain we will be competitive, but not sure we have enough yet to win the series.

Unhappiness, where's when I was young
And we didn't give a damn
'Cause we were raised
To see life as a fun and take it if we can

Have to agree , if the test and mid week teams put up creditable performances I will be happy. This will be a huge learning experience for many of the squad and we will not know if they have the ability to step up untill tested.

Fair effort, I suppose.

The Tom Johnson Story

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Firstly can anyone help explain my gaffe in my original post. Pitting Marler against The Beast. I was certain The Beast was a tight head. Has he at least played there internationally to save my blushes?

Secondly "Fair effort", really Raru? I was very disappointed. The area I hoped to see further improvement actually went backwards. During 6N England at least showed a desire to attack, they just weren't hugely effective. This weekend they didn't seem to try until the game was lost. When we did keep ball in hand and let the backs run, we scored a pretty decent try, however, this is rarely likely to be a winning tactic when you save it for the last 30 seconds of the game. Thought the pack did pretty well, mostly well disciplined (though Dylan could find himself in hot water again for a swinging arm), and competitive in all areas. Marler scrummaged well (even though not up against The Beast) and put himself about around the pitch, he should be satisfied with his debut, Doran Jones fell well short of Marlers benchmark. Mike Brown did pretty well for the most part, was certinly composed under the high ball, however, his attempt to tackle de Villiers as he scored his try was barely worthy of the name. [edit] I see here that Bron will now miss rest of tour as a result of a thumb injury picked up during said 'attempted tackle'. Nick Abendanon to replace him. Sah efor Brown, despite that criticism would have liked to see him given another go, and think it very likely he would have been [/edit]

Did anyone count the number of passes our outside centre made? I think it was a round number. Do they play inside and outside? Manu seemed to be in the 12 slot at least as often as Barritt. Farrell seems to have modelled himself on a post 2003 Jonny Wilkinson, and he doesn't have the kicking game to match those low standards. His 'attacking' kick (the chip over onrushing defence) is a good tool, his 'tactical' kicking seems to consist of an aimless hoof up the park. I've banged on about this for a while, but won't shut up until performances prove me wrong, I would like to see Farrell start at 12 with either of Tuilagi or Barritt outside him and a 10 whose first instinct is to get the backs moving.

[edit] Worryingly (for me at least) that article on Brown's injury, which also rules Barritt out of second test suggests that England have trained with Farrell at 10 and Flood at 12, not the other way around[/edit]

[edit again] Although the initial report on Barritt being out for second test might suggest otherwise, but this one just seems confused, movig Tuilagi to inside so Farrell can play outside?[/edit]

There were some positives and I hope the biggest lesson learned was that we do have the backs to attck teams with, but we need to start games with that mindset.


I should add that I thought Tripper had a very good game, the only mistakes I can readily remember him making were 2 missed knocks on (both in Englands favour). I questioned his decisions with more vigour as my frustration grew during the second half, but replay quickly proved him right.

Unhappiness, where's when I was young
And we didn't give a damn
'Cause we were raised
To see life as a fun and take it if we can



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:06:11:06:46:32 by PoyntonShark.

I was talking about Steve Walsh.

Quote:

Rarua
I was talking about Steve Walsh.

Fair comment. His game was more rounded than England's

Farrell is not an international rugby player. I find it pathetic that we are selecting him. I'm all for playing younger players, but not when it is clear they are not up to it. He does ok for Sarries behind their massive pack, but apart from his defence and occasion cute short kicks he offers nothing. No sign of creativity. Not enough pace or strength to play centre.

Hopefully I am wrong and the selection will be of benefit long term, but I just don't see it. I worry about the future of Lancaster, who has been great in almost all areas, when he can't select a sensible midfield. I like Tualagi and Barritt, but not together.