England RUGBY

[paddyc]

Really good performance against the All Blacks this morning with an inexperinced team.If we had cut out the unforced errors when in good positions and for a couple of poor/inconsistent decisions by Nigel Owens, it could have been a different score.Admittedly the AB's were not at there best but with familiar faces returning for next weeks test England are certainly progressing well with in time next years World Cup.

 

[Beezerk]

Watched the last 20 mins, basic mistakes cost us but the All Blacks do look powerful as a whole.

 

[guest100718]

I was watching on live text, seemed like a good game.

 

[fundy]

Utterly amazed at how competitive we were with a side missing a lot of first choice options, we won more than our share at the breakdown an area where most expected us to get blown away and totally dominated the scrum. Shows we are starting to develop a decent strength in depth and things starting to look quite positive for the future, thought Burns was excellent at 10.

Be interesting to see what happens next week, how many of the so called first choice players return to the side and whether the All Blacks are as rusty as they were today. That said they will most likely need to make some changes, at least for the set piece where they were awful today. Strangely wouldnt be surprised to see England make a lot of changes and actually end up losing by more but long term the high level of competition for places can only be a good thing

 

[GB72]

Well I was wrong, total surprise and a great effort. Was not convinced that Tigers signing Burns was a good move but after today I am far more confident about it. That said, if Farrell is going to be first choice, I would still be tempted to have Cipriani on the bench as an impact sub

 

[paddyc]

Well I was wrong, total surprise and a great effort. Was not convinced that Tigers signing Burns was a good move but after today I am far more confident about it. That said, if Farrell is going to be first choice, I would still be tempted to have Cipriani on the bench as an impact sub

Yeah Burns was terrific and Cipriani wanted to prove a point when he came on and did really well. It is amazing he is still only 26,seems like he's been around for ages.Certainly some competition at No 10 now for Farrell, who will need to perform to keep his place.

 

[fundy]

Yeah Burns was terrific and Cipriani wanted to prove a point when he came on and did really well. It is amazing he is still only 26,seems like he's been around for ages.Certainly some competition at No 10 now for Farrell, who will need to perform to keep his place.

have to say after the last 2 games hes had not totally convinced Farrell the right option at all for 2nd test (and im a sarries fan), 2 exceptionally hard games both physically and mentally and not convinced he'll be able to get himself up again, would be having a look at the other fly halfs if i was Lancaster

 

[GB72]

I agree, now the squad players have shown that they can step u, the Sarries and Northampton players should be on the bench at the most. The need time off

 

[fundy]

I agree, now the squad players have shown that they can step u, the Sarries and Northampton players should be on the bench at the most. The need time off

should never even have left these isles for me, but then the old farts at the RFU know best lol

 

[MashieNiblick]

Enjoyed the match. Good to see that England weren't overawed despite lacking experience and were prepared to take the game to the All Blacks. My worry is that touring teams traditionally do best in the first game. Think the ABs have plenty still in their locker.

 

[USER1999]

Sad to be watching Steffon armitage playing for a world 15 against South Africa.

 

[Deleted member 1418]

Sad to be watching Steffon armitage playing for a world 15 against South Africa.

Agree. Best back rower in Europe by some distance.

An inexperienced England gave the All Blacks (who admittedly were rusty) one almighty scare. Love the fact we are playing a 3 match test series against them. Would like England to do the same against the top 3 SH teams in the future. Can't wait for the next two tests - England may not win them but they have the opportunity to give the ABs something to think about leading up to the World Cup.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Decent performance without some of the top players. I think they could be peaking perfectly for the WC next year

 

[Piece]

Could be that the Kiwis are starting to lose their aura. Lets hope we step up again on Sat so that I don't have to regret that first sentence!

 

[fundy]

Could be that the Kiwis are starting to lose their aura. Lets hope we step again on Sat so that I don't have to regret that first sentence!

wow thats one hell of a brave statement! bit early for that assessment for me

 

[Val]

Bottom line is England lost the test regardless of how well they played BUT it is another sign of improvement under Lancaster.

I have to say though I was very impressed with Freddie Burns.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Now I sooooo want England to hammer the All Blacks

 

[Val]

Now I sooooo want England to hammer the All Blacks

I'll be 100% honest and say I don't care who wins but if the all blacks do win I'll have a smirk.

Whilst on the rugby front, any Bath fans on the forum?

 

[GB72]

Brave call to put Tuillagi on the wing. He has played there before for Tigers so not a new position and with Burrell and 36 playing well it is the only way to get all 3 on the pitch. I have concerns about his defense but I am fascinated to see how this works. He is quick and we know he is strong so this is one of those selections that is worth a try but could prove genius or madness

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Brave call to put Tuillagi on the wing. He has played there before for Tigers so not a new position and with Burrell and 36 playing well it is the only way to get all 3 on the pitch. I have concerns about his defense but I am fascinated to see how this works. He is quick and we know he is strong so this is one of those selections that is worth a try but could prove genius or madness

:rofl:
He just doesnt seem to have that little bit extra to make him a real star in the middle

The problem England have is they have a number of quality centres - Tuilagi, Barritt , Burrell , Twelvetrees, Eastmond and hasnt a rugby league player just moved over ( one of the brothers ?) . Lots to chose from.