England post 2022 6Ns, Aus tour and beyond

First topic message reminder :

sensisball wrote:
With Bath enduring a terrible season how many tries has Cokonasiga scored?

In five starts and four sub appearances he's bagged five tries. One appearance and one try for England.

It's a bench lacking experience but it's the type of players we'd like to have as options come the world cup.

Ignore the front row that pretty much picked itself.

Chessum - covers lock and 6 highly mobile and physical, good lineout option and we've been desperate for a young lock to come through.

Ludlam - covers 8 and 7 which is what the bench needs, club captain so adds much needed leadership here.

JVP - no one likes the current 9 options for last season's Under 20 captain and player of the J6N gets a chance. Best kicking game of the three 9s on tour and likes to play high tempo.

Porter - covers every position in the backs outside of 9 and 10, could probably do a job on the flank as well. Eddie likes a versatility option as they very much help the overall squad come world cup so audition time for Guy.

Arundell - exciting young player, not ready yet but Eddie will be hoping some international game time might speed up his development. Unlikely starter but potential game changer off the bench, always handy to have one of those at a world cup. Porter's inclusion means Arundell won't have to go in early unless there's multiple injuries.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

BamBam wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:When are taking back Iwan Stephens?

I dunno, when you get desperate for a new winger probably. If in doubt turn to the Prem academies to figure it out

Turn to granny Facebook pages first, that’s what is known as scouting over there

English developed Welsh team is coming together. Odd that it's mainly backs and less forwards.

1. -
2. -
3. Francis
4. Rowlands
5. -
6. -
7. Reffell
8. -
9. -
10. Costelow
11. Stephens
12. Williams
13. Tompkins
14. Rees-Zammit
15. Adams (well Wuss would certainly claim him)

As we're including uncapped players. George Nott's reconnecting with his Welsh roots and heading to the Dragons this summer

Cumbrian wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

BamBam wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:When are taking back Iwan Stephens?

I dunno, when you get desperate for a new winger probably. If in doubt turn to the Prem academies to figure it out

Turn to granny Facebook pages first, that’s what is known as scouting over there

English developed Welsh team is coming together. Odd that it's mainly backs and less forwards.

1. -
2. -
3. Francis
4. Rowlands
5. Nott
6.
7. Reffell
8. Moriarty
9. -
10. Sheedy
11. Stephens
12. Williams
13. Tompkins
14. Rees-Zammit
15. Adams (well Wuss would certainly claim him)

Could provide cover with Jonah Holmes? Possibly Callum Sheedy too? Maybe Ross Moriarty could slot into the back-row?

Yes Sheedy over Costelow and Moriarty into the backrow. Good calls. Nott in as well. Holmes would be a good option at 15 or Ioan Lloyd from Bristol.

Or Tshiunza.

Daffydd Jenkins at lock too, making good progress with Exeter. Sean Lonsdale and Max Clark also WQ and coming on over. You could make a case for WillGriff John too, couldn't get anywhere until he toured the world and then ended up at Sale after playing in the championship. So just missing a LH and hooker I guess.

mikey_dragon wrote:Daffydd Jenkins at lock too, making good progress with Exeter. Sean Lonsdale and Max Clark also WQ and coming on over. You could make a case for WillGriff John too, couldn't get anywhere until he toured the world and then ended up at Sale after playing in the championship. So just missing a LH and hooker I guess.

Mickey, genuine question (not trolling) does it bother you that so many young Welsh players choose to take this route into professional rugby? Given how the regions are performing it doesn't seem a great situation. If the regions were overflowing with talent and these lads couldn't get into the system, that would be an indicator of strength. There are a lot of accomplished young players on the list, who seem to be better than their contemporaries who have stayed in Wales (I’m think of the likes of Sheedy and maybe the Lloyd brothers at Bris as examples).

From an English point of view, I don't particularly like seeing players developed in the English system lost to other nations (if feels like a waste of increasingly limited resources), but I'm pragmatic to see that we have plenty teams and options open to us.

Isn't that simply a matter of economics, services, size of a neighbouring country? Not as if Wales are producing through the regions for themselves. And Cardiff Uni are doing ok for England...just gotta be careful Wales don't manage to grab the next Morgan, Dombrandt etc.

Can hardly blame the poor lads for wanting to leave Wales at the earliest opportunity. If they were good enough for England then that’s just a bonus

This should be a great weekend with lots of good Rugby. Unfortunately, this also signals the end of a very long season. Although as a doc I strongly favour a shorter season, I have become so conditioned to watch some form of Rugby each and every weekend, I'm now worried about withdrawal symptoms. And if I have to spend time actually talking to my wife, PTSD as well.

Cumbrian wrote:Mickey, genuine question (not trolling) does it bother you that so many young Welsh players choose to take this route into professional rugby?  Given how the regions are performing it doesn't seem a great situation.  If the regions were overflowing with talent and these lads couldn't get into the system, that would be an indicator of strength.  There are a lot of accomplished young players on the list, who seem to be better than their contemporaries who have stayed in Wales (I’m think of the likes of Sheedy and maybe the Lloyd brothers at Bris as examples).

From an English point of view, I don't particularly like seeing players developed in the English system lost to other nations (if feels like a waste of increasingly limited resources), but I'm pragmatic to see that we have plenty teams and options open to us.

I'd say no, but I say that at a time it is working in our favour. Daffydd wouldn't have got game time at Ospreys. Him and Christ both got a shot with Exeter and so far they look good enough for pro rugby. Baxter can develop young players better than any of the Regions; like you say the Regions aren't in a good place but it can't get no worse so hopefully it gets better from here. We'll get those two to come home when the time is right and say thanks Rob.
Sheedy isn't better than anyone else at the Regions IMO but the Lloyd brothers are supremely talented. Seeing as they moved on the Regions have had to unearth other players (which some of them have). Dan Thomas is also a good player but we can't say he's better than anyone we have, since the regions keep churning out open-sides. We didn't think Reffell was better either, but now he's on the scene I think there's a chance he might be! Tigers developed him whilst the rest were bringing on Basham, Morgan, Botham, etc alongide the established Wainwright, Tipuric, Navidi. Therefore it can be indicator of strength in some instances. Some guys (like Thomas, John, Adams) were just lost and deemed surplus. It's not unusual for players to go elsewhere and improve, it happens often.

I agree it isn't great from your perspective, but with a vast player-pool and 14 (or more) pro clubs it isn't going to have much of a negative effect, yet. I'm not a fan of the granny and residency rule but it's there, and whilst we keep benefitting from it I'm not going to complain . Rowlands was okay at first but has since become a great international lock over the last year. Like others have said you do get some English players who get spotted whilst playing in Wales - some of which playing at a Welsh uni and then getting game times with a WP club.

doctor_grey wrote:This should be a great weekend with lots of good Rugby.  Unfortunately, this also signals the end of a very long season.  Although as a doc I strongly favour a shorter season, I have become so conditioned to watch some form of Rugby each and every weekend, I'm now worried about withdrawal symptoms.

While this doesn't count for many, the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens runs for three days from the 29th July, and the final round of the Sevens World Series is in Los Angeles from the 27th August. The top 3 standings are South Africa - 124, Australia - 122 and Argentina - 118. If Argentina win, with Australia no higher than 3rd, and South Africa no higher than 4th, then Argentina will claim the title.

15. Freddie Steward

14. Jack Nowell

13. Guy Porter

12. Owen Farrell

11. Tommy Freeman

10. Marcus Smith

9. Danny Care

1. Ellis Genge

2. Jamie George

3. Will Stuart

4. Ollie Chessum

5. Jonny Hill

6. Courtney Lawes (C)

7. Lewis Ludlam

8. Billy Vunipola

Finishers

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie

17. Mako Vunipola

18. Joe Heyes

19. Nick Isiekwe

20. Jack Willis

21. Jack van Poortlviet

22. Will Joseph

23. Henry Arundell

There still doesn't feel much threat with that back 3 without May. Covid obviously hit him hard to miss all 3 games.

Australia: Hodge, Wright, Paisami, Kerevi, Koroibete, Lolesio, White, Valetini, Hooper (capt), Wilson, Philip, Frost, Tupou, Porecki, Slipper.

Replacements: Fainga'a, Bell, Ala'alatoa, Leota, Samu, McDermott, Ikitau, Vunivalu.

England: Steward, Nowell, Porter, Farrell, Freeman, Smith, Care, B Vunipola, Ludlam, Lawes (capt), Hill, Chessum, Stuart, George, Genge.

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, M Vunipola, Heyes, Isiekwe, Willis, Van Poortvliet, Joseph, Arundell.

Very harsh on JVP unless that's a tactical move and he'll enter the fray early in the second half to try and counter the swing in momentum we've seen in the last two games. Where's Marchant?

Surely he's injured Sam? Not seen any update on him or May.

No 7&1/2 wrote:There still doesn't feel much threat with that back 3 without May. Covid obviously hit him hard to miss all 3 games.

Freeman averaged 0.7 tries a game last season (14 tries in. 20 appearances, 16 of which were starts).

Steward averaged 0.4 (11 in 31 with 30 starts).

Nowell averaged 0.1, 3 in 22 appearances of which 20 were starts.

May 0.5 average (7 in 13 of which 12 were starts).

Having May in there over Nowell would certainly help give us more of an attacking edge but I think there's more to come from Freeman who looked pretty good last weekend with limited chances. Nowell's stats have been good in terms of metres made and completed tackles but he does need to refind that try scoring touch.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Surely he's injured Sam? Not seen any update on him or May.

I'm assuming Marchant must be unwell or injured. May well have been knocked for 6 by Covid, it can sit on the chest rather unpleasantly so might be restricting his cardiovascular capabilities in the short term. Somewhat worrying when JVP is the experienced back on the bench.

Just going on the look from last week with threat Sam, though without that knock on you'd have thought that Freeman would have bagged 1 (how that wasn't a pen try I don't know). Just doesn't look or feel quite right to me, 2 full backs and a winger a few people thought probably could/should be moved to full back. Positives are that we basically took the kicking options away from Aus but I'm not exactly on the edge of my seat when any gets ball in hand.

The bench is what you could describe as exciting. It's an inexperienced team on the whole, and more so most of the bench. I'm confident looking at it though.

Interesting to see Care started over Van Poortvliet. As ruck presentation was better last week, Jones must be hoping for the same again, to see if Care can get more out of Marcus Smith early in the match.

van Poortvliet played really well last week, perhaps it's the chance for Care to either play himself into the team for the AIs, or play himself out for....Youngs

Rugby Fan wrote:Interesting to see Care started over Van Poortvliet. As ruck presentation was better last week, Jones must be hoping for the same again, to see if Care can get more out of Marcus Smith early in the match.

I think you are on to something here. If we have finally learnt to present properly to help quick ball then Danny Care is the scrum half who will cause more carnage in a running game. To my mind Eddie's set up a game plan that will start fast and dominate the air. We might just see more snipping in the final third from care. JVP looked good coming off the bench so I can't see any big weakness at 9.

I agree that the big difference between the 1st and 2nd tests was the quality of England's rucking - a lot more confident and aggressive in the second test, and it showed in the quality of ball. JVP played well, but Care did a good job of steadying the ship when Australia looked threatening.

I imagine Eddie is expecting a high intensity game from the off and wants a little more control in the early stages with the option to speed things up later on.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Just going on the look from last week with threat Sam, though without that knock on you'd have thought that Freeman would have bagged 1 (how that wasn't a pen try I don't know). Just doesn't look or feel quite right to me, 2 full backs and a winger a few people thought probably could/should be moved to full back. Positives are that we basically took the kicking options away from Aus but I'm not exactly on the edge of my seat when any gets ball in hand.

The bench is what you could describe as exciting. It's an inexperienced team on the whole, and more so most of the bench. I'm confident looking at it though.

Freeman has played as much it not more wing at senior level than fullback. In theory he's what we need as he's big, quick and good under the high ball. He saved a try with his pace covering across from the kick through in the second half.

Poorfour wrote:I agree that the big difference between the 1st and 2nd tests was the quality of England's rucking - a lot more confident and aggressive in the second test, and it showed in the quality of ball. JVP played well, but Care did a good job of steadying the ship when Australia looked threatening.

I imagine Eddie is expecting a high intensity game from the off and wants a little more control in the early stages with the option to speed things up later on.

Not sure Care will offer more control but he can offer a higher tempo and a lot more experience. The second test had a notable change in tactics with a lot more kicking which JVP did very well and isn't normally a Danny Care speciality, kicking from his own 22 in particular is a Care weakness. Maybe that's a reason behind the switch. Care looked good off the bench last weekend, JVP looked cream crackered and Care came on and brought some calm assurance.

I'm hoping England go hard attack in the first half with Care playing the way he likes and then a switch to second test first half tactics early in the second with JVP keeping Australia in their half fighting to get out. You'd hope Smith playing off a marauding Care who doesn't need to save energy in the first half and then counter attacking from clearing kicks against a pinned in Australia in the second half will see him come alive. Two scenarios that should suit Smith.

Freeman is what we need at wing going forward do you mean Sam or in this game? For this one there aren't many other options though personally I'd have Freeman and Cokanasiga on the wings now, given the last game (before that I'd have thrown Arundell straight in); some consistency is better though.

For the AIs and beyond Freeman isn't really more than bench cover for me, and not first choice bench cover. Prefer him to the likes of Daly and Malins who took that role but not going to oust Steward and there are about 5 wingers I'd have on the wing above him. Defensively looks good, as of yet not clicking in attack. Like my first post said though, maybe this is the time and suddenly him and Nowell are rounding people in plenty of space and look great.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Freeman is what we need at wing going forward do you mean Sam or in this game? For this one there aren't many other options though personally I'd have Freeman and Cokanasiga on the wings now, given the last game (before that I'd have thrown Arundell straight in); some consistency is better though.

For the AIs and beyond Freeman isn't really more than bench cover for me, and not first choice bench cover. Prefer him to the likes of Daly and Malins who took that role but not going to oust Steward and there are about 5 wingers I'd have on the wing above him. Defensively looks good, as of yet not clicking in attack. Like my first post said though, maybe this is the time and suddenly him and Nowell are rounding people in plenty of space and look great.

I think Freeman could be a long term option on the wing actually. He's not clicking in attack but he's barely got to touch the ball due to the general malaise around 10/12 and the lack of creation this tour. He was solid, made one nice break last weekend and saved a try. He's worth persevering with as I think until Watson is fit Freeman does that right wing role well. Nowell is the one more under threat for me, stats all look decent but little of those stats are particularly telling parts in a game. There's not a notable break that leads to something or a try saving tackle.

Out of interest who are the five you are lining up to come in?

5 I would have before him, May, Watson, Radwan, Hassell-Collins, Lynagh.
There are actually more, as I'd pick Cokanasiga and I keep umming and ahhing over whether I think Murley is a good club winger and possibly not really an international.

I do see Arundell as more a full back, I'd have him as a more dangerous winger than Freeman too.

No 7&1/2 wrote:5 I would have before him, May, Watson, Radwan, Hassell-Collins, Lynagh.
There are actually more, as I'd pick Cokanasiga and I keep umming and ahhing over whether I think Murley is a good club winger and possibly not really an international.

I do see Arundell as more a full back, I'd have him as a more dangerous winger than Freeman too.

Hassell-Collins doesn't have the same all round game as Freeman, I see that as a step down particularly at international level. Freeman scored more tries in less games than Hassell-Collins last season as well.

May and Watson are the preferred pairing but injuries and age (May more than Watson) are starting to count against them. They both need an injury free year to make the world cup squad. Somewhat selfishly I'm hoping Watson getting a full pre season in (he's already working with sprint coaches at Loughborough University) will see him flying and back to his best.

Radwan, not sure why he's out but I assume Eddie's given him some work ons that he needs to deliver on. I'd like to see him come back in but I imagine he's been challenged to show more under the high ball and a better kicking game.

Lynagh looks like he's had second season syndrome. Wasn't that impressed by him last season, more so by Murley. Lynagh has a 0.5 average try to game ratio so again behind Freeman, Freeman the more accomplished all rounder. Be interesting to see if Lynagh can kick on again next season, if Murley had been selected I don't think anyone would have complained he was Mr Reliable for Quins last season.

No 7&1/2 wrote:5 I would have before him, May, Watson, Radwan, Hassell-Collins, Lynagh.
There are actually more, as I'd pick Cokanasiga and I keep umming and ahhing over whether I think Murley is a good club winger and possibly not really an international.

I do see Arundell as more a full back, I'd have him as a more dangerous winger than Freeman too.

i can't argue May and Watson, but the others all have areas of their game that cannot match what Freeman has. He brings all the skills of a 15 to the wing position without having to sacrifice anything.

Sound defense / positioning, good under the high ball defensively, good chase and catch game, monster boot, looks for work infield, good finisher. Each of your selection may be better at one or two things, but not the whole package

Sam, have you been reading my mind? You just beat me to the reply.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:5 I would have before him, May, Watson, Radwan, Hassell-Collins, Lynagh.
There are actually more, as I'd pick Cokanasiga and I keep umming and ahhing over whether I think Murley is a good club winger and possibly not really an international.

I do see Arundell as more a full back, I'd have him as a more dangerous winger than Freeman too.

Hassell-Collins doesn't have the same all round game as Freeman, I see that as a step down particularly at international level. Freeman scored more tries in less games than Hassell-Collins last season as well.

May and Watson are the preferred pairing but injuries and age (May more than Watson) are starting to count against them. They both need an injury free year to make the world cup squad. Somewhat selfishly I'm hoping Watson getting a full pre season in (he's already working with sprint coaches at Loughborough University) will see him flying and back to his best.

Radwan, not sure why he's out but I assume Eddie's given him some work ons that he needs to deliver on. I'd like to see him come back in but I imagine he's been challenged to show more under the high ball and a better kicking game.

Lynagh looks like he's had second season syndrome. Wasn't that impressed by him last season, more so by Murley. Lynagh has a 0.5 average try to game ratio so again behind Freeman, Freeman the more accomplished all rounder. Be interesting to see if Lynagh can kick on again next season, if Murley had been selected I don't think anyone would have complained he was Mr Reliable for Quins last season.

Never been a fan of picking out try scoring stats tbh. Don't think Freeman is the better winger.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:5 I would have before him, May, Watson, Radwan, Hassell-Collins, Lynagh.
There are actually more, as I'd pick Cokanasiga and I keep umming and ahhing over whether I think Murley is a good club winger and possibly not really an international.

I do see Arundell as more a full back, I'd have him as a more dangerous winger than Freeman too.

i can't argue May and Watson, but the others all have areas of their game that cannot match what Freeman has. He brings all the skills of a 15 to the wing position without having to sacrifice anything.

Sound defense / positioning, good under the high ball defensively, good chase and catch game, monster boot, looks for work infield, good finisher.  Each of your selection may be better at one or two things, but not the whole package

You may well be right. All round better skills does not equate to me as the obvious choice though. Similar to discussions around Robshaw for years for instance (though I'm digging my grave slightly here as I was fan). Pretty good in all aspects but plenty would have picked an out and out fetcher, or the big lump in Garvey etc. As above (and probably exaggerated more with Nowell being on the other wing) if the ball makes it to him with space on the wing I would be more confident of others finishing the chance.

No 7&1/2 wrote:

Never been a fan of picking out try scoring stats tbh. Don't think Freeman is the better winger.

Yeah, I'm absolutely fine with Freeman starting. He's a really good prospect in good form and no point not giving him a couple of games on the bounce if you're going to bring him in.

But try scoring rate will only ever be part of the picture. Not saying he's the right player here,  but there's no doubt Radwan for example would have scored more tries this season in a better team. Guys like Freeman, OHC, Malins, Murley, Lynagh etc definitely benefit from playing in teams that generate a lot of opportunities.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Sam, have you been reading my mind? You just beat me to the reply.

I dunno, I'm not normally a fan of talking up Saints or their players but he is just in great form at the minute and offers enough of everything to get a chance. Hopefully both he and Porter get more ball in hand this week.

7&1/2 yeah stats do need to be taken in context. In this case you'd argue that three teams going for a top 4 spot and all playing attacking brands of rugby would make Hassell-Collins, Freeman and Lynagh loosely comparative. Looking at who they scored against and from where on the field would also be a consideration but I don't have the time for that.

Perhaps what Freeman has over the others is a skill set that suits international matches better. Defensive alignment is vital as well as the ability to field high balls and kick accurately too. He was good on Saturday I thought and played his part on putting pressure on Australia. I still think we need one absolute flyer as it really puts pressure on opponents.

May and Watson are massive losses. Not many wing pairings have their combination of all round skills and pace.

I really rate Freeman though. He has strong basics, is quick and powerful.

Nowell to his credit had one of his best games for a long time in T2 as well. He lacks the out and out pace I'd ideally want in a wing but if his defensive work can stay at the level it was on Saturday, which was exceptional, and he keeps breaking tackles with regularity then he's a good option to have around. Ideally I'd rather wings such as May and Watson (maybe Arundell...) with more pace but I still think Nowell is a good option.

One thing we are probably missing as well is May's speed on the kick chase, we don't have anyone who can pressure like he could.

I'd love to see how May links up with Smith - on form Smith is really good with his kick pass game and I think May would be great for that. Obviously that means Smith settling a little more though first.

Got this from the Guardian:

Eddie Jones has called for World Rugby to convene an urgent summit of leading players, coaches and referees to discuss how to enhance international rugby union as a spectacle. Jones says he has “had enough” of the game’s increasingly stop-start nature and that top-level talks need to be convened before this autumn’s Tests in Europe.

England’s head coach, who has also cast doubt over the merit of the proposed “Nations League” concept that is poised to replace traditional tours, is concerned the essence of rugby is being lost in the welter of yellow and red cards, overzealous officiating, TMO referrals and set-piece delays that routinely interrupt the flow of the modern game.

The issues have been further highlighted in Australia by Wednesday’s classic, fast-paced State of Origin rugby league decider, which contrasted sharply with, for example, last Saturday’s New Zealand v Ireland game in Dunedin. There were so many stoppages, sanctions and arcane law interpretations that Jones and many others felt it was a worrying advertisement for the sport.

“I don’t want to see a New Zealand-Ireland game like that ever again,” said Jones. “Otherwise imagine at the next World Cup … you play a quarter-final, you get a red card and two yellows, you’re down to 12 men and it’s just ridiculous. The referees are being put under pressure here. We can’t blame them.

“I’ve been speaking to a few ex-coaches. The referees, coaches and players need to get together and say ‘This is the game we want. This is the game people want to see.’ I’m certainly going to be pushing for it because I’ve had enough.”

Jones, who has made three starting changes to his side for Saturday’s series decider against the Wallabies, is adamant the sport’s governing body needs to act fast. “We’ve got to get a better balance in the game. There’s a rhythm to how rugby is looked at and officiated and we’ve got to get in a good rhythm again. We don’t have it at the moment. Every time we get a flow in the game, there’s a stoppage.

“We’ve just gone too far down one road. There are discussions all the time and World Rugby are doing their best. But certainly before November I’m going to be agitating for something like [a summit]. Let’s get the game going.”

Jones says every coach to whom he has spoken is in agreement that a serious debate needs to happen. “Everyone goes up north in November so I’m sure we can organise something. I do know we need to get everyone on the same page and start moving towards the game we really want. We’ve got to keep the game safe, don’t get me wrong, but accidental head contact and this incessant use of the TMO … we’ve got to cut that out.”

Jones, who has preferred Danny Care as his starting scrum-half over Jack van Poortvliet because he expects a faster-paced start to Saturday’s game, has also spoken out in favour of retaining three-Test tours rather than the potential new format of one-off Tests against a range of nations. “It would be very sad,” he said.

“This series has had a storyline to it and it creates interest. To lose these rugby-like tours would be disappointing for the game. The players would miss out on opportunities to be better people and better rugby players.


“Our game is different. We have to be careful about keeping the unique. It would be easy to change rugby into a mass entertainment sport, but it might not be so interesting in 10 years’ time.”

Australia have made four starting changes for the series finale, which has been described as “massive” by the Wallabies head coach, Dave Rennie. Into the back row comes Queensland’s Harry Wilson for his first appearance of the series with Nick Frost starting in the second row and James Slipper resuming at loosehead prop. Reece Hodge comes in at full-back with the winger Suliasi Vunivalu, a former Fiji international rugby league player, in line for a debut off the bench.


Jones, who, as expected, has promoted Ollie Chessum and Lewis Ludlam from the bench in place of the injured Maro Itoje and Sam Underhill, says his team “will make a statement” at the Sydney Cricket Ground and seek to play with the hard-nosed edge of a former Australia cricket captain. “That’s how we want to play, like Ian Chappell did. Walk on to the field, own it and play with plenty of purpose and plenty of energy. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”


Still seems that coaches and players have to realise that they are the ones that can put an end to these yellows and reds by tackling lower.

Yoda wrote:Perhaps what Freeman has over the others is a skill set that suits international matches better. Defensive alignment is vital as well as the ability to field high balls and kick accurately too. He was good on Saturday I thought and played his part on putting pressure on Australia. I still think we need one absolute flyer as it really puts pressure on opponents.

The one skill Freeman which does not get mentioned quite so much, is his ability and innate skill to be in position to track a play almost as well as Chris Ashton.  And regardless about Ashton's other plusses and minuses (we saw them all), he tracked a play to be in position to make a break almost as well as anyone in the modern game.  Freeman also looks to set other people up, too.  For me, considering Freeman is already solid across the skill set and is still improving.  He is fast, good vision, can kick tactically or for distance accurately, strong under kicks, pass, catch, fast, shifty, defends well, etc.. In fact, under kicks, he has 'bolas de acero'.

England making too many mistakes so far. Very fortunate that the Wallabies are making almost as many

Complete shambles so far ...

That was a real good early chance for Australia - Hodge passing into touch

Why did the ref not play advantage when the Wallabies were in the middle of a backs move?

Was there an obstruction?

That pass looked a mile forwards - not a good sign that the officials couldn't see it ...

This is a dire start from both. Australia butchered two try-scoring chances through woeful passes. England no discipline whatsoever.

Jeez how many chances are the Wallabies going to blow!

0 out of 10 for both teams and the officials so far ...

It's pretty much perfect rugby playing weather in Sydney just now - why so many mistakes

Another forward pass ... jeez

How did the ref miss Hooper pulling Care’s elbow there?

Plenty of forward passes being missed.

This is a very poor game compared to what we’ve just watched in NZ

The difference in quality between this and the Ireland game is pretty vast