'13 WC | Group A | Australia 28-20 England | Cardiff

[8Ball]

Are the games being replayed on any other stations? I don't have an antenna hooked up only foxtel.

Can't you access 7Mate on Foxtel? Check under All channels.

 

[Mr Angry]

Cardiff: The fallout from a boozy bonding session among England teammates following their shock loss to Italy last week has thrown their World Cup campaign into chaos.
Just days after expelling one of their best players in Gareth Hock, former England captain James Graham was dumped from the sides 19-man squad to play Australia on Sunday morning.
Up to seven English players went out after their one point loss to Italy with Hock demoted for missing a recovery session.
A source close to the England squad wouldn’t confirm the circumstances surrounding Graham’s exclusion only saying that Graham “hasn’t been picked”.
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The Canterbury prop – who won the club's player of the year award this year- is a shock omission after being one of the most consistent players since arriving in the NRL last year.
Given Graham’s standing in the game it is hard to fathom his omission would be form based.
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LINK

Poor Spud, he was thinking England had a chance.​

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

Steamrolled? You really think that just by picking a bigger side that England will "Steamroll" the Aussies? Do you watch Origin? NSW went with that strategy against QLD (who make up the bulk of the Roos) and it didn't work. England need to play to their strengths, and that's hitting Australia behind the ruck, getting quick play the balls and playing that touch football style they like in Superleague. Trouble is, with the superior wrestling skills of the Aussies, they will find it tough. The key for England I reckon is to find the right mix of Size and mobility. I don't care what Graham and O'Loughlin did. They need to play. They also need to open the roof and pray for rain. I hope the English backline have been defending plenty of block and sweep plays at training because the minute the Aussies get field position they will be running bodies into every channel at speed. Any lazy efforts Billy Slater will have a field day off Cronks and Smith's hip and you can guarantee JT will open them up at least once with a show and go. Putting my coaches hat on, I really can't see how England can win.

I agree with all except the bit in bold. Sometimes defences just crumble, balls get dropped and game plans just don't come off. It's the teams with a "plan b" that usually prevail.

Stepping away from trolling spud for a bit, England can win this comp. They have been building for this since 09 and have a very young enthusiastic squad that have enough experience in big matches. I don't rate them as good as Australia or New Zealand purely because they aren't used to the high intensity that those two can step up to. But as you said, if they play to their strengths, they are more than capable.

I see Australia playing to their strengths aswell. It seems it's going to be a very structured team with a mobile back row thrown in with a couple of sizeable props.

Australia's advantage, as it has been for 30 odd years, is the players are more clinical and play in a competition where the intensity is higher and game plans and defence has continued to evolve. NZ hasn't experienced the same success until recently because they didn't have a high number of players in the upper teir of class of player that Australia has had.

Like it or not, Australia is the bench mark when it comes to Rugby League. New Zealand have all but caught up. England are finding their own way but they aren't there yet.

 

[roughyedspud]

you trolling me??.....come at me bro!!



haha

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

you trolling me??.....come at me bro!!



haha

You worked out how to sign up to the tipping comp yet you simpleton?

http://www.superbru.com/rlwc2013/pool.php?p=11139068
Pool name: League Unlimited

Pool code: hellglim

 

[Tommy Smith]

Australia have a mobile backrow???

But for Luke Lewis they all have the turning circle of an oil tanker.

 

[roughyedspud]

You worked out how to sign up to the tipping comp yet you simpleton?

http://www.superbru.com/rlwc2013/pool.php?p=11139068
Pool name: League Unlimited

Pool code: hellglim

i forgot...i'll do it when i get home..

 

[hutch]

All the best spud. You lot deserve a bit of reward after years of pushing the international side of things. Just can't see it happening just yet, but happy to be proven wrong!

 

[rabbitohs95]

I agree Jennings, Hayne, Cherry Evans and Cordner should've been picked, but i do understand the reasonings for Sheenius' choices.

As it's been mentioned it's not a one off test, those players will definitely get their chances at some point in the tournament, and i can see them all playing 80 minute games at some point. Even Cordner.

I think the coach went for experience, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially coming up against a somewhat inexperienced England team. When i say that i mean that although there are some with loads of international experience, there are players who either haven't played internationals for a few years (Sam Burgess comes to mind) or not at all. In implementing all the experienced players (probably barring Fifita), Sheens has a good, well rounded squad that knows what they're doing, they've all been doing it for years, with a lot of success along with that experience.

It's not the squad i'd choose, but it's a good squad nevertheless imo. Just my two cents.

 

[roughyedspud]

You worked out how to sign up to the tipping comp yet you simpleton?

http://www.superbru.com/rlwc2013/pool.php?p=11139068
Pool name: League Unlimited

Pool code: hellglim

done...

 

[roughyedspud]

All the best spud. You lot deserve a bit of reward after years of pushing the international side of things. Just can't see it happening just yet, but happy to be proven wrong!

ta lad....may the team with the most whinging fans win...

 

[Usain Bolt]

The pitch at Millenium stadium is always shit which should even things up a bit. Would still bet Australia 13+ if I was to have a punt

 

[Billythekid]

I agree Jennings, Hayne, Cherry Evans and Cordner should've been picked, but i do understand the reasonings for Sheenius' choices.

Not sure why people think Cordner should be picked. He played 1 game in like the last 2 months of the year. Maybe if he had been fully fit i could see them going with an inexperienced player but not with how little football his played in the back end of the year.

 

[Son of Minto]

Yeah let's pick an under done rookie who's played 1 game in 8 weeks. You people are morons.

 

[Joker's Wild]

"People"? Like one person was suggesting Cordner ffs

 

[Paullyboy]

Australia will win 1-12, but will be in complete control the whole way.

 

[Puntastic]

I don't think Cordner had to be omitted. Him playing, even if it's just one game against Ireland, is still valuable experience.

 

[Tommy Smith]

Lol 1 game in 8 weeks ... hasnt everyone played about that much lately?

Cordner is a f**king gun. Best hole running backrower in the comp. Oh and 2nd rower of the year despite missing 5 games. Much better than past his best coach's pet Sam Thaiday.

As for being a rookie ... everyone is at some point!

 

[English Rose]

With Graham, O'loughlin and Hock now out our pack doesn't look that strong anymore. I don't think the names Chris Hill and Lee Mossop will strike fear into the Aussies. Sam Burgess is going to have to have the game of his life for us to stand a chance! Tim Sheens basically said yesterday if the Aussies stop Burgess they win!

 

[I Bleed Maroon]

Australia should get up easily. England have had a horrid leadup.