[2014 EOYT] England vs New Zealand

[Kapa O Pango]

http://www.englandrugby.com/news/rokoduguni-wins-test-debut-against-all-blacks/

England team to face New Zealand

15. Mike Brown (Harlequins, 29 caps)
14. Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
13. Brad Barritt (Saracens, 18 caps)
12. Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 7 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens,25 caps)
9. Danny Care (Harlequins, 48 caps)
1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 22 caps)
2. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints, 57 caps)
3. David Wilson (Bath Rugby, 37 caps)
4. Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 32 caps)
6. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 30 caps)
7. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 28 caps, captain)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 10 caps)

Replacements
16. Rob Webber (Bath Rugby, 8 caps)
17. Matt Mullan (Wasps, 5 caps)
18. Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
19. George Kruis (Saracens, uncapped)
20. Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby, 23 caps)
21. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps)
22. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
23. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, uncapped)

 

[goodNumber10]

I still think we'll see NZ test him early on. First set piece, set up so a loose forward or Savea take it off Cruden into Eastmonds channel? I think so.

I wouldn't worry about that, it's aonly an issue off 1st phase ball, and he'll have Farrell on his inside this time, and BB outside him.

England team announced. As predicted.

yeah, only issue is the weather

 

[Patchey]

I wouldn't worry about that, it's aonly an issue off 1st phase ball, and he'll have Farrell on his inside this time, and BB outside him.



yeah, only issue is the weather

I'll take your advice and not worry then!

I'm looking forward to seeing Watson from the bench. Out starting eight is strong, Kruis will be tested big time when he comes on.

Pessimism aside, I'm strangely optimistic!

 

[Big Ewis]

You're playing the racism card?

You make dig after dig after dig after dig at everything English, and seem to enjoy winding up the English people on this forum.

You'll say that you're just joking and that I'm being a "typically overly-sensitive Englishman" (like you've said in the past, something about English people not being able to take jokes). But you're so obviously not joking, because you never make any of these kinds of jokes towards any other nation. You direct all of your put-downs towards the English on here.

It's just getting really tiring and frustrating. Racist in a subtle enough way that you're not going to get into any serious trouble over it, but enough to make your point. I can normally just ignore it, but then to have the nerve to insinuate racism on someone else. Really?

*siiiiiigh* dude, PM. (or I'll get MURDERED !!!!! )

Hey wouldn't you say that AB team is the very best they can put out atm, at least the starting xv ?? I was thinking that to myself, with the exception of Woodcock missing at LH. But no Fekitoa on the bench ?..

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Would prefer if they persisted with Todd myself. And he certainly seemed to do well in that Barbarians game. Not sure how their turn overs compare, but Todd certainly has the better attacking game with ball in hand. Then again, I'm a one eyed Cantab so what would I know.

I'm still surprised to see that people still don't rate Cane as the best back up to McCaw. Every single he has played at international level he has looked completely at home. I'd say he's had one of the best debut seasons of all new players in the Hansen era, probably only Barrett, Smith and Retallick would compare. I would be comfortable having Todd start in a World Cup final, but I'd certainly prefer Cane to be there (much like the Barrett v Cruden situation).

Good selection. I don't see DC in the squad and I can only conclude Management is still not confident on his fitness level yet. So bringing him along for this trip is total waste of resources. They should just left him back home and work more on his fitness. Colin should benefit more from this trip if he was included. What a shame

I agree Slade was unlucky to miss out (as is always the way with New Zealand rugby .. sadly good players have to stay home). But to be fair, Carter was originally fit until he picked up that ****le in Chicago. I'm guessing he may get a start against Scotland or something.

SBW a surprise. We'll never know how fit Carter actually is but I guess this shows us he's probably not even 90% - or maybe the selectors don't have the same endless love for him anymore?

Carter is 100% fit. The selectors have they just don't think it's a wise move playing him against a side like England without getting some games under his belt first. Remember he's only played about 60 minutes of rugby since the end of the Super Rugby season - hardly ideal for facing off against a to five team.

 

[g6mcg]

How much has Farrell played this season? I know it's Lancaster, but still quite surprised to see him.

Not so much related to the team, but am I alone in preferring Eastmond and Barritt to Barritt and Tuilagi?

 

[Patchey]

How much has Farrell played this season? I know it's Lancaster, but still quite surprised to see him.

Not so much related to the team, but am I alone in preferring Eastmond and Barritt to Barritt and Tuilagi?

Not lots. In fact, almost nothing prior to the European games.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

If I were Hansen then against the 'easiest' opponent in November, I'd start Mealamu, Nonu, Carter and looks like one more change would be needed to put a team out with 1000 caps in the starting XV. Surely that'd be a record?

The ABs are the poster boys of consistency and continuity in world sport surely?


As is they have 2,5 times the number of caps starting than England. And that figure BALLOONS looking at the bench.

 

[Peat]

I still think we'll see NZ test him early on. First set piece, set up so a loose forward or Savea take it off Cruden into Eastmonds channel? I think so.

England team announced. As predicted.

Send a runner to target him, then next phase send in a dummy runner and see if Barritt bites in enough to let someone hit his outside.

 

[goodNumber10]

Send a runner to target him, then next phase send in a dummy runner and see if Barritt bites in enough to let someone hit his outside.

sending a runner down his channel will only work if he is a center who doesn't tackle - which was never the problem, even in test 3.

run at him he'll bite yer ankles, the issue was that they were offloading before contact to runners on the wrap ad Tuilagi wasn't biting in and Yarde wans't weeeping around enough to let Brown go last man.

I also think Farrell Snr will have been working on a defensive structure.

i'm not really sure why everyone is now talking Eastmond down, in the summer everyone was blaming Ashton, not it's his fault. Two weeks ago everyone was screaming that he has to play over barritt because, and now everyone is questioning him being there because of defence?

moon on a stick you lot. Moon on a stick

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

sending a runner down his channel will only work if he is a center who doesn't tackle - which was never the problem, even in test 3.

run at him he'll bite yer ankles, the issue was that they were offloading before contact to runners on the wrap ad Tuilagi wasn't biting in and Yarde wans't weeeping around enough to let Brown go last man.

I also think Farrell Snr will have been working on a defensive structure.

i'm not really sure why everyone is now talking Eastmond down, in the summer everyone was blaming Ashton, not it's his fault. Two weeks ago everyone was screaming that he has to play over barritt because, and now everyone is questioning him being there because of defence?

moon on a stick you lot. Moon on a stick

I'm well happy eastmond is there. Would rather have JJ with him though.

 

[Patchey]

sending a runner down his channel will only work if he is a center who doesn't tackle - which was never the problem, even in test 3.

run at him he'll bite yer ankles, the issue was that they were offloading before contact to runners on the wrap ad Tuilagi wasn't biting in and Yarde wans't weeeping around enough to let Brown go last man.

I also think Farrell Snr will have been working on a defensive structure.

i'm not really sure why everyone is now talking Eastmond down, in the summer everyone was blaming Ashton, not it's his fault. Two weeks ago everyone was screaming that he has to play over barritt because, and now everyone is questioning him being there because of defence?

moon on a stick you lot. Moon on a stick

I was intending to talk Eastmond down, simply suggesting that after he was perceived as a weak link following the third test, NZ would be mad not to try and go over him a bit early on as see what happens.

Certainly with Barritt at 13 I think our defensive cohesion will be much better than that last test. If Eastmond makes his first few tackles (no reason he shouldn't, unless the stick he got in the summer is still at the back of his mind) then there is no issues. Of he misses one then maybe NZ keep on at him.

And yes, he is a better choice than Barritt at 12. I don't buy into the idea that he was entirely at fault for the poor defending in the summer either.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

sending a runner down his channel will only work if he is a center who doesn't tackle - which was never the problem, even in test 3.

run at him he'll bite yer ankles, the issue was that they were offloading before contact to runners on the wrap ad Tuilagi wasn't biting in and Yarde wans't weeeping around enough to let Brown go last man.

I also think Farrell Snr will have been working on a defensive structure.

i'm not really sure why everyone is now talking Eastmond down, in the summer everyone was blaming Ashton, not it's his fault. Two weeks ago everyone was screaming that he has to play over barritt because, and now everyone is questioning him being there because of defence?

moon on a stick you lot. Moon on a stick

I don't think P was talking down Eatsmond - the point was more about Barritt I think - if a team are going to play a 12 at 13 you might as well test the organisation between them early on, in particular to see whether Barritt feels he can trust his partner or whether he gets his positioning wrong.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I'd back Barritt to cope with the defensive difficulties at 13 - it's not the first time he's played there, not even the first time he's played there internationally.

 

[Peat]

I have been consistent about expressing doubt about Eastmond's defence and tackling on a couple of issues and I will stay consistent on them until I see them stopped.

Eastmond will not consistently stop a man and prevent the offload in a one on one tackle. I consider that a reality.

And that can be exploited - both in itself, and by forcing defenders to make a decision a split-second too late because they were watching that channel. Even someone as good as Barritt can get caught. It happens.

I suggested this centre partnership months ago. I like its possibilities. But that doesn't mean its risk free.

 

[Mumbles119]

As always been debating the England selection online with rugby club mates. Amusingly one guys autocorrect keeps changing Brad Barritt to Barrie Bardot!

 

[Every Time Ref]

Eastmond often likes to rush up quickly to stop bigger guys getting up a head of steam, I don't know if this will affect Farell sr.'s defensive tactics? In theory (!) at least, getting to the ball carrier ahead of the gainline could guard a little against offloads as well.

Anyway, my head is predicting NZ by 10, my heart is fondly remembering a glorious day sat in the South Stand at Twickenham two years ago ... I'm watching this year from almost identical seats, if that isn't an omen I don't know what is...

 

[Jaguares]

Hey @Big Ewis where are the lineups? Edit your thread, please

If you don't work in his thread,don't make threads

 

[Big Ewis]

Hey @Big Ewis where are the lineups? Edit your thread, please

If you don't work in his thread,don't make threads

yeah I mean, it's cool, they're comin up. Still cleaning them up before I display them, give it a second..

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

That NZ team is loaded with talent and experience. England will have to pull off one of the greatest games in our history to stand a chance and even then I'm doubtful we can win. Too much is unknown about the combinations of players in the England squad. I will be happy if we can make the ABs really work for a win because I just can't see us beating that side.