[RWC2023 QF3] England vs Fiji (15/10/2023)

[Wichita]

Yeah, I must admit this win was marginally better than, eeeh, Portugal's

 

[IT157]

I know there has been a lot of criticism at this World Cup, but there quarters have been good and close games. Of course there was a quality difference between Ireland vs. New Zealand and the other two so far, but at least they have been competitive.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Earl has been so good, but anyone who has been watching him over the last couple of years will know that he's added to his all round game massively while retaining the ability to do the highlight reel stuff.

His real position is 7 though. Imagine what he could do in tandem with a ball player like Mercer at 8 and a stopper type at 6. Right now Curry is being outshone.

 

[AlRums]

The funniest outcome of this world cup will be if england **** house their way to a WC while playing dross. Out of the weak half of the draw, seen some class stuff from the top 4, but borthwicks england grinds it out?

I know neutrals will never cheer for england, but they should, support chaos.

To support chaos today was to back Fiji, possibly the first tier 2 ever to reach a semi final

 

[die_mole]

Didn't that other team from our group also makes the semis...

yeah, plus Japan and Samoa are at least solid teams and Chile attempted to fight.

 

[SG59_]

4 more years of borthwick

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The concern for me is the RFU looking at this as their success and a reason to carry on the current direction.

 

[Geordie]

On a serious note now though Fiji, Samoa efc need to be supported to continue this improvement..as with Portugal efc also. World Rugby needs to make this priority....

 

[IT157]

Maybe... but then TRUE chaos would be NZ fumbling against argentina to set up an england argentina final. This is the world I want to live in.

Oh same here. It would be hilarious after all the talk of the clear top 4 in the world.

 

[Booboobang]

I know there has been a lot of criticism at this World Cup, but there quarters have been good and close games. Of course there was a quality difference between Ireland vs. New Zealand and the other two so far, but at least they have been competitive.

I think that has been one of the low key benefits of the draw. Pool C and D where relatively close and entertaining and because both sides of the draw where matched to be either very good or mid to bad it meant the QF have all been competitive.

 

[Jimbo]

Surely nobody was doing this... They haven't watched him before if so.

Seen comments of his defence being suspect and the reason Quins 'hide him on the wing'

 

[AlRums]

I think that has been one of the low key benefits of the draw. Pool C and D where relatively close and entertaining and because both sides of the draw where matched to be either very good or mid to bad it meant the QF have all been competitive.

So are you saying the semis are going to be pretty one sided?

 

[Geordie]

The concern for me is the RFU looking at this as their success and a reason to carry on the current direction.

What winning...?

Continuing to improve aspects of the game...and most likely change part of the squad post WC?

 

[Booboobang]

Oh same here. It would be hilarious after all the talk of the clear top 4 in the world.

I mean I think there is a clear top 4, but it woudl higlight the beauty of cup competitons. Two mediocre teams **** housing their way to glory. Rugby media would be in shambles.

 

[Grizwald]

Who else would folk have in the top job? RFU aren't flush with cash so Borthwick is here to stay.

I expect England will get beaten handsomely by either France or SA.

Needs a full 6N cycle to be judged IMO, is there any summer tour planned in 2024? I'm not sure whether he'll clean house or phase the experienced heads out gradually that won't feature in the next RWC.

 

[Booboobang]

So are you saying the semis are going to be pretty one sided?

In theory yes. But then its a cup competition so who knows what happens. It essentially meant we had relatively competitive groups, quarters, down semis then top tier final. When normally the tournament only gets really spicy at the semis.

 

[Booboobang]

Who else would folk have in the top job? RFU aren't flush with cash so Borthwick is here to stay.

I expect England will get beaten handsomely by either France or SA.

Needs a full 6N cycle to be judged IMO, is there any summer tour planned in 2024? I'm not sure whether he'll clean house or phase the experienced heads out gradually that won't feature in the next RWC.

I think its pointless untill Sweeney is gone tbh. Borthwick is not good, I dont buy the next cycle, he has been here a year and the rugby has been consistently pish, been chopping and changing basically every game, his top lineup here includes 2 players he cut from his initial squad, that is just incompetent.

But untill the RFU is sorted properly even a top coach is going to struggle. My only hope is steve improves with more time.

 

[SG59_]

What winning...?

Continuing to improve aspects of the game...and most likely change part of the squad post WC?

what the RFU do now will not hurt the England team today, but it will effect them in years to come. In that regard, I think the RFU are doing a bad job at the clubs etc.

 

[Horacito]

Maybe... but then TRUE chaos would be NZ fumbling against argentina to set up an england argentina final. This is the world I want to live in.

that would be glorious
but now arg gets a red in the first 3 mins (Lavanini)

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

What's the capital of Fiji then Clive?

 

[Wichita]

The good news for England is that a WC final against Argentina is still on the cards. Yes, you'll have to believe me, it is possible...
Will they put Ford at 10 again ?