Rugby World Cup

[cheltenhamlion]

I would sooner none of them played internationally, just like the Villa to be honest.

[cdbearsfan]

This tool is quite handy for working out who is likely to play who in the knock-out stages. You can predict the outcome and impress your friends. Ahem.

[cheltenhamlion]

That's a very conservative selection for the final 30 from Johnson. A real lack of creativity in the backs as well.

[usav]

This tool is quite handy for working out who is likely to play who in the knock-out stages. You can predict the outcome and impress your friends. Ahem.

Same as last World Cup then, we will play the French in the 2nd round and the Aussies in the Semis.

[usav]

That's a very conservative selection for the final 30 from Johnson. A real lack of creativity in the backs as well.

Yeah - but look at the team that got us to the final four years ago.  That team had no right to be there and nearly one the damn thing.

[PaulWinch again]

We have a better team than 4 years ago, I really hope Tuilagi gets a chance in the centre. I think that is comfortably our weakest area.

[PaulWinch again]

Tuilagi has to start for us.

[taylorsworkrate]

Tuilagi has to start for us.

Agreed, although he does look a bit of a walking red card from time to time.  If someone can get him to channel his aggression then he'll be some weapon.

[PaulWinch again]

Tuilagi has been an absolute beast in all aspects of this game.

[lovejoy]

Tuilagi is a thug what should have been banned for a very long time for assaulting Aston in the play-off semis. Funnily enough the Leceister mafia made sure he only served a one game ban. Also the secrets out - he's not English.

[Rotterdam]

Anyone having a bet?

[cheltenhamlion]

The Aussies will win this.

[lovejoy]

Argies to reach the semis is 16/1 on skybet surely some mistake.

[PaulWinch again]

It's because they'd be playing France or New Zealand in the quarters.

[Dave Summers]

England: Ben Foden, Chris Ashton, Manu Tuilagi, Mike Tindall (captain), Delon Armitage, Jonny Wilkinson, Richard Wigglesworth, Andrew Sheridan, Steve Thompson, Dan Cole, Louis Deacon, Courtney Lawes, Tom Croft, James Haskell, Nick Easter.

Replacements: Dylan Hartley, Matt Stevens, Tom Palmer, Tom Wood, Ben Youngs, Toby Flood, Matt Banahan.

Runners and riders for the Argentina game on Saturday.   Really looking forward to this World Cup now and quietly fancy our chances to go a long way.   

Was discussing the team with a colleague in the office and it suddenly hit home when I looked at the bench and the players not in the 22, how much different it was in 03.   Back then we could and did I think, make 15 changes without affecting us.  People like Stuart Abbott/Balshaw/Gomarsall etc were all top class players.   We just haven't got that strength in depth with this party of players.

Delighted that Armitage is in, as he has the gas that Cueto just doesn't have and also the skill level that Banahan will never have.  I hope to christ that none of the back three get injured though, as they have to stay together for all the big games.

We do have lots of choice in the front 5 mind, but again the lack of an out and out 7 will bite us on the arse I believe at some point.   

Hoping Youngs will get a run out and then resume his place in the team for the next game.   I would personally always play Flood ahead of Wilko, as I believe he gets more out of the back three, but I can see why Johnno has gone down the route he has.

All in all, I can see us topping the pool.   The French will implode against us (that's one game I would play Jonny in, they quiver at the sight of his left foot) in the Quarters and then we are hopefully into Australia in the last four and anything can happen.

Bring it on !!! Enjoy all