Rugby Union 2012/13

[PaulWinch again]

Yarde in for Strettle.

[paul_e]

1-14 he's got right from what's available.  15 I just don't see how Brown is ahead of Foden in the 20odd minutes he was given Foden caused loads more problems and he's not defensively weak in any way.  I'm yet to see anyone provide any meaningful reason why Foden has been, effectively, relegated to 3rd choice fullback, despite being one of the few highlights of Johnno's time in charge.

[PaulWinch again]

Christian Wade called up for Lions.

[paul_e]

What a try from Eastmond, unbelievable balance to get through there.

Wood has been near perfect, Burns and Yarde have been exceptional.

Argentina wing has just got a sickener of an injury.

[paul_e]

Another excellent try for Yarde.  The team that has played on this tour is closer to side that should play in the autumn than the team that played in Cardiff.

Hopefully Strettle, Barritt and Goode won't get back in, and I think Lancaster has probably started to see the value of a properly balanced Backrow.  Wood put in 2 captains performances, Kvesic looked born play at this level and the situation at 8 has gone from a 6 out of position to 2 excellent options fighting it out.

Great tour, 2 wins in Argentina with over half a squad missing (and having had a winger called up to the lions on the day of the game) is a massive result and we really need to start trusting these flair players to win us games, starting in the autumn.

[taylorsworkrate]

Christian Wade called up for Lions.

I think he should have been in the original squad.

But then so should Robshaw, Wood and Launchberry

[PaulWinch again]

That tour is great for us, it's shown what some young flair players can do.

[taylorsworkrate]

That tour is great for us, it's shown what some young flair players can do.

Yep, just hope Lancaster doesn't go back to the formulaic approach for the autumn. Barritt, Goode and Brown are not the answer and we have much better options in those positions.

[PaulWinch again]

Goode is definitely not the option.

[taylorsworkrate]

Lions wise Croft was impressive yesterday and must start now. Ben Youngs I feel is in considerably better form than Phillips, yet Phillips will definitely start for Gatlands style of play. Tom Youngs appears in better nick than Hibbard also, but again he'll pick Hibbard.

It will be interesting to see who partners O'Driscoll in the centre now Roberts appears to be out. Davies has been in outstanding form, but Gatland seems to want a strong 12 in there so Tuilagi should start if fit.
 
I suppose the right wing is a bit of an issue as Maitland has been poor and Cuthbert has flattered to deceive. I'd expect Cuthbert to get the nod though.

[peter w]

Watching the Junior world Cup Semi-final v France. NZ v England. 55 mins in and England are 23-11 up. Strong first half and we just looked bigger, better, and stonger. Very unusual for what is an U21 side from the Northern hemisphere look better physicallyand in general size compared to a same aged Southern hemisphere side. Some very good running too. NZ coming back into it 2 nd half and we have been sloppy in attack with the ball. the complete opposite of the first-half. But we still look good. As I say that not releasing the ball, penalty NZ. In their half though.

[peter w]

starting too look more ragged now. They seem to be at their physical maximum now whilst NZ still look strong.

[peter w]

23-21 now 72 mins. England are really on their last legs. can they hold out?

[PaulWinch again]

They've done very well.

[peter w]

TRY! ENGLAND!!! 75 mins 30-21.