Rugby World Cup 2019

[paul_e]

It's the best team he could put out. Of the 23 the only change I'd make is Cokanasiga for Joseph on the bench but that's a very tight decision so I don't think he's wrong.

I agree that Ford is playing well but the centre pairing he's gone with is a better balance so he was left with a choice to make at 10 and has gone with the reliability and game management of Farrell, who hasn't really let him down often.  Before his injury Slade was our best back and probably the best 13 in the world so I think the plan was always going to be about getting him fit and into the side for the big games.

In other games the SA team for Japan shows they're not taking it lightly and I'd love to know how Rob Kearney is getting a start, he's looked past it for a year now and I can see NZ exploiting that.

[PaulWinch again]

It’s an interesting selection. I really hope Billy holds up.

[paul_e]

It’s an interesting selection. I really hope Billy holds up.

we need him to given we haven't taken another 8. I can live with Ludlam or Wilson filling in there for 20-30 minutes but it would be a huge ask for either of them to start a semi-final there.

[PaulWinch again]

This is not a good start. Australia look a lot sharper.

[Proposition Joe]

This is not a good start. Australia look a lot sharper.

Unsuprising. One thing you can guarantee about Aussie side in all sports is that they are gits, who will never lie down against the better side on paper.

[paul_e]

They knew they needed to hit us hard and fast, if the game settles it's ours.

[PaulWinch again]

That was superb.

[Scovilla]

2nd try England

[paul_e]

2nd try is why Slade in for Ford was the right call.

[luke:lamf]

Delightfully NZ-like from England to score two quick ones after early pressure.

However, is it just me or does Billy V just not have the same impact as a ball carrier that he used to ? A couple of years ago he was impossible to put down and always made yards. I don't think I've seen him make any significant gain this WC...

[taylorsworkrate]

Not sure how that can be a penalty for not rolling away, when the 1st thing George did was attempt to roll away.

[PaulWinch again]

The 2nd try was brilliant from Slade.

[PaulWinch again]

Good half overall but would like a couple of tries to ease the nerves!

[paul_e]

Delightfully NZ-like from England to score two quick ones after early pressure.

However, is it just me or does Billy V just not have the same impact as a ball carrier that he used to ? A couple of years ago he was impossible to put down and always made yards. I don't think I've seen him make any significant gain this WC...

I don't think he's fully fit.

Garces has no idea about the scrum and is being fooled very easily. The Aussie 1 is holding back on the engage and taking a short bind which means sinckler is slightly over-balanced and is turned in slightly. Instead of talking to their prop Garces is resetting until he can give the penalty.

[taylorsworkrate]

Strong defensively and two good tries. Need to keep discipline and cool heads (Sinckler a worry at times).