16 Oct 07
Originally posted by buffalobillJosh Lewsey and Jason Robinson have one each that I can think of but with the lateral running Lewsey out injured maybe his replacement will know which way the goal line is.
To be honest,I can't think of any tries England have scored from a backline move. The ones I can think of have all come from kicks. Can someone fill me in here?
I would go with your prediction - I reckon SA have the ability to score two tries while I wouldn't expect England to score any. That is, if the SA pack can hold up okay, otherwise we could see one from the forwards.
England do the basic set pieces well and hold the ball in the pack well waiting for errors. Forget the first game completely, we are at the business end and this England team is one with the cup in their hands already.. it's up to SA to take it from them.
This should be very intense and the more disciplined English should win with a couple of penalties at the end. With a try or two each. The English backs won't run flat either so Habana won't get easy runaway gifts. If he did Robinson may have the gas to catch him.
I'm with England to retain the cup (but then I was with the ABs so what would I know).. Maybe it'll come down to a dodgy call at least Kaplin and Barnes won't be there.
Good luck to both teams.
16 Oct 07
England's backs are not looking terribly exciting at the moment (nor have they for a while) But fortunately rugby is a "running and kicking game" and we would be stupid not to play to our strengths.
I think I said earlier and if I didn't I meant to - that I would be happier as a SA fan - I think they look the better team - but teams on paper and teams on the pitch as we all know are very different!
I just have a funny feeling the England team think that they are going to win - and self confidence in the last 10 mins is so important - it was one of the things about the 2003 squad - they never "chased" games they were losing - they had an inner belief that they would win - and slowly grind out field position.
If England are within 3 with 10 mins to go I think they will win - I hope they do whatever - and I pray for a cracking match.
16 Oct 07
Originally posted by Mat KelleyHeh, I heard on the news last night, England got bad news. I was sitting there hoping, fingers crossed, that Wilkinson broke his leg in a freak accident...
England's backs are not looking terribly exciting at the moment (nor have they for a while) But fortunately rugby is a "running and kicking game" and we would be stupid not to play to our strengths.
I think I said earlier and if I didn't I meant to - that I would be happier as a SA fan - I think they look the better team - but teams on paper and teams ...[text shortened]... s to go I think they will win - I hope they do whatever - and I pray for a cracking match.
I think without him, your current team doesn't stand a chance. But with him marshaling the troops, it seems a different English side.
16 Oct 07
Originally posted by Tirau DanRobinson catch Habana? Don't make me laugh - Habana doesn't run like a crab.
This should be very intense and the more disciplined English should win with a couple of penalties at the end. With a try or two each. The English backs won't run flat either so Habana won't get easy runaway gifts. If he did Robinson may have the gas to catch him.
England will play it tight and grinding, looking to keep the ball way from SA, force the penalties and maybe get a few drops. SA will look to match England up front and play a more expansive game without making mistakes. England won't give away a lot of penalties.
I've got to believe that on current record and form, SA must get at least a few tries and England will be doing well to get one. Then it's down to the kicking and Montgomery's the equal of Wonderboy at the moment - minus the drops, of course. SA don't have a drop kicker of note, but in Steyn they have someone who can get penalties over from the half-way line - that may still count.
One other factor that may still count is weariness. This will be England's third major, must-win international in two weeks. Australia, France and now South Africa. Will they be weary or battle-honed? How much gas is there left in the tank, as it were. SA have had the easier passage through and this game will show how mentally tough they are.
16 Oct 07
Originally posted by buffalobillThat could well be true. It worked in England's favour against Australia. I reckon one reason they won was because they'd had tough matches against SA, Samoa and Tonga, whereas Australia had cruised through. But this could be one match too far.
One other factor that may still count is weariness. This will be England's third major, must-win international in two weeks. Australia, France and now South Africa. Will they be weary or battle-honed? How much gas is there left in the tank, as it were. SA have had the easier passage through and this game will show how mentally tough they are.
16 Oct 07
Originally posted by buffalobillhahaha you are getting excited we can hear you from here ;-)
Robinson catch Habana? Don't make me laugh - Habana doesn't run like a crab.
England will play it tight and grinding, looking to keep the ball way from SA, force the penalties and maybe get a few drops. SA will look to match England up front and play a more expansive game without making mistakes. England won't give away a lot of penalties.
I've got ...[text shortened]... have had the easier passage through and this game will show how mentally tough they are.
I agree with all above, but wouldn't right off Robinson just yet. I didn;t like him but I think he's getting better with age. (remember I'm an AB fan returning to my pommy roots lol)
I think you picked it right about the the English must win games.. I'll give them the benefit of your doubt: expect them to be hard and ready, but IF SA can put the points on hard and fast early in the game the English won't have an answer.
16 Oct 07
Originally posted by Tirau DanI certainly don't write Robinson off. Trouble is he's got to come to the centre of the field to see the ball.
hahaha you are getting excited we can hear you from here ;-)
I agree with all above, but wouldn't right off Robinson just yet. I didn;t like him but I think he's getting better with age. (remember I'm an AB fan returning to my pommy roots lol)
I think you picked it right about the the English must win games.. I'll give them the benefit of your doubt ...[text shortened]... SA can put the points on hard and fast early in the game the English won't have an answer.
I totally agree - if SA can post early points, particularly tries, England won't have a way back.