England v Australia - Match Thread

[Bloke in North Dorset]

Good all-round performance so far. The sharpest they've been as a team for some time.

They need to fix the lineout, but otherwise well played.

A good absorbing game as well.

[hopwood]

Jeez. The amount of injuries these days.
Back in the 80’s and 90’s players would see out a whole game…over and over.

It just shows the levels of intensity and power these days.
Niggles turn quickly into on field issues.

And then concussions too.

[hopwood]

JVP, our scrum half….looks very sharp.
Really impressed so far.

[JonnyD]

I know test rugby is all about building pressure and we are playing tactically well going back to this kick the ball away at every opportunity and chase hard game.

My problem is however, there is a time when we have to be able to score tries and not just build the score with penalties.
At the moment we’re not building any phases and not sure Porter or Freeman have touched the ball in phase play or set moves.

[mike909]

I think we're deliberately playing a narrow game - so our tackled players don't get isolated like last week. It is playing to strengths - but relies upon the pack being on the front foot and a solid set piece. But as the Aussies have show in the red zone.....you need to score.

[hopwood]

I know test rugby is all about building pressure and we are playing tactically well going back to this kick the ball away at every opportunity and chase hard game.

My problem is however, there is a time when we have to be able to score tries and not just build the score with penalties.
At the moment we’re not building any phases and not sure Porter or Freeman have touched the ball in phase play or set moves.

I hear you.

And are England now going to get caught between two styles of playing?

[hopwood]

I’m hoping an injection of pace from the bench encourages England to go for it.
To trust themselves to find holes.

But they need to be 100% committed to playing.

[Bloke in North Dorset]

I'm getting déjà vu.

[hopwood]

Okay.
Now we might be in trouble.


Wow….England can’t control a game.

[hopwood]

England can’t go into their shells.

They have to throw everything at it

[JonnyD]

Stuart is struggling against Bell but like last week I don’t see Heyes being trusted again for long by Jones - could be costly.

Porter gets the ball and loses it in contact from his first carry, need some variation I think as Wallabies are bringing some energy now through their backs

[hopwood]

England really look stuck between two schools of thought.

[JonnyD]

England really look stuck between two schools of thought.

Wanting England to win vs wanting England to lose to get rid of Eddie???

[mike909]

As I said before - England playing to their strengths are hard to compete against - but offer nil ball in hand. No surprise given the first time combinations. But once that advantage up front goes - then they don't seem to have other gears.

Easily can win the game - but tells us little we didn't know already....

[hopwood]

England really look stuck between two schools of thought.

Wanting England to win vs wanting England to lose to get rid of Eddie???

It really is a fascinating game.