Comments on: England vs New Zealand: 5 things we learned

By: Jacob

Jacob — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 11:49:50 +0000

Interesting – he certainly does have that in his locker. I really want Saracens to bring Goode into the 12 position, or even 13. The guy is a great player, vision, hands feet, BUT, he lacks the pace to be an international 15 in my opinion.

By: Dazza

Dazza — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 10:42:20 +0000

Jacob, I thought this was part of the reason Sl had kept Goode in the squad. He is a good tactical kicker, but also a fine place kicker. I was surprised when Sl dropped him and put Watson in. Effectively losing that extra kicking option off the bench.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 09:49:20 +0000

I’m not arguing his stats aren’t good – you’re completely missing my point on his cooking. He can kick – but can he kick under pressure? He has shown a few times that the answer is no to that. I would feel much more comfortable with someone kicking at international level when they’ve shown they can kick when under pressure at domestic level.

By: Alanscar

Alanscar — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 05:39:50 +0000

It does actually seem we are going backwards.it’s not injuries it’s the coaches.

By: leondaone

leondaone — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 01:11:35 +0000

Hmmmm, a losing run of 5 games against the ABs isn’t such a big deal maybe…. of the top nations, SA have just broken a 3 year losing run, Oz are still on 3 yrs and counting, France have a 7 year losing run, Wales have a 60yr losing run, while Scotland and Ireland have never won…. yet we are consistently coming within a score of winning.

By: Dr Boo

Dr Boo — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 23:43:36 +0000

We seem to have learn nothing from the summer tour. Our box kicking was awful i think at one point we had Robshaw and Hartley as our kick chase.

I don’t like the idea of Farrell in centre with Ford at all. In fact i don’t think Farrell should be in the 23. Around past 80mins Ford throws a pass to Barritt where sbw tackles him. I know for sure if that was Eastmond he would of step inside SBW and broke through All blacks line.

By: simon scantlebury

simon scantlebury — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:49:38 +0000

Marler says we did the exact opposite to the plan we agreed at halftime.That is criminal.These guys are very highly paid professionals who can’t even follow a plan.Why the hell did Robshaw allow that to happen?Why did he allow Care to box kick 3 times in the 10 when they were down to 14?I am shocked at Marler’s revelation.NZ play with intelligence,we play with stupidity it seems

By: Benjit

Benjit — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:14:16 +0000

Ford has worked hard on his kicking over the summer and his stats are on a par with Farrell. But SL once again is exposing himself. If Ford really isn’t trusted he needs to get the likes of Slade or Daly onto the squad.

By: Alexander James Stubbington

Alexander James Stubbington — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 17:21:29 +0000

I agree with so much of the above,especially with Benjit.But I do wonder if,frankly,we are deluded and arrogant to believe England can win a world cup.The basic skill levels are simply not there-amateur rugby often displayed more and game management, and indeed team management are simply way off the mark.I’m starting to think that Lancaster is like the revamped Twickenham changing room-style over substance.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:49:57 +0000

Honestly not sure. Possibly Myler. Personally I think our first choice choice be Cipriani. He kicks goals brilliantly, has the ego that I’d never be worried about him bottling it and he gets the back line moving.

I really like Ford as a player, I just don’t trust him to kick his goals under pressure which is a huge issue at this level.

By: Henry

Henry — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:43:47 +0000

If the reason we can’t have Ford starting is kicking goals under pressure and size, then I have to say right now I would rather have Myler starting than Farrell… Much better game manager and great kicking stats. He would certainly bring our back three into the game well.

Now there is a sentence I never thought I would say

By: Benjit

Benjit — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:42:06 +0000

And if Farrell gets injured during the world cup, then what? Keep our fingers crossed and hope Fords ok?