England vs Australia 19th of Oct, 8.15am GMT

[Banquo]

Sod off Eddie.

Still think we will win. Smacks of Faz pulling Eddies strings tbh. Can only assume Wilson isn’t fit; Slade will have to find his form and fitness from somewhere, and will be sorely tested in defence. Would prefer Coka on the bench too.

Disappointing.

[morepork]

Good pack that. Farrell will fuck the back line, and not in the good way. Lots of kicking coming up. England have to be favourites here.

[Digby]

Well that's annoying

[Scrumhead]

How thoroughly predictable and disappointing. My excitement and confidence levels for this game have just taken a huge nosedive.

This smacks of changing our side to adapt to the opposition rather than imposing our game on them.

I can only hope that Farrell finally justifies his undroppable, messianic status with a world class performance.

[francoisfou]

Wtf!!! Wouldn’t be at all surprised if England’s flights home have already been booked.

[Stom]

How thoroughly predictable and disappointing. My excitement and confidence levels for this game have just taken a huge nosedive.

This smacks of changing our side to adapt to the opposition rather than imposing our game on them.

I can only hope that Farrell finally justifies his undroppable, messianic status with a world class performance.

I somehow doubt it.

England’s win %age and try count nosedive with Farrell at 10. Whereas I was extremely confident, this selection has swung the needle closer to 50/50.

Depends how soon Ford comes on and what the game situation is at that point.

[Digby]

Is this a reaction to Farrell shitting the bed at 12? Or wanting to move Manu in a channel against the Aussie running options?

[Mr Mwenda]

I normally give EJ some slack compared to some others here but that backline is a risky call and i don't see what the upside is. What's the plan? Keep it tight and smash'em?

Maybe Ford has had an injury concern?....

[Banquo]

Is this a reaction to Farrell shitting the bed at 12? Or wanting to move Manu in a channel against the Aussie running options?

I think the ostensible rationale is Ford/Faz channel offers an opportunity for a couple of big Aussie midfielders to make big dents. In reality, I think Faz wants to play 10, and he’s the skipper and a very naughty boy.

[Mellsblue]

I feel sorry for Kruis. I think he’s been superb. I also think the balance of the XXIII looks better with Lawes coming of the bench.

[Banquo]

I feel sorry for Kruis. I think he’s been superb. I also think the balance of the XXIII looks better with Lawes coming of the bench.

This too. Wilson should be very hacked off if not crocked.

[Mellsblue]

Is this a reaction to Farrell shitting the bed at 12? Or wanting to move Manu in a channel against the Aussie running options?

I think the ostensible rationale is Ford/Faz channel offers an opportunity for a couple of big Aussie midfielders to make big dents. In reality, I think Faz wants to play 10, and he’s the skipper and a very naughty boy.

Could also be a reaction to his performances at 12 this tournament, which have been average to poor. Jones may feel that he just can’t play him there and then there is only one course of action once that decision is made. I think all three, or a combo of, are plausible.
It also has the knock on effect that with such poor ball skills at 10 & 12 that Joseph doesn’t get rewarded for good performances.

[p/d]

Exactly that Mells.

SCW will be hunched over a flying fist this morning

[Oakboy]

I hope to see Slade run out with no strapping on his knee, indicating full fitness. Otherwise, it makes no sense to start him.

I also hope both Mako and Marler are '80 minutes fit'. I suspect that Marler is not and on the bench for the wrong reason.

If Farrell were to be injured in the first minute and replaced by Ford, would we all think our winning odds immediately improved? What makes Jones think otherwise?

[Beasties]

It's just so cruel of Eddie to give us a glimpse of the promised land and then snatch it away from us again. I'm with you Stom, back to thinking we'll do well to avoid losing this game. I get that Kerevi's a threat and Eddie thinks Ford can't tackle but Slade starting? I don't get that. Presumably JJ's there for if Slade breaks?

Faz must've really impressed Eddie with that World Class display of all round rugby last time out........

Oh yeah, Wilson and Kruis.......

[Puja]

I am stunned, stunned I tell you, that Willie Heinz is now a Rugby World Cup play-offs participant.

That is so far from the most egregious thing in that teamsheet that it's just not even funny.

Puja

[francoisfou]

I am stunned, stunned I tell you, that Willie Heinz is now a Rugby World Cup play-offs participant.

That is so far from the most egregious thing in that teamsheet that it's just not even funny.

Puja

You sound just like Brian Moore.

[fivepointer]

Ford is badly done to. His form justified selection, but i'm sure the failings of Farrell at 12 have been a big factor of him moving to 10.
Lawes to start is fine by me. Wilson's omission is a bit perplexing, though i have been impressed with Ludlam.
One must hope that Slade is properly fit.
Gripes aside, i still think this side is easily capable of winning on Saturday.
Keep the faith!

[Beasties]

Maybe Eddie's worried about the temptation for Faz to tackle Kerevi in the face and finally get that long-awaited red card.

Just noticed, what's happened to Nowell? He must really be worried about Slade's ability to last the game.

[Renniks]

If Farrell is shitting the bed at 12 then drop him.

Don’t drop the player who is scoring more tries, more from the kicking tee, and winning more games?!

Fuck sake

The other ‘issues’ I can get behind but this is so annoying. Why would you revert to the centre partnership who couldn’t beat wales and shit the bed against Scotland?!

[Danno]

Horribly disappointed with that, which is my own fault for believing that EJ would pick players based on what he's seen so far in the tournament. I'm starting to think he doesn't even read this board.

[Mellsblue]

Even ol’ Mickey Lynagh thought Ford would play.

[Beasties]

We're defo gonna need the Daly that finally emerged in the Arg game rather than the previous version with that backline.

[Mr Mwenda]

Part of me is actually thinking/hoping it's all a silly mindgame - Slade is actually injured and the backline goes back to how it was.

[Digby]

Maybe Eddie's worried about the temptation for Faz to tackle Kerevi in the face and finally get that long-awaited red card.

Just noticed, what's happened to Nowell? He must really be worried about Slade's ability to last the game.

Nowell has an injury, or so it's reported