England vs South Africa - RWC final

[Adam_P]

SA however have gone for a 6/2 split. Kolbe is back in too, so let's hope May is back to full pace

[twitchy]

[Scrumhead]

SA however have gone for a 6/2 split. Kolbe is back in too, so let's hope May is back to full pace

I think they have in all of their important games haven’t they?

Hopefully we can build a lead as a 6/2 split isn’t particularly well equipped to change the game. I guess he’s hoping Louw comes on to win penalties at the breakdown for Steyn’s long-range kicking to come in to effect.

[Renniks]

As long as the players have 80 minutes in them, I'm really happy that we've managed to go pretty much unchanged!

Sinckler especially!

[Puja]

Great news to wake up to. No 6/2 bench split, not a fan of those.

Isn't it just? I was a bit worried we'd get an Eddie selection special, but picking the same XV is just good common sense.

Puja

[Banquo]

As long as the players have 80 minutes in them, I'm really happy that we've managed to go pretty much unchanged!

Sinckler especially!

Indeed.

[Danno]

As long as the players have 80 minutes in them, I'm really happy that we've managed to go pretty much unchanged!

Sinckler especially!

I managed to relax for about 19 seconds at this news. Bounced straight back to anxiety.

[Scrumhead]

Haha same here. I genuinely think I’ll have a sleepless night on Friday.

[Mikey Brown]

It's hard not to love that.

I'd like to know how many people now consider Japan their true second team, if they didn't already.

[Danno]

Haha same here. I genuinely think I’ll have a sleepless night on Friday.

I'm catching up with some friends that evening, so I'll sleep easily, but am facing a savage hangover for the game. Might keep a hair of the dog on standby.

[Oakboy]

I think the first 15 minutes will be especially fascinating. Jones is bound to programme in a fast start like the SF. SA will be desperate not to let us have the ball. That could mean a brutal period with no kicking. Great - other than the prospect of injuries.

[Stom]

I think the first 15 minutes will be especially fascinating. Jones is bound to programme in a fast start like the SF. SA will be desperate not to let us have the ball. That could mean a brutal period with no kicking. Great - other than the prospect of injuries.

I think we'll kick to them. After the initial 5 minute try for Jonny May, that is.

I think we'll definitely see a return to "can we break the line within 3 phases? If not, kick."

[Oakboy]

I think the first 15 minutes will be especially fascinating. Jones is bound to programme in a fast start like the SF. SA will be desperate not to let us have the ball. That could mean a brutal period with no kicking. Great - other than the prospect of injuries.

I think we'll kick to them. After the initial 5 minute try for Jonny May, that is.

I think we'll definitely see a return to "can we break the line within 3 phases? If not, kick."

I just hope we get a decent lead before reverting.

[Mikey Brown]

It's really weird feeling this confident and finally justifying the arrogant English tag.

I have to keep reminding myself that I (and many, many others) looked at New Zealand after they beat Ireland and felt there was no way they could be beaten, just as many seem to feel now about that England performance.

[Stom]

I think the first 15 minutes will be especially fascinating. Jones is bound to programme in a fast start like the SF. SA will be desperate not to let us have the ball. That could mean a brutal period with no kicking. Great - other than the prospect of injuries.

I think we'll kick to them. After the initial 5 minute try for Jonny May, that is.

I think we'll definitely see a return to "can we break the line within 3 phases? If not, kick."

I just hope we get a decent lead before reverting.

I'm not sure we will.

I hope we do simply stretch their D using our props, backrow, and fitness to pull their big men this way and that, especially as they've started Mtarawira and Mbombani again.

And our wide attack is very good when we get the ball there.

[Renniks]

I'm positive (for the first time in a long time) that we have the better players
I also have faith in EJ currently

But I do think it comes down to whether England select the right way to play

I also think that the bounce of the ball, and the view of the ref will be critical in the game - we need to keep our penalties low, and not give them half chances, as they are a team who can take them!

Definitely nervous. Yet surprisingly confident for a RWC final!

[Mikey Brown]

I felt like there were a ton of opportunities for NZ to attack the breakdown when we went wide but they just didn't seem to contest. Not sure how SA are likely to approach that area, but I suppose if they commit more men out wide and we're wise to it that could really help in stretching their defence.

[Stom]

Does anyone remember the stat about the XV that won the WC final only having played together 1 time previously?

Well, had this XV ever played together before the WC?

I'm pretty sure it never had.

[Stom]

I felt like there were a ton of opportunities for NZ to attack the breakdown when we went wide but they just didn't seem to contest. Not sure how SA are likely to approach that area, but I suppose if they commit more men out wide and we're wise to it that could really help in stretching their defence.

Honestly...it's not often that a team comes together that pairs forward carriers like Mako, George, Sincks, Itoje, Lawes, and Billy, with backs who can get it wide quickly and a pack who can support it.

Eddie has done a very good job in building something.

[Renniks]

I felt like there were a ton of opportunities for NZ to attack the breakdown when we went wide but they just didn't seem to contest. Not sure how SA are likely to approach that area, but I suppose if they commit more men out wide and we're wise to it that could really help in stretching their defence.

Honestly...it's not often that a team comes together that pairs forward carriers like Mako, George, Sincks, Itoje, Lawes, and Billy, with backs who can get it wide quickly and a pack who can support it.

Eddie has done a very good job in building something.

It's definitely a strength that we don't need both flankers to be carrying to make up for the rest of the pack - it means our wide play is better protected, and we can have good “truck the ball up and straighten” carriers a bit wider if we want too

I really don't quite know how we've stumbled on this team, but well done EJ!

[jngf]

Yeah, I wouldn't change much.

I like the idea of Wilson coming on again. He has that incredible mix of a cool head and insane workrate, but coupled with rare focused aggression.

I do think we need to take the same approach once again. Get a lead and never let it up. Let them run time and again into our D. Only Kolbe is a more slippery customer than Reece or Bridge.

And de Allende is better than ALB or Goodhue.

Also, if Louw plays, that's a different thing. I'm not sure I understand why PSDT is so highly rated. If he runs into Underhill, he'll soon have PTSD instead!

PSDT and Louw aren't competing for the same position, if that's what you were saying. Though they are unlikely to drop Kolisi.

De Allende is different to ALB, I rate both of them.

Well, you kinda say it...

I don't think Louw will start, because SA won't drop their (c) and like a big man.

Which is very good for England.

The difference is going to be that when SA are behind going into the final quarter, they can bring Louw and Snyman off the bench, while NZ had fuck all to turn to. We need to be able to counter that. Wilson will be important.

I think that's an interesting point. Behind the XV, the standard of squad NZ have put out this WC has been pretty below their usual standards. They have 3 locks of any quality, 3 backrows, and the back 3 options aren't so WOW as they have been in the past.

Regarding Kolisi in what (if any) way is he a better open side than Louw?

[Mikey Brown]

I felt like there were a ton of opportunities for NZ to attack the breakdown when we went wide but they just didn't seem to contest. Not sure how SA are likely to approach that area, but I suppose if they commit more men out wide and we're wise to it that could really help in stretching their defence.

Honestly...it's not often that a team comes together that pairs forward carriers like Mako, George, Sincks, Itoje, Lawes, and Billy, with backs who can get it wide quickly and a pack who can support it.

Eddie has done a very good job in building something.

Not totally sure if you’re disagreeing that there were opportunities or not. I agree we have a pack that means we shouldn’t worry about being able to cover the side channels, but I don’t know how we should expect SA to play in those areas.

[Danno]

PSDT and Louw aren't competing for the same position, if that's what you were saying. Though they are unlikely to drop Kolisi.

De Allende is different to ALB, I rate both of them.

Well, you kinda say it...

I don't think Louw will start, because SA won't drop their (c) and like a big man.

Which is very good for England.

The difference is going to be that when SA are behind going into the final quarter, they can bring Louw and Snyman off the bench, while NZ had fuck all to turn to. We need to be able to counter that. Wilson will be important.

I think that's an interesting point. Behind the XV, the standard of squad NZ have put out this WC has been pretty below their usual standards. They have 3 locks of any quality, 3 backrows, and the back 3 options aren't so WOW as they have been in the past.

Regarding Kolisi in what (if any) way is he a better open side than Louw?

That isn't why he starts over Louw

[Oakboy]

I felt like there were a ton of opportunities for NZ to attack the breakdown when we went wide but they just didn't seem to contest. Not sure how SA are likely to approach that area, but I suppose if they commit more men out wide and we're wise to it that could really help in stretching their defence.

Honestly...it's not often that a team comes together that pairs forward carriers like Mako, George, Sincks, Itoje, Lawes, and Billy, with backs who can get it wide quickly and a pack who can support it.

Eddie has done a very good job in building something.

It's definitely a strength that we don't need both flankers to be carrying to make up for the rest of the pack - it means our wide play is better protected, and we can have good “truck the ball up and straighten” carriers a bit wider if we want too

I really don't quite know how we've stumbled on this team, but well done EJ!

Yes, I still don't like Farrell at 12 but his SF performance means I have to accept his right to be there.

I don't like Youngs but he's the best we have so my opinion has to be shelved.

That really just leaves Daly at FB. We are where we are with that but, deep down, I still think Watson is better there. I'd go back to Daly's wing performances of 18 months ago in a heartbeat even if it meant May switching sides.

Most of all, though, Jones came up with a performance against NZ of which I had no idea that the team was capable. Now, I have to trust him to get the same level of play against SA even if it will need style adjustment. Let's face it, if that happens we will win. Also, Jones seems confident that the team did not peak in the SF and can be even better. If he is right, why would I not be confident? I do not believe SA can raise their game to that level, even if I did back them to win the RWC.

If that adds up to English arrogance, tough titty. I am astounded at where we are, delighted to be wrong about a fair bit and eagerly anticipating the result. It won't be as entertaining as our SF but any win will do.

[loudnconfident]

I think the first 15 minutes will be especially fascinating. Jones is bound to programme in a fast start like the SF. SA will be desperate not to let us have the ball. That could mean a brutal period with no kicking. Great - other than the prospect of injuries.

I'd be happy with less kick'n'chase at the start. My fear is a late tackle or a tackle-in-the-air which gets (Manu) a card. (Well, you have to worry about something...)