England v Wallabies, Twickenham, Sun 10th Nov 2:10AEDT / 1:10AEST

[TSR]

All of the above. But it’s also worth noting 12 months ago Ikitau was denied a World Cup berth supposedly due to injury.

So it’s really only been a handful of games, under a new coach, with new attack and defensive structures. I know I’ve made a few comments about Len’s form but always with a few disclaimers in there. I’ve never questioned his class and haven’t seen many others question it either.

Maybe it’s just my perception but you seem to be getting unnecessarily defensive about the Brumbies brigade. I’d have to say if I was a Brumbies supporter this morning after that test and the performance of Valetini, Wright, Ikitau and guys like Frost (sure, not perfect but still pretty good), Lolesio, Ala'alatoa and the cameo from Slipper I’d be pretty damn happy.

 

[TSR]

That last try, as noted above - doesn't matter how experienced you are, there's always a temptation to step in because you don't trust your inside man.

M Smith found guilty, and Ikitau exploited with a sublime slip pass. Ikitau was actually tackled by his man, and Smith allowed the offload to MJ (who nailed the catch and run at last).

And Ikitau had actually already got around his man (Lawrence, I think). Yes, Lawrence came back and got him but once he was beaten initially Smith was always going to jam in. If he didn’t and Ikitau only had to contend with one defender there was a decent chance he just palms him and goes for the line anyway. Smith was on a hiding to nothing.

It was a cracking pass though. I know these guys train that stuff but to execute in that moment. Great to watch.

 

[whitefalcon]

I don't see how we can start that backrow and Skelton.

I like the shout to move JAS to 11. Lets see what sort of form Kerevi is in and put Lenny back in at 13. Good to have options for next year.

I'd be tempted to keep Lenny at 12 and play Kerevi at 13 if we're going to bring him in.

I was just so impressed with Len getting more ball

 

[Joe Blow]

Only big native takeaway for me is the high ball contests. Did the Wallabies win one?

Wright, Kellaway got out jumped or missed it each time. Teams will pepper it. Can be improved though.

Lolesio was very solid in the air. We missed a couple of contested kicks but were certainly much better than in the RC. Williams was a revelation receiving kick offs and JS the same contesting ours.

 

[whitefalcon]

Outside the defence in the first 15 or so, my only real issue with anyone in the team in that game is with Tate's core skills (passing and box kicking)

He is amazing around the ruck, really world class and contributed to 2? tries but man he needs to work on his pass. He is also not as strong a box kicker as Gordon.

I feel its going to be hard for him to break into the starting team unless he can fix his service. You can excuse it at the end of the game when he is sniping around the ruck, but it was really noticeable today.

 

[TSR]

I get the challenge to try and see what Skelton and Kerevi have to offer. But that’s a challenge born out of their decision not to prioritise a Wallaby jersey. I don’t begrudge them make extra money but all of those other guys could make that choice and didn’t.

We’ve been desperate for these guys to be world class. They turn in their strongest performance for probably 3 years and yet we still think there’s an imperative to give someone else an opportunity. Honestly, I don’t get it.

We know Kerevi & Skelton can play. Give them time with the squad. But let’s reward the guys who got the job done. Yes - they could fall in a hole next week - consistency hasn’t been our strong point. But I don’t see how chopping and changing our side at this point helps us with consistency.

 

[Dan54]

Well fellas,that was a bloody good win. Has to be great for the game in Aus, last 10 minutes just needs to be replayed on tv to hook casual viewers. For all the doomsayers, this Wallaby team has the makings of a very good one. Your loosies and midfield I thought were bloody good, work to do on defense, but you should be celebrating well and truly.

Was fun watching it in Welsh pub, and scene was set at beginning when anthems were being played, the Aus anthem was played aloud on tv, then as English one started the landlord muted the tv, and just said it was his favourite version of it,

 

[Joe Blow]

Injury issues don't stop him pushing the plate away

Its a tough gig with is big boned island build. It would be easy for him to take massive cash in Japan for a few years and not have to put in too much.
Hopefully he is motivated to be the best version of himself he can be. Playing at the Tahs with Bell this year will help.

 

[griffins]

Maybe it’s just my perception but you seem to be getting unnecessarily defensive about the Brumbies brigade. I’d have to say if I was a Brumbies supporter this morning after that test and the performance of Valetini, Wright, Ikitau and guys like Frost (sure, not perfect but still pretty good), Lolesio, Ala'alatoa and the cameo from Slipper I’d be pretty damn happy.

just your perception I think, I also pointed out that I thought Frost and Wright were over praised.

Ill admit some of the negativity i called out about Noah was early in the thread and also separately on social media though

 

[Joe Blow]

What benefits do you think Skelton would bring to the team? I have never been a fan but haven't watched him much in recent times and know that he is well regarded in France. But apart from scrummaging what would he offer over Frost and Williams (who I thought played well)?

Yes, we seemed to counter the English maul effectively. He adds weight there and at the coalface generally. Surely we will see him next week?

 

[Adam84]

Actually one more comment about this game

I’m so bloody glad the Wallabies beat England; i know it’s just a game but it gives me great pleasure in some of those English supporters getting beaten. The last Wallabies test vs England i attended at the SCG was ruined by a group of English supporters sitting behind us, not only had they purchased tickets in the ‘Wallabies supporters section’ but they carried on like the biggest bunch of fuckheads i’ve ever had to sit near at a test match. There were a multitude of obnoxious comments, but they kept making sly racist remarks about Koroibete, which was enough to almost report them, and they also spilt their beer on my fiancée when i was in the bathroom and called her a bitch when she asked them to be more careful, my partner didn’t tell me this until after the Game... So to that small group of English fans, it gives me great pleasure to see them lose..

I’ll balance this out with the fact i have relatives in England so i know they’re not all bad eggs, and some great mates, but they’re also the kind you can watch the game together and mutually appreciate the other teams and enjoy the game together.

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

I reckon Skelton and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) are tasked with the same job and are therefore in competition for a spot. If Skelton starts, and I personally wouldn't be going there after this test, then it looks like Williams might move to 6 and Valetini to 8. A choice might need to be made between LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Gleeson on the bench but in that case I'd prefer to stck with Gleeson so LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) looks like he might be the one to drop out. I am assuming Wilson will need a week's break for HIA recovery.

I also think consider that Schmidt will want to test depth and combos so could see him rotating players against what I think is a weak wales team.
I’m not convinced Joe is playing for anything other than lions next year

 

[Joe Blow]

All of a sudden we had some real juice in the midfield. Lolesio also looked much better with Lenny outside him. Our forwards have been building throughout the year and have been competitive. Now we have a backline that can deliver fast points with front foot ball. Is it Wales next week?

 

[TSR]

Yes, Wales.

Go for the jugular.

 

[dru]

I also think consider that Schmidt will want to test depth and combos so could see him rotating players against what I think is a weak wales team.
I’m not convinced Joe is playing for anything other than lions next year

It will be interesting to see how Schmidt adjusts selection, if he does. I love Kerevi, but after England I'd be holding the starting backline as is to try to build more cohesion between centres and back three. The connection was great but think how it could go with familiarity. I don't see Kerevi ideally suited to 23.

Skelton is a different issue but not without challenges. Maybe coming off the bench? I guess I have to remind myself that the English lineout is fabulous, but I just feel locking in some consistency can only be a good thing.

 

[dru]

Outside the defence in the first 15 or so, my only real issue with anyone in the team in that game is with Tate's core skills (passing and box kicking)

He is amazing around the ruck, really world class and contributed to 2? tries but man he needs to work on his pass. He is also not as strong a box kicker as Gordon.

I feel its going to be hard for him to break into the starting team unless he can fix his service. You can excuse it at the end of the game when he is sniping around the ruck, but it was really noticeable today.

I would not swap Tate for any other 9 at the Reds but I can't disagree with this. More than this, Gordon's service, especially before the blood bin, was superb. Crisp, accurate in control.

 

[PhilClinton]

Pre injury, Samu Kerevi was being hailed as one of our only genuinely world class players.

I think there is still a version of this Wallabies squad where JAS, Kerevi and Lenny all play together and we are very good. Likely with JAS shifting to the wing. He moved between centre and wing quite often in the NRL.

As much as Schmidt knows his stuff, I doubt he brought Kerevi into the squad as a ‘just in case’ cover if JAS sucked balls.

 

[TSR]

Just saw Ben Youngs full comments where he predicated England would win 3 from 4 of their Spring tour tests. Hopefully SA pump them next weekend.
Then, and I know it’s extremely unlikely - but gee I hope Japan find a way. Somehow.

 

[Yoda]

I also think consider that Schmidt will want to test depth and combos so could see him rotating players against what I think is a weak wales team.
I’m not convinced Joe is playing for anything other than lions next year

Team should stay the same… I don’t think a win against England was expected.. now there is a slight chance of a possible Grand Slam… unless there are injuries I’d suspect the 23 will have no changes? Although, having said that, I’d love to see Harry Potter on a wing.. is Pietsch injured?

 

[KOB1987]

Just saw Ben Youngs full comments where he predicated England would win 3 from 4 of their Spring tour tests. Hopefully SA pump them next weekend.
Then, and I know it’s extremely unlikely - but gee I hope Japan find a way. Somehow.

TBH I'm content with the Saffa's beating them and then they give Eddie's Japan a hiding.