RWC: AUS v ENG (Twickenham): POOL A; 6am (AEDT) Sunday 4 October

[Lindommer]

If England have to select their best team in an attempt to stay alive in the RWC Cheika's choice of two teams may prove to be a master-stroke. Although I doubt very much we'll see the same players in the 10 and 12 white jumpers come next Sunday.

 

[qwerty51]

1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore (c)
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Rob Simmons
5. Kane Douglas
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper
8. David Pocock
9. Nick Phipps
10. Bernard Foley
11. Rob Horne
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Israel Folau

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. James Slipper
18. Greg Holmes
19. Dean Mumm
20. Ben McCalman
21. Will Genia
22. Matt To'omua
23. Kurtley Beale

That's the team that knocks England out of their home World Cup.

 

[Viking]

Swap Mitchell for Horne.

 

[qwerty51]

Mitchell's first 20 minutes were terrible. Weak in contact and didn't treat the ball with security. As long as Horne shuts down the space on May or Watson he won't get beaten for pace.

 

[Viking]

What about kick returning or catching the high ball? Mitchell tops Horne in those departments.

Yes he was terrible in the first 10mins but he got better as the game went-on.

Lots of love for Horne but he hasn't done much besides tackle like a demon, which is great but I want more.

 

[qwerty51]

England's back 3 are scary, I'd like to nullify them as much as possible and Horne's the man to do that.

 

[light]

Mitchell's first 20 minutes were terrible. Weak in contact and didn't treat the ball with security. As long as Horne shuts down the space on May or Watson he won't get beaten for pace.

Better than AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s first 10 minutes?

 

[Viking]

England's back 3 are scary, I'd like to nullify them as much as possible and Horne's the man to do that.

Good point. I'm so disappointed in Speight's form - such a great defender but his attack has completely disappeared.

 

[qwerty51]

Better than AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s first 10 minutes?

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was just as bad but he's a proven performer in big matches. He's going no where.

 

[Lindommer]

Add Genia to your 22, qwerty, and I think you've nailed it. Maybe TGC will start Slipper, but only if he's completely recovered.

 

[domo]

1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore (Captain)
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Rob Simmons
5. Dean Mumm
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper
8. David Pocock
9. Nick Phipps
10. Quade Cooper
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Matt Giteau (Kicker)
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Israel Folau

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. James Slipper
18. Greg Holmes
19. Kane Douglas
20. Sean McMahon
21. Will Genia
22. Matt To'omua
23. Rob Horne

 

[Shelts89]

England's back 3 are scary, I'd like to nullify them as much as possible and Horne's the man to do that.

I like hearing this!

This was always a big game for us Poms, but after yesterday it becomes even bigger! Hopefully Twickenham will be bouncing. From watching the last few games I'd select this team, though who knows what Lancaster will do...

1. Marler
2. Youngs
3. Wilson
4. Lawes
5. Launchbury
6. Wood
7. Robshaw
8. Vunipola

9. Youngs
10. Ford
11. May
12. Burgess (He has been playing unlike Slade, not the the game to be out of match sharpness)
13. Joseph
14. Watson
15. Brown.

 

[Grandmaster Flash]

Thought Joseph is out of the pool stages?

 

[Shelts89]

Nah, last I heard was he was out for only one week. So he should be fine for you guys.

 

[Marcelo]

Any news about injuries status? Skelton, Slipper, Palu.

 

[the plastic paddy]

Burgess was badly exposed yesterday. Hope Lancaster starts him next week but I don't think he is that foolish. Think Farrell senior will insist on his son starting, advantage Australia. England will be in full on trying not to lose mode, Aussie by 10 points, possibly with a 4 try BP.

 

[the plastic paddy]

Nah, last I heard was he was out for only one week. So he should be fine for you guys.

I think you are going to be disappointed. Next time you see him play for England could be in February.

 

[Shelts89]

Did I miss some news? if he is out for the whole pool stages then we're f*cked. They won't play Slade now and the others can't bloody pass, so our back 3 will only get the ball when kicked too! Grrrrr!

 

[RugbyReg]

Genia, Moore and Holmes the only guys on the bench not used. I suspect they'll all start.

Phipps was good yesterday but I don't think his 'pass first look second' game is right for that pommy rushing defence.

 

[Bairdy]

I hope the coaches saw how Wales got their try against the Poms: by playing deep and throwing a cutout to 13, and putting it through the hands to get around their rush defence.