I look at the teams that people are trotting out and get depressed; not because the players are so bad, but because they are so inexperienced and not wise enough or seasoned enough - and most often all three.
I doubt if any player we nominate will not give his all but often that isn't enough. The 2nd test against England and the one against Ireland showed how much more these players must improve, and improve they will. If we lose in Brisbane we will give a subsequent forensic analysis of this player and that player missing 3 tackles or dropping 2 passes, but the underlying reason may be a lack of seasoning of mind and body.
If we win it will probably be because of moments of brilliance and I will be the first one out of my armchair shaking my first and yahooing. But behind that briliance will likely be some problems of substance.
Win or lose this game or the next etc we shouldn't blame the players or coaches too much for some of the problems we will see. I have no great solutions as the calendar is against us. Put the same 22 players in the same team two years from now except for the few oldies and you'd see a mature team playing more maturely for longer in the game.
It won't happen of course: there will be players returning and different players for other reasons, but you know what I mean.
I hope.
PS I hope that Hodgson gets a gig, and not just for 5 minutes. He may not be the most skilful or athletic player but he's exactly the kind of player we need.
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