The game vs Scotland the 2nd half it was so poor to see the ball just kept in the middle of the pitch when we were near Scotland's line. The only player who took it wide was Williams and he created tries (so he'll probably be dropped for defying Bennett's wish to stay in the middle). I think the only time Hall, Percival and McGillvary touched the ball in Scotland's half in the second 40 was when they did the simple task of putting the ball down...Watkins I don't think got a single pass in that half.

we will get field position and chances like we did against NZ in that first half hour. we should have put them to bed in that game but couldn't find a way to the line. we have to be clinical against the Aussies because they will punish us for not doing so. We have a chance, it is slim but if our big game players can all step up and we don't bomb chances you never know.

lets face it, its about time we did them after a decade since we last did.

Both burgess twins have been poor and so has Sam. Certainly thought Taylor deserved his place

I'd put Sam Burgess in the backrow with Whitehead, and have Cooper, or Graham at loose. Widdop will play in the halves, and I honestly have no idea who Bennett will pick at 7.

We have to create something to have any chance. So I would play Brown at 6 Williams at 7 and Widdop instead of Percival.

Nobody watching Scotland?? Doing themselves proud again tonight

Yes, pleasantly surprised. I thought this game would start to see the effort they put in the first two games catch up with them and with NZ knowing they need to points I thought it would be a stroll for the kiwis.

Still 40 mins to go and the Kiwis could get away from them as the game progresses but ATM Scotland are doing England a favour.

I would go with Williams and Windows in the halves. Unfortunately Gale hasn'the brought his Castleford form to the England shirt and it would be a major risk to bring Brown in against Australia when he has only had roughly 30 minutes of game time with the team.

If Scotland can continue to improve how they finish their sets and retain their discipline they can keep it tight.

They've been the better team over the first 40 but haven't taken their chances. No matter what happens in this second half they can hold their heads up high.

came within 10 minutes of victory, great effort. that means all england need is victory...easy!!

Get in!

Its disappointing to see us be so one dimensional. Based on other comments by Bennet I actually have a suspicion that he doesn't trust our backs because they play in SL and therefore want to keep it in the middle.
Brisbane's backs certainly get more ball.

Another big weakness in our attack is that on the opposition line we are not attacking in successive tackles, we are attacking one side then driving it to the middle once or twice before attacking again.
This allows breathing time for the defence and if it doesn't change there is a real chance we will be restricted to one try at most.

Lomax
Mcgilvary Watkins Percival Hall
Brown Widdop
Graham Hodgson Hill
Whitehead Bateman
Burgess

Burgess Burgess Cooper Williams

Big surprise seeing Clark omitted with Brown playing.

Yes quite a left field selection to introduce Brown now. If it works out then it'll look like a master stroke. If it doesn't then it wasn't exactly a gimme that any other combination would've worked.

Concerned to still see him go with Hill & Graham starting with the Burgess twins to come on off the bench. That period they come on in the latter part of the first half could be crucial as we struggled vs NZ at that point.

Just hoping the Scotland performance inspired the England lads.