Biggest difference between the two teams is the half backs.

Whenever Australia get into our 20 Lockyer and Thurston are cool and calculated in what they do (often helped by Smith). Each runner knows exactly what to do and set moves look slick and easy.

When we get into the Aus 20 we have Chase running round in circles confusing not only the opposition but his own team mates, Sinfield and Widdop kicking the ball straight into the oppositions arms or Roby trying a spectulative grubber usually ending up dead in goal.

Until we get a settled half back pairing who can organise and bring a quality attacking kicking to the international scene we will struggle against Australia.

That said I enjoyed the game yesterday and thought in general we played well and gave a decent account of ourselves. A couple of tweaks to the team and a reduction in the number of silly errors a lot of our players make and I can see us beating the Kiwis next Saturday. Cant wait!

Drop: Sinfield, Wilkin, Yeaman
Teach the wide out defenders how to defend as a team
Get Tomkins involved more
Play Widdop at 6
Don't panic when Australia kick up a gear
Drink less beer and get to the gym more so we don;t flag in the last 10 mins of each half

Should see us right!

The were three really embarassing things yesterday:

1. As Roy H said - the coach's squad selection. I said it was bizarre previously and it remain be an embarassing cloud all tournament.

2. Chase's drop-out. If his idea (and not the coach's) he should be dropped and NEVER play again for England. It was inept and stupid and anyone capable of that should never be allowed near an international again. Hard but true.

3. Oz's second half try near the posts off the short pass. It was so obvious - the sort of thing I was doing as a 7 year old - making a big play - lots of pointing / arm waving suggesting they were putting on a move to swing it wide right. To fall for that was embarassing and shows a weakness in the minds of the players. The Ozzies certainly looked pleased (or were they laughing!).

We flattered to decive yesterday. After scoring first we never looked like we were going to win. It was not exciting because the result was never in doubt after 15 to 20 minutes. Despite what people seem to be saying on here we have been MUCH more competitive than that only numerous occassions since 1995. To me, I just saw us look like we are falling further behind - still relying on Ellis, Peacock, Morley and Sinfield for impact - guys who are getting to the back ends of their careers and are not quite the players they were 2 years ago.

Same as it has been for years. Australia look fitter and do the all the basic skills better. That lets them put more pressure on other teams. Who then commit errors, both physical and mental. They don't often pick players out of position. They might be a little better at "playing" the referee.
I thought England made a valiant effort today, but they're just not quite good enough.
I look forward to eating my words when England win the tournament......................