I think we should go for the jugular. While a massive win might count for little to us regular fans, for the massive numbers of casual viewers they just see a massive win against France, at a packed ground. They don't care about the context, they just want to see the win. It will help shift tickets at Wembley, and sell out the Final, even if we get turned over by New Zealand.
So, I would choose the same team as I would for the final
1 Tomkins 2 Charnley 3 Watkins 4 Cudjoe 5 Hall 6 Chase 7 Sinfield
8 Graham 9 Roby 10 Hill 11 Ferres 12 S Burgess 13 O'loughlin
14 Burrow 15 G Burgess 16 Mossop 17 Westwood
Briscoe had to do more than he did last week to justify ignoring Charnley's form over the whole season. I don't watch the NRL, but have not seen anything in the WCC or his international performances to suggest Widdop is a better bet than Burrow. The one spot I struggled with a little was Westwood, but went for him because we need size. Against the New Zealanders I think we have no choice other than to go big, but against Australia Farrell could be an option.
We are 3rd of 3, but pretty close to the other 2, and have generally handled New Zealand pretty well over here.

Mossop was fantastic for us in the play offs. He was aggressive, made good metres and played with good energy. He has frustrated the life out of me at times over the past couple of years though but he doesn't do it often enough and he was the same against the Aussies. He drifts along too often and doesn't grab the game by the horns. He's a very talented player though.

I just can't agree with your analysis of McIlorum. He's an outstanding player and a big game player. He's the total opposite of a flat track bully and he's getting much better at controlling games. I can appreciate Roby is a better player and Burrow brings more off the bench but there isn't another hooker in superleague close to him. He knocked off a couple of pretenders in Lunt and Higham during the play offs.

He plays for the best team in the comp and tackles a lot. That's it. Id have Roby, Lunt and Higham ahead of him.

..oh and Burrow.

Looks like chandler bing will get a chance to claim a spot m.skysports.com/rugbyleague

Looks like chandler bing will get a chance to claim a spot m.skysports.com/rugbyleague

I note elsewhere you acknowledge McIlorum isn't up to scratch after another mediocre performance. Interesting that the Wigan faithful have moved on to suggesting he has to play the full 80 to do himself justice rather than softening up the opposition. No thanks.