our forwards match up to aus and nz far more than our half backs do

No, NZ should smash England in the semis

Its too late to call for Rangi's head now, he isnt going to change a key position for a semi final after 4 games of the tournament. He should never have been the first choice in the first place thats the problem. We can still have a good go at the Kiwi's, they have a great team but stranger things have happened. As a proud Englishman I would rather get behind the team and cheer the boys on. Its a home semi final at Wembley in the World Cup, and all people seem to want to do is wave the white flag before its even kicked off, we have no chance, the coach is useless, x and y players are crap.. Lighten up for frigs sake and support the team, this attitude everyone seems to have is depressing

Disagree. In the first 20 minutes against Australia there was no problem.

For all the mocking of the coach the team look much more organised and potentially potent than under any coach since Mal Reilly.

We'll lose because our pack seem unable to maintain form, concentration and defence for 80 minutes. They flatter to deceive. Over the years that has been the case.

Yes, exactly, but people will blame the halfbacks

We,ve played 320 mins of rugby so far and our halfbacks have not even performed over 80 mins in those 4 games. The pack can only do so much in driving the ball in, yes they have had defensive lapses, but we also need some inspiration and spark from the half backs, the performance of our wingers and full back are just papering over the cracks.

Pre-tournament I thought yes.
Pre-QF I thought no.
Post-QF I think NO.

Just stating facts. Did you watch the game yesterday?

Its too late now but I would have tried Briscoe at full back and Tomkins at stand off by dropping Chase. Briscoe is no worse than Tomkins defensively but he does have good kick returns albeit in a different style. Tomkins at stand off would attack the opposition much better than Chase and would be effective as a support player off the forwards.
The most important thing is that Tomkins will put in 80 mins worth instead of the unpredictable 15-20 mins from Chase.

Briscoe at full back would be a disaster. Can't remember who Hull played earlier this year with Briscoe at FB, but it wasn't pretty.

I would like Tomkins at 6 again though. I personally think this is his best position. I have been particularly impressed if his kicking game.

But wouldn't out Briscoe at FB. Rather have Widdop.
So frustrating seeing him on the bench.

On the plus side, England did beat Fiji rather comfortably, and Fiji looked pretty good tonight. Meanwhile, NZ haven't had a really tough game in the tournament yet, and England will be the first tie they come up against a Big Three opponent.

On paper, and so far on telly, New Zealand still have the edge. But there'll be 70,000+ of us at Wembley, and most of us will be shouting for the boys in white. Plus, it might rain...

England aren't out of this yet. We just need the halfbacks and centres to gel properly.