It's been 41 years. For decades the Aussies were invincible, then the kiwis came along in 2005 and shot that myth to shreds. Backing up in 2008 and 2010.

Now, are england about to join the party?

2009 [size2011 ?

This time next week we'll be celebrating a milestone moment in english rugby league history.

We have the pace in the backline, the finishing ability, the direction and kicking in the halves and the pack. We have the continuity and the improvement game on game (partly because of continuity).

Sure you could say the aussies have all of the above and they do, that's why next weeks game will be nip and tuck.

But we'll take it, I can smell it, and so I think, can the players.

Every other game has followed the 2009 pattern - the final doing the same wouldn't surprise me

probably not, but our 'stand outs' are our young players. So maybe not this year, but we look like we are building towards success.

Edit: We also need to look at Australia, they are losing Lockyer next week, Big Civ has gone, is there a prop coming through who is better than the best we have? is there a stand off who will be anywhere near Lockyer? As good as Thurston is he isnt Johns, and as good as whoever Australia bring through I dont think he will be as good as Lockyer. There is nobody in this Australian Pack who is as good as Webcke, Civ, Hindmarsh, at their peak.

I think we forget sometimes just how good the Australians have been over the past few years and how difficult it will be for them to keep up that level.

but your forgetting.... Kevin Sinfield and James Graham are rubbish, anyone affiliated with anyone other than Wigan dont deserve to play for England.... We have no chance!!!

apart from that then we have a real chance after the 3 performances this last month. The aussies are nothing to be scared of!

I hope your right, but i still dont think we have that extra gear in our box that the Aussies have. Prove me wrong...come on England.

It's all about goal line 'd'. If we can find some of that we might have a chance, if Sinfield devolves some of the playmaking to Chase. If we continue to be so pathetic and let them stroll over at the first hint of a deep ball to a runner it'll be the same old story.

I bloody hope so. First international I'm going to for years and taking my son to his first ever

C'mon England

If they give Lockyer and Thurston the amount of time and space they did at Wembley , they will destroy us again

Whose said James Graham is rubbish ?

I don't see why not. If we get the basics right and complete or sets like we did last night we've got the strike power to put some points up. This Aussie side isn't one to be feared and has a recent history of not turning up in finals, although admittedly against New Zealand not us

Good post.

Sinfield just way too predictable to be taking the majority of playmaking duties.

It's not just that he's predictable, he repeatedly made the wrong decision and picked the wrong pass last night, especially early in the game. There were several occasions where the ball should have been passed out wide and missed runners out and he gave it short instead. When we have the ball in Australia's twenty we have to put points on the board. They won't give us the same reprieves that NZ did

Improved goal-line attack and defence, getting rid of silly errors yet still playing expansively, and luck/rub of the green from the ref will all be needed - plus the Aussies being overconfident.

The goal-line at both ends is key. We have to be able to pressure Australia when they have the ball, and be more effective at the other end.

I can't see past an Australia win. They are still a long way ahead in execution of plays in attack, and yet less likely to concede points through dumb errors near their own line. It would be massive for international RL if we could do it, and we have a slight chance, but I think Australia will win.

On a side topic, suggesting that the retirement of the likes of Lockyer will be a relief is rubbish. Australia produces quality new players every year, and we've been saying for years that things will be different when X or Y is gone. That's the difference - we haven't had a genuine class halfback since Goulding for example, Australia have produced probably 5 or 6 great players in that time. The same is true across the board. What's in our favour at the moment going forward is that we have some outside backs of actual quality who are also young, with more coming through. That's a huge change.

We will always win.

If you fear an opponent, where does that leave you? Smack the living crap out of Thurston as he's a known soft çock in the NRL, with bung shoulders. Apply the same amount of push as the aussies do and we'll rattle them. We still have too much one out footy.

I just can't understand the negativity towards Sinfield. He's done a great job. His work rate is excellent. His team - Leeds - have been pretty successful on the back of his ability. There at least 10 players who I'd drop before I dropped Sinfield.

Before I'm asked to name then I will:

Briscoe, Yeamans, Reed, Chase, Morley, Peacock, Wilkin, Heightington (or whatever his name is), Wilkin, Widdop.