Sounds interesting; tell us more please!

I fear this could be a huge mistake. Widdop was out June-September and has only played a handful of minutes for England the last few years. The only benefit I can see is that New Zealand will have spent all week studying Rangi Chase in video sessions.

I suppose we might even see Burrow and Widdop together at some point too.

I am not happy that Charnley is still in but we cannot have it all i suppose.

Burrow to partner Sinfield anyone?

You would presume its Widdop for Chase but nothing can be assumed with McNamara. After all, as already mentioned Widdop is under cooked, Burrow could well be in the halves with Widdop having time on the bench at some point.

The squad has been training together more or less every day for weeks. Minimal actual game time doesn't really matter.

I'd like to see all three Burgess' in the 17 & Burrow for the semi with Farell & McIlorum coming back into the 17 in place of Burrow & T Burgess for the final.

Im sure Widdop will be fine, im sure he's been training hard and knows the drills, but this is a very strange call from McNamara at this stage of the tournament.

Don't really like Mossop being in there either.

Pleased McIlorum's out and Burrow's in though.

Well it will be interesting for sure!, I would have liked to have seen Widdop play the full 80 before this game, but I do rate him and with Sinfield calling the shots it will be more like the role he plays for the Storm.

Hes OK anyway, if we fail to get to the final, Sinfield has already been lined up as the scapegoat so the pressures off Widdop

Could be and to be honest i would rather have that then RC & KS. I wish Widdop had been given more game time though.
I would love to see Burrow and Widdop having a stab at em..

You've got to have Sinfield in the halves, his kicking game is so important in Test matches.

Its a gamble but one worth taking IMO. He should have given him more of a run before now though if he planned to play him in the big games. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't though I suppose.

As for the team I'd leave out Ablett and Farrell and go-

Tomkins
Charnley Watkins Cudjoe Hall
Sinfield Widdop
Hill Roby Graham
S Burgess Ferres O'Loughlin

Subs
G Burgess Mossop Westwood Burrow

Some really strong impact from that bench and I think we need that. I think Ferres has earned a starting spot as has Chris Hill.

I hate these 'in the know' people who love to dangle tit bits to try and show off about their 'insider' info without really giving anything away. Either come out and say it or shut up and respect the fact that you were told whatever it is in confidence!

I think this could be a master stroke from McNamara. England have so many options and the Kiwis can simply not plan for them. Its a mix bag:

GW & KS
KS & RB
RB & GW

With three possible hookers in Roby, Burrow & Sinfield. Personally any of the three possible half back combos, with at least 2 been used, I'm really looking forward to seeing.

But surely if the plan was to fool NZ we'd have still named Chase in the 19, as now they have 2 days to watch video's of Widopp instead.

Where has this been announced? Can't see it anywhere.
If so, looking at the forwards, Ferres and Hill have been such a revelation, and I am guessing that having Ferres play beside Cudjoe helps the defence considerably on that side. I think any combination of Burrow/McIllorum/Roby would have worked but perhaps McN was using the last couple of weeks as a shoot out between the hookers and the 2 wingers. Happy with the outcome.
Farrell is too small, so Mossop must be the call there.
Am really surprised by Widdop's selection over Chase, but neither dismayed nor delighted. Shows courage on McN's part though.

Not got more to give. All I got is that two players (named as Chase and McIlorum) were asked to leave the squad earlier in the week. Seems to fit with neither being selected for this game, despite McNamara's attempts to keep the continuity of the half back pairing.

There's a tweet on my twitter feed earlier in the week where I hinted at disciplinary issues but nobody was able to confirm or deny.