In fairness, Sinfield has played stand off pretty much all season (albeit with 13 on his back) and was the driving force behind Leeds winning the GF.

As far as one prop on the bench goes, McNamara mentioned last night at the 4 Nations Fans forum that he's comfortable with that given that he's got 3 props in the 17 whose time on the field is good in comparison to others - Graham, Peacock and, possibly to a lesser extent, Morley.

When Ben Westwood is added to the mix I think there's a decent argument to say that we've enough cover there.

Agreed, its like p*ssing into the wind.

I am finding it really difficult to get excited about the match on Saturday, although I think our backs have improved dramatically with the likes of Widdop, Sam and Reed coming through to be established internationals we are still left with the inept muppet at coach with his backwards style to coaching.

England have a 14 point handicap. Who would your money be on?

I think we'll keep inside that just about so I'd back England.

England 16

Australia 24

1st try-Hall

Mom- Thurston

Att- 43500

Atkins isn't in the 4 Nations squad

I don't know about a 14 point start; England probably need at least a 20 point start. I can see us getting absolutely thrashed if the Ozzies get a roll on.

I just hope that the forwards can be competitive and we avoid embarrassment, with some magic from Tomkins to give us some consolation in what seems almost certain to be a heavy defeat.