An impressive result by the team indeed. That attendance was also really impressive, over 43,000+. Especially as the venue is/was, outside our traditionally strong support areas.

A shame that the attendance wasn't backed up by good crowds in Sunday's games. Not looking too good for the tournament's prospects of success - at least in terms of bums on seats. I do feel for the organisers in some ways - they've been up against it all the way through with the postponement, the cost of living and even the power outage before the first game. Ticket prices are strangely high in places though and I've never been convinced that trying to pad out the WC with no-hopers like Greece, Scotland, Jamaica etc is the best way to go.

Agreed about some of the ticket prices and you can guarantee the ridiculously priced ones are right opposite the tv cameras, never a good look on the telly.
The organisers shouldn't be giving them away but bar the England games the group stages are going to be pretty sply attended at those prices

That lad Williams was awful again yesterday. Where is Wally? Sorry, I meant WW69 when you need him?

Quite a conundrum for Wane as to his strongest spine. Tomkins and Williams will be certainties so he has to try and fit Welsby and Sneyd in. Welsby offers that X factor yet Sneyd has a great kicking game not to mention his goal kicking which would be vital in a tight game.

Not sure what he will do but my guess will be Tomkins/Welsby/Williams

I think he'll pick his best defenders first and foremost, so I expect the same side as played Samoa.
I'd like to see either Sneyd or Ackers on the bench as an option but it wouldn't surprise me if he went with 4 forwards again.

Suggesting Sneyd on the bench? What a waste of a spot that would be.

What value would that add?

I think moving forward we will now see the side that started against Samoa with Bateman in for McMeeken.

I'd have Ackers personally but Sneyd could be used to spell Mickey with Williams going to 9 for a bit. If there was an injury in the backs your could shift Welsby to cover and use Sneyd in the halves.
His kicking could turn a tight game, it gives us a different option if the (very similar style) pairing of Williams and Welsby are struggling to break down the tougher defences.
I don't think it's that daft.

I'd like to se Batchelor in the 17. I think he brings that extra bite and intensity in defence and kick chase that makes a big difference in tight games.


Assuming Radley will play 13 then personally McMeeken misses out for Bateman and my preference would be Batchelor replacing Knowles on the bench.

To be fair, Knowles provides a higher intensity in defence and kick pressure chase than Batchelor. I know it was only against Greece but both Brown and Graham commented on his efforts in these areas highlighting one example of kick pressure at 74 mins with the game out of sight. I woudl argue his qualities are better than Batchelors in a high intensity tight game.