It will be similar to the DW game in 2009. They'll give us a pasting first half and then relax allowing us to score some points and make it look respectable.

I hope it'll be that anyway because if they open up on a pitch like that then it could be Melbourne 2008 or Sydney 2001 all over again.

To be honest I think stand off is probbly Sinfield's best position. He's a little under-sized in the back row and doesn't carry it up enough, especially at international level. He's not close to being the best 6 in the England squad though (probably fourth behind Chase, Widdop and Tomkins) so why he keeps getting the starting berth I'll never know. He hardly set the world alight against France or Wales. McBanana is weakening the bench by only picking three forwards, especially with two being back rowers. If he is to persist that way then have either one of Wilkin or JJB on there and rotate Sinfield into the back row if we're spelling forwards. We have to have four props!

Australia are going to win by 30 plus and that the stadium will be half full are facts? I'm glad you're not my lawyer.

On a positive after all the poor selection choices note I'm fully behind what ever team plays and pleased England are back in a stadium fitting for our sport.

think it will be far closer than many people are predicting

My brother was on a training course in Loughborough this week and coincidentally staying in the same hotel as the England squad.

As he seemed to be the only person in the hotel who knew who they were he got quite a bit of time chatting to them.

He said Darryl Powell and Sam Tomkins were quietly confident about Saturday's game but the overall impression he got was that they were all relaxed and ready to give it their best shot.

I'm off down to the game, more in hope than expectation but if we keep it competitive for 60 mins I'll be happy.

My prediction; 6 points in it at 50 mins then the Aussies to run in a few more tries and win by 18-22 points.

Im hoping for a close fought game, I think about the quality we have in the squad with players like Sam, Widdop, Ellis etc, and feel like we could sneak a win here, then I remember who is coach and just feel less optimistic.

I don't post often but I am England through and through I hope the team don't log on, negative, negative, negative I believe England can win I have hope if you don't then support some other sport and pass your negativity on to that for god sake people believe , England by 4 :-p

You do realise that Sinfield, even if he has 6 on his back, is effectively playing a scrum-half role? He's playing the same role as Cronk and a Sinfield-Widdop combo would allow Widdop to play his natural game whether he's wearing 7 or not. England looked most effective vs Wales with this combo, and it should Chase not Sinfield who is benched. And Carvell for Wilkin.

a-teamsport.com/2011/11/luke-lew ... al-to-nrl/

a-teamsport.com/2011/11/luke-lew ... al-to-nrl/

This