Quote: 1315trinity "I think the Samoa Tonga game was by far the most competitive of the tournament so far, maybe because both teams were as fast as each other, regarding 'line speed' etc.
Whether the big hits appeared or not, to me doesn't detract from the fact that no player on the park had anything else to give at the end of the game and that to me is all you can ask for.
I thought personally it was a great game.
England have looked very good so far, and I suppose the yardstick will ultimately be against Australia - after we overcome a very different Samoa to the one we played in the first game.
I think England have their best chance for years of success - but those Aussies just won't lie down easily!'"
Agreed. I think we genuinely have a chance of winning it. We are second favourites behind the Aussies but for the first time in decades I think they have weaknesses that can be exposed.
The key for them in my opinion is Harry Grant. The pack is not one that terrifies me any more in fact I would say it is the most average pack the my have sent over in my lifetime. Grant though when he is playing well and allowed even a half yard of space gets them on the front foot superbly well.
This is where I think the Pacific nations lack a little quality and depth. They have wonderful athletes who seem purpose built physically for the game, but they do lack a bit of consistency and depth at 9, 6 & 7 and their 13s tend to be a little one dimensional.
I am of the opinion this England team can match most teams physically and also skill wise if we can keep out best 17 fit. It’s the belief and the Aussies knowing how to win that worries me.
We cannot overlook Samoa who will be a very different animal to the one we played in the first game but I think we will have the quality to go in confident we can and should beat them.