SF1 - Match Thread - ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND - 26/10/19 - K/O 09:00 BST

[Guest]

First topic message reminder :

Again, making these early for the sake of ease and consistency.

ENGLAND

Team:Daly; Watson, Tuilagi, Farrell (capt), May; Ford, Youngs; M Vunipola, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Lawes, Curry, Underhill, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Marler, Cole, Kruis, Wilson, Heinz, Slade, Joseph.

NEW ZEALAND

Team: Beauden Barrett; Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, George Bridge; Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, Kieran Read (capt).

Replacements: Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett.



Venue: Yokohama
Referee: Nigel Owens
AR1: Romain Poite
AR2: Pascal Gauzere
TMO: Marius Joncker

[Poorfour]

The big difference in significance between Ireland’s result last year and England’s is what has happened to the teams since then.

Ireland won with a full strength team at the height of its powers. But Ireland have looked fragile since England took them apart in Dublin the following February. Teams now know that if they get in their faces, the Irish game plan breaks down.

England’s match against the All Blacks was more interesting. They were coming off a poor performance against the Boks, with a makeshift pack in which half the players had a combined total of less than 10 caps, and yet found a gameplan that saw them a boot length away from victory. The point being, Ireland had nowhere to go but down, England were (and are) still improving. 

Both matches saw one side clinically putting away another highly ranked side that most commentators thought would cause them trouble. New Zealand had the higher points difference - but not by much, and conceded two tries to one.

Everything about England’s RWC campaign has been very measured so far. They’ve been doing what they need to do and not giving much away. Eddie has masterminded New Zealand’s exit from the RWC twice before, and he undoubtedly has a plan to do it again. The NZ side he has to beat is better than the ones he knocked out, but then the side he’s coaching now is also better.

[Taylorman]

The games last year are certainly irrelevant but you’d say the writing was on the wall for Ireland, given their more recent results.

I’d say both NZ and Eng have improved since the Autumn game last year and both will be fielding stronger teams. Scoreline will be similar in my opinion, just haven’t figured which way round it’ll be.

Yes true. Since last year they lost four, three convincingly, three when it mattered. When titles are on the line. By losing to Japan, Ireland took the hard road, and paid early. Things have changed for NZ rugby. Losses are part of reality as long as they're prioritised. Reality is the AB's can no longer expect to go out and win every single test when every single side is wanting to take your scalp more than anyone elses. 18 times a year with that sort of pressure? Too much. You've got to manage it, and prioritise.

And that makes making all roads lead to the World cup. The loss to Ireland last year wasnt ideal, but it was necessary. It tells you more about your own side.

Agree re England, they were impressive and I think of the 8 NZ and England stood out from the others, the Boks next, eventually.

Think it'll be a Bok vs NZ/ Eng final for sure. Besides their game plan, England have athletes, with x factor, and that's where NZ hope to be stronger.

England havent yet played one of the five considered likely winners yet, so 'could' be under cooked, though Argie and Oz gave them enough to work with.

[Taylorman]

The big difference in significance between Ireland’s result last year and England’s is what has happened to the teams since then.

Ireland won with a full strength team at the height of its powers. But Ireland have looked fragile since England took them apart in Dublin the following February. Teams now know that if they get in their faces, the Irish game plan breaks down.

England’s match against the All Blacks was more interesting. They were coming off a poor performance against the Boks, with a makeshift pack in which half the players had a combined total of less than 10 caps, and yet found a gameplan that saw them a boot length away from victory. The point being, Ireland had nowhere to go but down, England were (and are) still improving. 

Both matches saw one side clinically putting away another highly ranked side that most commentators thought would cause them trouble. New Zealand had the higher points difference - but not by much, and conceded two tries to one.

Everything about England’s RWC campaign has been very measured so far. They’ve been doing what they need to do and not giving much away. Eddie has masterminded New Zealand’s exit from the RWC twice before, and he undoubtedly has a plan to do it again. The NZ side he has to beat is better than the ones he knocked out, but then the side he’s coaching now is also better.

Yep, well said. England look solid, everywhere. They probably could have done with the France match, but theyre set up nicely now.

[Guest]

I replied to this

’You make NZ favourites simply because it's NZ and everything that means, but by how much? Hard to say.’

True I didn’t say you said England

Excellent. Arguing with yourself then.

Buy a diary?

[Guest]

The thing is, England-NZ last year was played with fourth and fifth choice loosehead props and a flanker at No.8. We were clearly missing a lot of good players and yet (admittedly with home advantage played in the rain) only lost by a point. They were 15-0 up at one point. Add to that a marginal (but correct) offside call for a chargedown and they would have won.

Several good points, Bounce, but just to focus on this, the more of the RWC goes by, the more Lawes' chargedown feels like a grave error in the grand scheme of things, and I'd be frustrated to be English. Perhaps there hasn't been anything as glaring as that, in the lead up to a try or score, but the offside line isn't being policed as it felt like it might be in the wake of that furore.

[Taylorman]

I replied to this

’You make NZ favourites simply because it's NZ and everything that means, but by how much? Hard to say.’

True I didn’t say you said England

Excellent. Arguing with yourself then.

Buy a diary?

No idea what you're on about, but you just carry on monitoring the site like a good little soldier huh?

[Guest]

I'm saying if you want to write an outraged diatribe culminating with calling someone 'warped' and disagreeing with their 'logic', you should actually make sure the person you're responding to has said anything close to what you're arguing against. It's logical, really...haha.

Otherwise, buy a diary, and pop your thoughts down in there instead.

Or better yet, let out your spare room to this guy, and go and berate him evey time you have something you need to get off your chest...

[Taylorman]

Aah yup, I'll leave that with you. sending me self portraits is getting a little creepy.

On with the show!

[Rugby Fan]

Weather watch:

Two systems have sprung up. One will dump water on us tomorrow (Tuesday), while the other is not currently expected to make landfall but rain is forecast at times on Friday and Saturday (match day)

https://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

The stadium for the semi-finals in Yokohama is uncovered. It dried out for the Japan-Scotland game because all rain stopped about 18 hours before kick-off, and it was a sunny day, with temperatures quickly rising above 30 degrees. It'll be low to mid-20s at best on Saturday. Even if it doesn't rain on the day, the pitch will probably still be damp.

[Guest]

Ideal for England tbh. Possibly a repeat of the game last year in terms of style and tactics.

[Guest]

Also, just a reminder - what happens if the weather results in a game being called off? The game gets rearranged, yes?

[BigTrevsbigmac]

Good news re Jack Nowell coming out today should be available for semi final as will be Johnny May

[Rugby Fan]

Also, just a reminder - what happens if the weather results in a game being called off? The game gets rearranged, yes?

Yes. However, there's no talk of that right now, as neither of these systems is on the scale of Hagibis. Still I wouldn't want the second one to change course towards Yokohama.

[LondonTiger]

Not particularly interesting, but there are some permutations of results that could see NZ knocked out in the semi but ending the tournament top of the World Rankings.

[Taylorman]

Yeah top of the rankings doesn’t mean a lot without the title. No. 1 ranking is conceptual under the existing system and at best indicates a trend rather than who the best team is. The title is everything. Would rather be ranked tenth and win the title than first and not.

[Gooseberry]

Yeah top of the rankings doesn’t mean a lot without the title. No. 1 ranking is conceptual under the existing system and at best indicates a trend rather than who the best team is. The title is everything. Would rather be ranked tenth and win the title than first and not.

Dont make me dig out all your posts about England in 2003....

[maestegmafia]

Not particularly interesting, but there are some permutations of results that could see NZ knocked out in the semi but ending the tournament top of the World Rankings.

By being the most consistent team against all opposition over a very long period that is no surprise. I guess if england win the final and Nz come third?

[Gooseberry]

Good news re Jack Nowell coming out today

Odd timing to come out mid tournament

[Taylorman]

Yeah top of the rankings doesn’t mean a lot without the title. No. 1 ranking is conceptual under the existing system and at best indicates a trend rather than who the best team is. The title is everything. Would rather be ranked tenth and win the title than first and not.

Dont make me dig out all your posts about England in 2003....

Be my guest, you won’t find anything from me, besides, England we’re both that year. What’s your point?

[maestegmafia]

Good news re Jack Nowell coming out today

Odd timing to come out mid tournament

Better out than in. Always wondered...!

[Taylorman]

Again not particularly interesting but of the five teams touted to win this thing...NZ, SA, Ireland, Wales, England, NZ is the only one to beat another in that group, and have two, and will have to beat all four...should Wales beat SA.

SA have lost one, to NZ, and none of Ireland, Wales nor England have won one...England and Wales have yet to play one.

[maestegmafia]

Again not particularly interesting but of the five teams touted to win this thing...NZ, SA, Ireland, Wales, England, NZ is the only one to beat another in that group, and have two, and will have to beat all four...should Wales beat SA.

SA have lost one, to NZ, and none of Ireland, Wales nor England have won one...England and  Wales have yet to play one.

wales have already beaten Ireland and England in the Six Nations when we won the Grand Slam.

[LondonTiger]

Not particularly interesting, but there are some permutations of results that could see NZ knocked out in the semi but ending the tournament top of the World Rankings.

By being the most consistent team against all opposition over a very long period that is no surprise. I guess if england win the final and Nz come third?

Most permutations require England to lose the final. The only ways for England to win the tournament and not top the rankings is for them to "win" one of the ties in a penalty shoot out.

[Rinsure]

The main reason the ABs won last night is because man for man they had better individual rugby players on the field each operating at far higher levels than their opposite.

The also have far better players man for man vs England as well. Doesnt mean they’ll win on that basis either, but it will be a big factor.

This piqued my interest. Here are the match-ups for NZ & Eng from the matches at the weekend:

1. Moody vs. Mako
2. Taylor vs. George
3. Laulala vs. Sinckler
4. Retallick vs. Itoje
5. Whitelock vs. Lawes
6. Savea vs. Curry
7. Cane vs. Underhill
8. Read vs. Billy
9. Smith vs. Youngs
10. Mo'unga vs. Farrell
11. Bridge vs. May
12. Lienert-Brown vs. Tuilagi
13. Goodhue vs. Slade
14. Reece vs. Watson
15. Barrett vs. Daly

In the front rows I'd say man-for-man England have the better players. It's close, for sure, and the NZers are possibly better in the tight, but the all-round skill-set of the England props edges it for me.

I'll give NZ the second row pairing, based on experience and achievements. I don't think there's a lot in it, again, but I can't really argue for the England pairing over the Kiwis.

Back row? Very close. Curry is the find of the year, and Underhill is a machine. Savea and Cane are two of the very best. It's a tough call as to who tops the pile. Billy isn't at his best (IMHO), but draws enough attention to drag in defenders. Same for Read, I think. On balance, a draw.

Half backs - okay, Smith is way ahead of Youngs on form. Mo'unga and Farrell? Very different, but when the chips are down I'd back Farrell every time. Probably my most contentious one, but I think Farrell is better.

Centres I have to lean towards the ABs, as Eng don't appear to know what our "best" midfield is. The "horses for courses" picking has its place, but possibly doesn't allow true partnership building. However, man-for-man I'd take Manu over Lienert-Brown, and Goodhue over Slade. I expect arguments here!

The wings are pretty evenly matched, and Beaden vs Daly? Well, I don't think we need to go there..

Not as clear-cut as you seem to posit, Taylorman. Certainly not "far better players man for man".

Can't wait.

[Gooseberry]

Good news re Jack Nowell coming out today

Odd timing to come out mid tournament

Better out than in. Always wondered...!

Maybe the prospect of having a semi against this fine young All Blacks side

[Taylorman]

The main reason the ABs won last night is because man for man they had better individual rugby players on the field each operating at far higher levels than their opposite.

The also have far better players man for man vs England as well. Doesnt mean they’ll win on that basis either, but it will be a big factor.

This piqued my interest. Here are the match-ups for NZ & Eng from the matches at the weekend:

1. Moody vs. Mako
2. Taylor vs. George
3. Laulala vs. Sinckler
4. Retallick vs. Itoje
5. Whitelock vs. Lawes
6. Savea vs. Curry
7. Cane vs. Underhill
8. Read vs. Billy
9. Smith vs. Youngs
10. Mo'unga vs. Farrell
11. Bridge vs. May
12. Lienert-Brown vs. Tuilagi
13. Goodhue vs. Slade
14. Reece vs. Watson
15. Barrett vs. Daly

In the front rows I'd say man-for-man England have the better players. It's close, for sure, and the NZers are possibly better in the tight, but the all-round skill-set of the England props edges it for me.

I'll give NZ the second row pairing, based on experience and achievements. I don't think there's a lot in it, again, but I can't really argue for the England pairing over the Kiwis.

Back row? Very close. Curry is the find of the year, and Underhill is a machine. Savea and Cane are two of the very best. It's a tough call as to who tops the pile. Billy isn't at his best (IMHO), but draws enough attention to drag in defenders. Same for Read, I think. On balance, a draw.

Half backs - okay, Smith is way ahead of Youngs on form. Mo'unga and Farrell? Very different, but when the chips are down I'd back Farrell every time. Probably my most contentious one, but I think Farrell is better.

Centres I have to lean towards the ABs, as Eng don't appear to know what our "best" midfield is. The "horses for courses" picking has its place, but possibly doesn't allow true partnership building. However, man-for-man I'd take Manu over Lienert-Brown, and Goodhue over Slade. I expect arguments here!

The wings are pretty evenly matched, and Beaden vs Daly? Well, I don't think we need to go there..

Not as clear-cut as you seem to posit, Taylorman. Certainly not "far better players man for man".

Can't wait.

Yeah I get what you’re saying but your assessment of man for man is different to mine. I’m not just talking about putting the names beside each other on a sheet of paper and going hmm, which ones better?

I’m saying that each AB is currently operating at very high levels of accuracy and pace within their roles and that collectively each is far better tuned to winning a WCup knockout.

Before the Irish match Sexton was considered better than Mo’unga, who according to ‘experts’ said Sextons experience, nerve, ability under pressure was superior to Mo’ungas in practically every way’.

The actual comparison was that it was Sexton that was poor, Sexton that cracked with key missed kicks for touch, and failed completely to get his side underway when it mattered, despite his confidence to...what was it? ‘create history’ before the match.

Your comparison method would have had Sexton ahead of Mo’unga, Murray possibly ahead of Smith, another poor performer, and probably several others in the Ireland team ahead when in fact, not a single one was.

World Cup knockout. I’ve said it for a year here, now it’s starting to realise...it is different from anything else.

Sooo, what I’m saying is, it’s ‘likely’ that the levels that the ABs are currently operating at will ensure those head to head comparisons go in the ABs favour.

So let’s pick one...Farrell vs Mo’unga. Let’s see how each goes ‘when the chips are down’ as you say. I’ll pick Mo’unga to be considerably better than Farrell.

Curry may be the ‘find’ but he isn’t against the ABs, he’s not played them has he? Not sure about last year. Granted he looks impressive.

Reece, Bridge, Scott Barrett, Goodhue are our finds. They won’t rate on paper, but I’m guessing at current levels they’ll all outplay their opposites. Each was far better than their Irish opposite, and each will be better for it.

Not saying ‘it’s a forgone conclusion’ but collectively, the ABs will ensure the individual comparisons, regardless of who has done what, will ‘mostly’ win out. It is their collective job, to ensure each member of the opposition plays poorly, and that’s what happened vs Ireland. Incidentally, that’s what happened versus France four years earlier in the same quarter.

England are much tougher than Ireland I agree, and Im talking best case scenario for the ABs here. But I feel the AB knowledge and understanding of how knockouts work justify that.

[Old Man]

All Blacks are the sum of their parts, the cohesion they showed on attack this past weekend and the offloading skills exhibited was unlike anything I have seen.

This All Black team doesn’t have the McCaws or Carters, but collectively they are much more.

[TightHEAD]

They are but Men, therefore beatable as Aus and SA have shown.

NZ haven't been tested yet.

[Gooseberry]

NZ rightly favourites but this shouldn't be a walk over for them. Cant see them being as tactically naive as Australia were, or letting 2/3 possession result in so few scores if they get that.

I agree with Taylormans point that on the cup sonfar theres more evidence that the all blacks are playing close to their best than Englands are. If that doesnt change for this game then it's hard to see how NZ lose.
England have some areas to improve in if they are going to beat them, or hope that NZ have an off day.

[Collapse2005]

The main reason the ABs won last night is because man for man they had better individual rugby players on the field each operating at far higher levels than their opposite.

The also have far better players man for man vs England as well. Doesnt mean they’ll win on that basis either, but it will be a big factor.

This piqued my interest. Here are the match-ups for NZ & Eng from the matches at the weekend:

1. Moody vs. Mako
2. Taylor vs. George
3. Laulala vs. Sinckler
4. Retallick vs. Itoje
5. Whitelock vs. Lawes
6. Savea vs. Curry
7. Cane vs. Underhill
8. Read vs. Billy
9. Smith vs. Youngs
10. Mo'unga vs. Farrell
11. Bridge vs. May
12. Lienert-Brown vs. Tuilagi
13. Goodhue vs. Slade
14. Reece vs. Watson
15. Barrett vs. Daly

In the front rows I'd say man-for-man England have the better players. It's close, for sure, and the NZers are possibly better in the tight, but the all-round skill-set of the England props edges it for me.

I'll give NZ the second row pairing, based on experience and achievements. I don't think there's a lot in it, again, but I can't really argue for the England pairing over the Kiwis.

Back row? Very close. Curry is the find of the year, and Underhill is a machine. Savea and Cane are two of the very best. It's a tough call as to who tops the pile. Billy isn't at his best (IMHO), but draws enough attention to drag in defenders. Same for Read, I think. On balance, a draw.

Half backs - okay, Smith is way ahead of Youngs on form. Mo'unga and Farrell? Very different, but when the chips are down I'd back Farrell every time. Probably my most contentious one, but I think Farrell is better.

Centres I have to lean towards the ABs, as Eng don't appear to know what our "best" midfield is. The "horses for courses" picking has its place, but possibly doesn't allow true partnership building. However, man-for-man I'd take Manu over Lienert-Brown, and Goodhue over Slade. I expect arguments here!

The wings are pretty evenly matched, and Beaden vs Daly? Well, I don't think we need to go there..

Not as clear-cut as you seem to posit, Taylorman. Certainly not "far better players man for man".

Can't wait.

I reckon England have a better pack in particular the front row and the back row. NZ's locks might be better but if they are not by much.

NZ are probably better drilled and have better backs although only marginally better. I have a sneaking suspicion that England will win this but they will need to keep the faith.

[lostinwales]

I guess we'll find out soon enough about the match up. Worth saying about Curry is that he may not have played vs the ABS but Baggins has, and did very well. Underhill is better now than he was then and Curry is better still.

[Collapse2005]

It does seem like 6 and 7 were the missing pieces for England. Also its been a long time since they have had two starting 10s as good as the 2 Fs.

[Taylorman]

Yep, that can happen too. I’m only talking best case scenario, mainly because we got exactly that vs Ireland, which gives you confidence. So staying positive, no reason the experience won’t make them even better.

England will say we’re not having that more than Ireland did, and that’s where ABs will be tested. Can they make England play poorly?

[BamBam]

I've made a massive mistake .. just discovered that the final kicks off at 9am UK time rather than 11am

I'm due to be flying from Bangkok to Phuket at 8am UK time

Wonder if the mrs will ask questions if I try and change to an earlier flight

[eirebilly]

I fancy England to turn the All Blacks. England are a more powerful unit and have some very exciting backs for open play.


The All Blacks play the kind of style that suits England so I imagine its going to be a relatively high scoring exciting game with England running out victors.

[LondonTiger]

I've made a massive mistake .. just discovered that the final kicks off at 9am UK time rather than 11am

I'm due to be flying from Bangkok to Phuket at 8am UK time

Wonder if the mrs will ask questions if I try and change to an earlier flight

Hmm early morning flight from Bangkok to Phuket - suspicious.

Careful mention of a wife - smokescreen?

[LondonTiger]

I fancy England to turn the All Blacks. England are a more powerful unit and have some very exciting backs for open play.


The All Blacks play the kind of style that suits England so I imagine its going to be a relatively high scoring exciting game with England running out victors.

I wish I had your optimism. Whilst I think that Tmans analysis is rather one-eyed (England players not tested because they have yet to face NZ, well NZ players have not done that either ), I am struggling to see beyond a win for NZ by a clear score.

[BamBam]

I've made a massive mistake .. just discovered that the final kicks off at 9am UK time rather than 11am

I'm due to be flying from Bangkok to Phuket at 8am UK time

Wonder if the mrs will ask questions if I try and change to an earlier flight

Hmm early morning flight from Bangkok to Phuket - suspicious.

Careful mention of a wife - smokescreen?

Well its actually mid afternoon Thailand time

I had it all planned out .. land in Phuket an hour before kickoff, time to get to the hotel and find a bar showing the game

[TightHEAD]

Any way back to the game.

Do we stick with Slade and Daly, Slade looked off the pace and Daly put in another performance I would expect to see from Daly at FB

[Old Man]

Calm down, Its all there, since when have posters have to clarify things for MODS?

Did I break any house rules with that post? No.

I even mention the team that I wanted to see in the semi's, every pundit and journalist are praising them as are most rugby fans.

Is that clear enough for you?

Sadly South Africa spoiled it for you.

[TightHEAD]

Calm down, Its all there, since when have posters have to clarify things for MODS?

Did I break any house rules with that post? No.

I even mention the team that I wanted to see in the semi's, every pundit and journalist are praising them as are most rugby fans.

Is that clear enough for you?

Sadly South Africa spoiled it for you.

Yes, they look scrappy to me apart from their forwards.

[Old Man]

Calm down, Its all there, since when have posters have to clarify things for MODS?

Did I break any house rules with that post? No.

I even mention the team that I wanted to see in the semi's, every pundit and journalist are praising them as are most rugby fans.

Is that clear enough for you?

Sadly South Africa spoiled it for you.

Yes, they look scrappy to me apart from their forwards.

Lets hope they pull it together before Sunday then. Need to beat the struggling Welsh this weekend.

[Soul Requiem]

I'm quietly confident about the semi-final, to ensure pack dominance I would be going with Marler to start and then bring Mako on later. I think it was the first scrum after he came on, the Aussie tighthead was trying to drop him but the strength he showed to keep the scrum up and then march his opposite number back is something very few looseheads can do.

Kruis instead of Lawes to counteract Retallick in the line out is a no brainer and again leaves plenty of room for dynamism late on if it's needed, I also wouldn't be against bringing in JJ for Slade who looked off the pace for the most part against Aus.

[TightHEAD]

I'm not concerned about that game. But I think their Forwards will grind out a result.

[TightHEAD]

Its nice Eddie has so many viable options to select from.

People moan that he doesn't know his 1st XV, I generally do not think we have one as we have a squad full of options that all offer something.

[No 7&1/2]

Well we've been lucky with injuries for this one. Again we have no excuses for next saturday. Probably expect nowell to come in. Main questions are does he start marler and does he switch to ford : probably not in both cases.

[Rugby Fan]

Before the tournament started, Jones apparently said in an interview that you need lineout options in your back row against New Zealand. Curry has taken some when he's played but he could entertain the idea of starting Lawes, Kruis and Itoje, with one of Curry or Underhill on the bench. It would be a very big call...

[Taylorman]

I fancy England to turn the All Blacks. England are a more powerful unit and have some very exciting backs for open play.


The All Blacks play the kind of style that suits England so I imagine its going to be a relatively high scoring exciting game with England running out victors.

I wish I had your optimism. Whilst I think that Tmans analysis is rather one-eyed (England players not tested because they have yet to face NZ, well NZ players have not done that either ), I am struggling to see beyond a win for NZ by a clear score.

Oh it’s definitely one eyed, and at the hyper end of optimism. One thing you can be sure about is that’s the way they’ll play...it’s all they know now. IMO, Given ABs are usually slow starters...Aaron Smith was saying they focussed big time on getting the start right, that’s where England should probably target. Shut them down as much as possible as early as possible.

The ABs will get a roll on at some point, that’s inevitable. It’s just how much damage they do when they do, and what England have done in terms of scoreboard pressure.

I think Jones is cagier than Schmidt. His reaction after it was too excessively praise the ABs as the greatest blah blah.

I thought that was smart. Gives Hansen nothing to work with. No point saying ‘ they won’t do that to us’.

[No 7&1/2]

He may well be worried about that rugby fan. It was rettalick who won the game for them in the autumn. I hope he trusts curry and underhill to continue.

[Afro]

He has also come out and praised Curry's lineout improvement over the "last 6-7 weeks".

I don't think we'll see any changes in the XI, but Nowell for JJ on the bench

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