Phuket Thailand

steve@thaib · #1 19-05-2006, 05:54

Just seen the squad and have to say I'm pretty impressed. England have been pants lately and really needed to shake things up, so leaving 11 established players at home is the right thing to do IMO.

Pat Sanderson for captain is a great call. Tait, Barkley, Abbott, Van Gisbergen (don't let him kick!), Simpson-Daniel and Balshaw all on the plane suggests an eye on the future. That said, Mike Catt is a blast from the past but at least he is playing well.

It's only a 2 test tour, but these guys need some game time and I think that this is a ballsy move for England. I'm looking forward to these games. (I was looking forward to the 6 Nations as well though

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steve@thaib · #2 19-05-2006, 05:57

Looks like Wendell Sailor will not be troubling the English rugby side this tour either...

nelsonone · #3 19-05-2006, 07:35

Don't worry about Wendy Steve......he was already on the outer as a player and a person........too high maintenance for Rugby..........what's the bet he goes back to league where he belongs.....with league fudging the rules to get him in...........

Aus prospects were looking good until the last few rounds of Super14.....and then they got the wobblies

With larkham + Guiteau out of the brumbies they crumbled in their last 2 games and missed the semis..........(which start here in Wellington tonight with Waratahs vs Hurricanes.........and yes I will be there as these are my two home teams....... and then tomorrow night Crusaders vs Bulls

Waratahs also crumbled on their last 2 games to go from 1st to 3rd and miss a home semi...........they will be lucky to get past Hurricanes tonight on curent form...........I'm picking an all NZ final with the Crusaders to win it........

I haven't seen the England side as yet........and don't really know the form (or some of the names even) of a lot of the new guys you name steve......but I agree this is definitely the way to go....better to lose with an eye on RWC than to limp on with the dismal 6 nations outfit

I think that these tests will be closer than both 6 Nations + Super14 form would suggest but still see the Wallabies as slight favourites due to playing at home........ther won't be too much in it tho' IMHO

Lots of good international games coming up with Ireland out here as well soon..and then the Tri Nations.....that will be the real signpost for Southern Hemisphere Rugby....