Funny what happens when Farrell drops out of the picture. I’m greatly surprised as to what has happened in very rapid time. From what I imagined based on what appeared to be the character of Borthwick, I just assumed it would be boring. It’s great to see a pivotal combination working at 9 & 10, with an exciting back 3 to run in at all angles. I just hope we can hold it together through the centres? I have no problems with Henry Slade, and Lawrence can run through with power. As long as we’re attacking with clean quick ball, it should be fun. I just hope the game isn’t marked by penalties, yellow and red cards. That would just spoil the occasion. It would be great if Maro Itoje could be born again with a new in-burst of adrenaline with a very strong partnership with Martin, to join in with that great Back Row combination in attack to create quick recycled ball. If all of that happens, we’ve got something to show the world. As I said hopefully not too many penalties. I hope the props are up to it when required.
@@henryburton6529 And there’s me thinking he was a Methodist. Picking the best team is always taken as a matter of personal opinion isn’t it? I would hardly have awarded Farrell all of those caps he’s earned, especially as we had Cipriani kicking his heals. As we know we have let some valuable assets go to France, and not changed the rules to allow us to select them. It just seems rather odd that we seem to have a good wealth of wing forwards but a dirth of world quality props, centres and No8’s. It’s certainly going to be interesting watching the game. I just hope I can catch it on Freeview as it’s being shown live.
Beno Obano is still one of best props in my opinion, been smashing it all season. Realise he's not in due to the red card, but moving forwards we need to get him involved more.
@@newchannelname3395 But not impossible. I think Obano’s performance ceiling is higher than any of Genge, Baxter, or (especially) Rodd. He’ll get better and better as he matures - as good props typically do.
@@feliscorax he's already matured. He's almost 30. Genge is 29, Rodd is 23, Baxter is 22. They will all get better as they mature. Their performance ceilings are much higher than his.
Given the players they took, this has to be the strongest 23 they could select. Randall ruled himself out with his box-kicking, but Spencer was the right call at this level anyway. If Marcus is on top form, and the prop combos hold their own, we should make a good showing 👍🏼👍🏼
As a kiwi I am expecting the AB's to have rust,I don't expect too much cohesion so I don't expect the blacks to win the first test in Dunners,I think the blacks will have a better chance in the second test
@@joedennehy386 the "first game we play bad" talk is complete rubbish. Over the past 7 seasons, there have only been 2 where we've played bad, that was 2019 in Argentina and 2020 against Australia. The other 5 games, we have completely smashed the other teams by 40+ points
It’s still New Zealand in New Zealand, mate. Other than playing the Springboks in Pretoria, it’s the hardest ask in world rugby. As an Englishman, I’d be delighted with a draw or even a close defeat, as indicators of progression and development in this team; also as an Englishman, I fear a shellacking (or is that a sheblacking?) at the hands of a rampant All Blacks playing like Razor’s Crusaders teams used to do but with some extra oomph in the pack just to make life even more difficult for the opposition. I personally think how England perform in this first test will set the tone for the second; keep it close, then I think both tests will prove to be hard-fought. Surrender meekly, then it’s got the potential to be another Tour from Hell (different country, I know, but still). Let the games begin!
I think we have to thank, Harlequins, Northampton and the way they are playing that has shown the way to Borthwick. Just look at Toulouse. You have to use the ball efficiently
ohh the black death is abroad again all ye pray for forgiveness for your unbelief that the mighty black machine no longer holds your fear they are coming for you💀
It's not just Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Aaron Smith that NZ have lost Don't forget Sam Cane, Richie Mo'unga, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizell, Dane Coles, Will Jordan and Cam Roigard
I think you nailed it, some close calls but given what we have right now it’s as good as we have… looking forward to getting behind the team and excited for the next couple of weekends…🏴
I would love England to do well. But it will need a colossal performance. Like the 2003 display and the semi final in 2019. They have to be at that level and I just don’t think they are. In which case they need to show character and keep the margin as low as they can. I think we will miss George Ford the most. Expect the ABs to target Smith and knock him off his stride.
Very happy with the selection and consistency is really pleasing. As has been said by many, front row is a concern. Fin Baxter is looking good but otherwise no one has grabbed the shirt off Marler & Cole who can’t be around much longer?
Even more disappointing that Bevan Rodd looks to have failed the test already. Borthwick invested a lot of time in him and at his age , he should be looking ready for starting . If Will stuart shows up badly then this tour hasn’t shown up well for retiring Dan and joe.
@@kev63inuk at loosehead we will be fine. Marler keeps threatening retirement but could go on for a few more seasons if he wants, and behind him there's Genge, Baxter, Obano, Iyogun, & Rodd. Tighthead is more of a problem. Opoku-Fordjour and Sela could be a great 3 & 18 combo in years to come, but for the time being I guess the backup to Cole is Stuart, Heyes, Harper, and Davison, which isn't great.
1) surprised Sleightholme is picked ahead of Roebuck. 2) I understand the selection of Marcus over Fin, but Marcus' lack of game management skills means a lot of responsibility is thrust onto Mitchell. 3) England actually have quite a few players missing - Ford, Chessum, and Genge should all be starting imho. The fact that this 23 still looks so strong really is just evidence of what great strength in depth we have.
No strength in depth at prop. Only Cole and Marler are true test quality. The others even the injured ones are thought of for other things apart fromt their main jobs, in the scrum.
This is test rugby not world cup finals. England have to have a go and score tries to beat NZ at home. If you have come here to play a world cup final, game over in the first 40 and a wasted opportunity.
I don’t believe for a second that Marcus Smith has learnt anything from Owen Farrell regarding how to run the attack. Smith has already scored and created more tries than Farrell. How did you come to this conclusion?
Marler has never let England down!... A very consistent performer and solid choice at International level... That being said, we desperately need to find a few 9 out of 10 props rather than the 7 out of 10 props we currently have!
@@davidholgate123 Never let England down? Why not watch his face when Kolbe left him for dead in the previous RWC. And the All Black back line is even better. As a Scrummager, he is regularly outmatched. And his defence is far less than stellar. Mind you, Genge is even worse, so…. I agree that England needs better Props.
A year ago we couldn't have believed we would get such an attractive attacking team as this. We'll done Steve.
Borthwick has been amazing. He's done even better than I hoped.
Funny what happens when Farrell drops out of the picture.
I’m greatly surprised as to what has happened in very rapid time.
From what I imagined based on what appeared to be the character of Borthwick, I just assumed it would be boring.
It’s great to see a pivotal combination working at 9 & 10, with an exciting back 3 to run in at all angles.
I just hope we can hold it together through the centres? I have no problems with Henry Slade, and Lawrence can run through with power. As long as we’re attacking with clean quick ball, it should be fun.
I just hope the game isn’t marked by penalties, yellow and red cards. That would just spoil the occasion.
It would be great if Maro Itoje could be born again with a new in-burst of adrenaline with a very strong partnership with Martin, to join in with that great Back Row combination in attack to create quick recycled ball.
If all of that happens, we’ve got something to show the world.
As I said hopefully not too many penalties. I hope the props are up to it when required.
@@expressoevangelism80 Borthwick is a pragmatist.
He'll pick the team with the best chance of winning regardless of what that looks like.
@@henryburton6529 And there’s me thinking he was a Methodist.
Picking the best team is always taken as a matter of personal opinion isn’t it?
I would hardly have awarded Farrell all of those caps he’s earned, especially as we had Cipriani kicking his heals.
As we know we have let some valuable assets go to France, and not changed the rules to allow us to select them.
It just seems rather odd that we seem to have a good wealth of wing forwards but a dirth of world quality props, centres and No8’s.
It’s certainly going to be interesting watching the game. I just hope I can catch it on Freeview as it’s being shown live.
🤣
Beno Obano is still one of best props in my opinion, been smashing it all season. Realise he's not in due to the red card, but moving forwards we need to get him involved more.
Test rugby is a bit different though
it'll be a hard ask to get ahead of genge, baxter, and rodd in the pecking order.
@@newchannelname3395 But not impossible. I think Obano’s performance ceiling is higher than any of Genge, Baxter, or (especially) Rodd. He’ll get better and better as he matures - as good props typically do.
@@feliscorax he's already matured. He's almost 30. Genge is 29, Rodd is 23, Baxter is 22. They will all get better as they mature. Their performance ceilings are much higher than his.
Given the players they took, this has to be the strongest 23 they could select.
Randall ruled himself out with his box-kicking, but Spencer was the right call at this level anyway.
If Marcus is on top form, and the prop combos hold their own, we should make a good showing 👍🏼👍🏼
Spot on with the Spencer call.
As a kiwi I am expecting the AB's to have rust,I don't expect too much cohesion so I don't expect the blacks to win the first test in Dunners,I think the blacks will have a better chance in the second test
just watch
It's a fair comment, our first game of the season we are usually a bit rusty, and this is all new
@@joedennehy386 the "first game we play bad" talk is complete rubbish. Over the past 7 seasons, there have only been 2 where we've played bad, that was 2019 in Argentina and 2020 against Australia. The other 5 games, we have completely smashed the other teams by 40+ points
It’s still New Zealand in New Zealand, mate. Other than playing the Springboks in Pretoria, it’s the hardest ask in world rugby. As an Englishman, I’d be delighted with a draw or even a close defeat, as indicators of progression and development in this team; also as an Englishman, I fear a shellacking (or is that a sheblacking?) at the hands of a rampant All Blacks playing like Razor’s Crusaders teams used to do but with some extra oomph in the pack just to make life even more difficult for the opposition.
I personally think how England perform in this first test will set the tone for the second; keep it close, then I think both tests will prove to be hard-fought. Surrender meekly, then it’s got the potential to be another Tour from Hell (different country, I know, but still).
Let the games begin!
I think we have to thank, Harlequins, Northampton and the way they are playing that has shown the way to Borthwick. Just look at Toulouse. You have to use the ball efficiently
I feel England now have pace and power throughout the Squad . Would we be even stronger with Arundel, Willis and Mercer ,what do you think?
ohh the black death is abroad again all ye pray for forgiveness for your unbelief that the mighty black machine no longer holds your fear they are coming for you💀
2/0 to England. There you go, i say it. An AB supporters
It's not just Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Aaron Smith that NZ have lost
Don't forget Sam Cane, Richie Mo'unga, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizell, Dane Coles, Will Jordan and Cam Roigard
I think you nailed it, some close calls but given what we have right now it’s as good as we have… looking forward to getting behind the team and excited for the next couple of weekends…🏴
NZ 44-7 England
Good side, England has every chance. Can't wait
🤣😂😆
I would love England to do well. But it will need a colossal performance. Like the 2003 display and the semi final in 2019. They have to be at that level and I just don’t think they are. In which case they need to show character and keep the margin as low as they can.
I think we will miss George Ford the most. Expect the ABs to target Smith and knock him off his stride.
Very happy with the selection and consistency is really pleasing. As has been said by many, front row is a concern. Fin Baxter is looking good but otherwise no one has grabbed the shirt off Marler & Cole who can’t be around much longer?
England will give Razor a warm welcome into the international arena I'm sure. 😂
Even more disappointing that Bevan Rodd looks to have failed the test already. Borthwick invested a lot of time in him and at his age , he should be looking ready for starting . If Will stuart shows up badly then this tour hasn’t shown up well for retiring Dan and joe.
@@kev63inuk at loosehead we will be fine.
Marler keeps threatening retirement but could go on for a few more seasons if he wants, and behind him there's Genge, Baxter, Obano, Iyogun, & Rodd.
Tighthead is more of a problem. Opoku-Fordjour and Sela could be a great 3 & 18 combo in years to come, but for the time being I guess the backup to Cole is Stuart, Heyes, Harper, and Davison, which isn't great.
Englanddd!
1) surprised Sleightholme is picked ahead of Roebuck.
2) I understand the selection of Marcus over Fin, but Marcus' lack of game management skills means a lot of responsibility is thrust onto Mitchell.
3) England actually have quite a few players missing - Ford, Chessum, and Genge should all be starting imho. The fact that this 23 still looks so strong really is just evidence of what great strength in depth we have.
@newchannelname3395 He actually states very clearly that Ford, Chessum and Genge are all injured.
@@martinluke9470 i know
No strength in depth at prop. Only Cole and Marler are true test quality. The others even the injured ones are thought of for other things apart fromt their main jobs, in the scrum.
@@bull010163 in 2023 England started Sinckler and Genge in every 6N game and had the best scrum in the competition.
This is test rugby not world cup finals. England have to have a go and score tries to beat NZ at home. If you have come here to play a world cup final, game over in the first 40 and a wasted opportunity.
I don’t believe for a second that Marcus Smith has learnt anything from Owen Farrell regarding how to run the attack. Smith has already scored and created more tries than Farrell. How did you come to this conclusion?
The All Blacks will relish seeing some of these names. Some of the forwards especially are very suspect on defence. Marler is a case in point.
Marler has never let England down!... A very consistent performer and solid choice at International level... That being said, we desperately need to find a few 9 out of 10 props rather than the 7 out of 10 props we currently have!
@@davidholgate123 Never let England down? Why not watch his face when Kolbe left him for dead in the previous RWC. And the All Black back line is even better. As a Scrummager, he is regularly outmatched. And his defence is far less than stellar. Mind you, Genge is even worse, so…. I agree that England needs better Props.