One Lion in, two Lions out: England name team for All Blacks

Too soon to say. If England wins (which you can) and Ireland win (which they certainly can) then we can’t say anything for sure.

There is something to be said perhaps for the NH teams being a little underdone. France looked very unfit. Ireland have looked rusty. England seems to have hit their straps quickly - hence why I think they may beat the ABs.

Ireland will have a few games under their belt by the time they play the Boks. So these two tests could be quite close.

Although I hope not. SH til I die.

throws up a gang sign

🖖🏾

I don’t think so. It’s just the Springboks are so far ahead of everyone it looks that way.

Short answer is yes it does, the rankings are a pretty fair reflection on the state of play atm imo

I cant see what Proctor has done to earn back the 13 jersey, Parker the same. Carter will be lucky to hold his place after last weekend’s stupidity. Also Robertson has never gone for a 6-2 bench split so don’t think he’ll start now.

Why would you get rid of Ford on the basis of one bad performance?

I think Fin brings something that is difficult to spot and is often missed by those that criticise him. He holds Englands attacking shape for longer allowing us to play for more phases before resorting to the boot. When he plays he might not look anything special most of the time but the backline attack looks far far better. Marcus looks spectacular but evryone else around him looks worse and Fords ok but kicks too much and too early instead of taking the ball to the line like he does for Sale

Can’t wait Ed - the Ford & Steward kick chase show, the peak highlight of the rugby season to date. I wonder if the AB’s will get so bored they switch off like we do? 🤣🤣

I’m with you. It doesn’t feel like we are putting our best foot forward and are playing nowhere near where we were in the 6N’s.

It does feel like a missed opportunity this Autumn but it’s not the worst thing to happen given where we are with injuries.

Just seems crazy to not give Fin the exposure, unless he’s letting him rest up for the Boks…I can’t see Ford leading us into the next WC so we need to move past him and develop the other players. He keeps banging on about team cohesion after all.

You aren't the only one who wanted to see Fin at 10. I assume we are going to see a game plan more akin to that of against Australia which is why he's gone Ford. If not it just seems like he can't quite make his mind up but at this moment it looks like perhaps ford is the man who will start the 6N at 10 to.

England’s only to box kick? I’m hoping this is cunning deception by the incredibly smart Borthwick to lure Razor into planning all week to only defend box kicking!

Meanwhile, England will surprise the ABs, and us, with a running and passing game, beating the ABs in the wide channels with pace and accuracy, with wings actually getting the ball via multiple 15-20 phases of play, and scoring tries when in the ABs 22!

1. Ford to kick

2. Steward to try and catch

3. If he doesn’t 3x7’s win the ball, create ruck and go back to 1.

If NZ need any further help, just watch the AUS game on replay as it will be very similar.

I wish he’d make the team play like Rassie’s. 🤣🤣

Nothing wrong with that the world is in agreement Rassie is a great coach