The Webb Ellis Rugby Union World Cup 2019

England mustn’t make the mistake of thinking that will be easier than beating the AB’s. It will be a different game for sure, much harder up front.

And Faf de Klerk is undoubtably the best scrum half in the world, he will be key.

 

BBC seem to be suggesting that England have some major injury concerns , is this correct ?

 

Willi Heinz, the backup scrum half, has done his hamstring, so Ben Spencer has been flown in. Also, Farrell and May had dead legs during the game, and Sinckler might be a doubt with his calf problem. Watson might be an issue too.

We will know more in a couple of days when they have recovered from the game, but it’s a worry. Personally I hope Joe Cokanasiga might feature in the final, if Watson or May aren’t fit, and I suppose Slade would come in for Farrell. Cole would be a natural replacement for Sinckler, but any of them would be a huge loss, because it’s a 23 man game these days.

 

I don't think anyone here is going to see any team play with such intensity for a very long time. It was unbelievable from England, What you are alluding to Chilco is that match took a lot out of England, judging by the injuries sustained. Hope I am wrong and England can field the team as put out against NZ, but it will be a different game, possibly more conservative. So long as England can get the ball into the hands of May and Watson, then fingers crossed.

We must also congratulate NZ for getting England to that level of intensity.

 

Cracking game so far, NZ 14-7 Wales after 20 minutes.

 

14-10

 

AB’s cutting loose, 28-10 HT.

 

Great game! No one could say the players weren’t up for it, but the ABs are something else when they play like that. However, Wales wanted to throw it around too, which made it a great one to watch.
Tomorrow will be a LOT tighter ..... still irritated they didn’t pick Nigel to ref it though

 

Owens picked up an injury.

 

Was it that bear in the tv advert? Always thought that looked a bit risky

 

i didn’t know that. What a shame - he’s the best ref in the world by miles ......

 

Yes, the AB's on form are a sight to behold. It's a measure of England's achievement that they weren't allowed to play like that last week.
None of the injury scares came to anything, thankfully, apart from Willi Heinz, so England field the same starting XV as last week.

 

Today is a rugby day, not thinking about football at all, especially given our away fixture today!

 

Come on England!

 

Taking up position from behind the settee .....
Springboks are my 2nd team - watched the 1990 final from a bar in Cape Town where my mate and I were the only English supporters there, so I’m really hoping today ...... Come on England!!!

 

1990? I think you mean 1995?

 

The National Anthems are so much different than football - passion from the players and respect from the fans.

 

Shanked it!

 

Christ this ref is biased! How could he get out of the way!

 

Oh no Sinckler.