Scubby Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 This is a thread from the heart. For someone who has watched the national side for 30 years we have enjoyed massive spikes coupled with some depressing lows but the spikes have been there and the team has (on occasions) produced its absolute best. Normally this gets followed with a spanking or an erratic/depressing display the week after. In 1994 Wembley was followed by a thumping as was Old Trafford in 1997, Huddersfield in 2001, Wigan in 2004, Sydney in 2006. But the peak, the sensational performance was there for a single 80 minutes (including many more against the Kiwis). Surely we are due an absolute beast of a performance sometime very soon? Interestingly during our last 7 tests we have only conceded 12, 17, 6, 14, 9, 12, 16, 12 which is unprecedented for England (or GB). But for a couple of years now I have felt underwhelmed that we can't nail it - even last year's series win was frustrating and stop-start. The first half in Melbourne in 2014 was probably as close as it has got in recent years but we fell away in the second half. We have stopped being erratic and just settled for okay. For the love of God we are due, aren't we? Worse England/GB sides than this have stood up and produced chest thumping 80 minutes. For our sanity alone we need an 80 minutes to be proud of, to watch over and over again and to say I was there! Come on! Law of averages says it is time??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattSantos Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Hope is the worst thing. If Friday goes "well" then who knows... Running the Rob Burrow marathon to raise money for the My Name'5 Doddie foundation: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-dyas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londonrlfan Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 We'll probably beat them but not make the final as the Kiwis will run up a big score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cumbrian Fanatic Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 I sincerely hope you are right, beating the Aussies by 12 to make the final is not beyond the realms of possibilities however unlikely. Lets hope next Sunday really is the day it all comes together, it would live long in my memory even if, as you mention as happened in the past, it was followed by another low. It would at least allow me to dream for a week 100% League 0% Union Just because I don't know doesn't mean I don't understand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubby Posted November 6, 2016 Author Share Posted November 6, 2016 I sincerely hope you are right, beating the Aussies by 12 to make the final is not beyond the realms of possibilities however unlikely. Lets hope next Sunday really is the day it all comes together, it would live long in my memory even if, as you mention as happened in the past, it was followed by another low. It would at least allow me to dream for a week As a quirk of stats our last few wins over the Aussies have been 23-12, 24-12, 20-12, 20-12, 8-4, 33-10 19-12, 26-12- so rarely squeaky bum 2-pointers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave T Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 It's in our hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattSantos Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Once again. I hate hope. I long for the resigned sigh that others feel. Running the Rob Burrow marathon to raise money for the My Name'5 Doddie foundation: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-dyas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guess who Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Sorry to say. But i cannot see us beating the Aussies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubby Posted November 6, 2016 Author Share Posted November 6, 2016 Sorry to say. But i cannot see us beating the Aussies. And when could you ever seen us beating the Australians before? I certainly didn't walk into the SFS in 2006 and think we could win. I did at Elland Road in 2004 but love hurts! What I am saying is for the love of god we are bl***y due a knock out performance! Wembley 2013, Ryan Hall's fingertips in 2014, SJ interception at Huddersfield [insert here] [insert here] [insert here]. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Browny Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 The cruel gods of rugby league have probably already had a good laugh at the idea of us beating the Aussies but not by enough to qualify for the final. It is written. Granted we will have to improve by 1000% to achieve even that. I can confirm 30+ less sales for Scotland vs Italy at Workington, after this afternoons test purchase for the Tonga match, £7.50 is extremely reasonable, however a £2.50 'delivery' fee for a walk in purchase is beyond taking the mickey, good luck with that, it's cheaper on the telly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Browny Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 I'd take that. In fact like Kevin Keegan, I'd love it, absolutely love it . Careful. The extreme version of this scenario sees us leading by 14 going into the last ten minutes, with Australia needing and getting a score in those last five to qualify and knock us out. Cue scenes of jubilation from the Aussies, despair and heartbreak for England. I can confirm 30+ less sales for Scotland vs Italy at Workington, after this afternoons test purchase for the Tonga match, £7.50 is extremely reasonable, however a £2.50 'delivery' fee for a walk in purchase is beyond taking the mickey, good luck with that, it's cheaper on the telly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIANTSTRIDES Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 We all live in hope, but in truth that's all we have to rely on. We look to be just as far behind them as ever in all areas of the game. Yesterday was not a classic by any means but it was a few steps up from England's performance. Onward and upward. Dont expect anything from a pig but a grunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guess who Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 And when could you ever seen us beating the Australians before? I certainly didn't walk into the SFS in 2006 and think we could win. I did at Elland Road in 2004 but love hurts! What I am saying is for the love of god we are bl***y due a knock out performance! Wembley 2013, Ryan Hall's fingertips in 2014, SJ interception at Huddersfield [insert here] [insert here] [insert here]. We are due one. But being due one isnt enough. The Aussies are better than us. It really is that simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubby Posted November 6, 2016 Author Share Posted November 6, 2016 We are due one. But being due one isnt enough. The Aussies are better than us. It really is that simple. Boo get him off! Lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE RED ROOSTER Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 I try to be take the poitivies about England but having watched the first 20 mins of England v Scotland yesterday then the first 20 minutes of Australia v New Zealand I was not just frozen but deeply depressed at the gulf in quality. I travel to Olympic Park more in hope than expectation.with a nod to Charles Dickens, character Wilkins Macawber "Score England 21 Australia 20 result happiness, Score England 6 Australia 38 result misery" Quote When the pinch comes the common people will turn out to be more intelligent than the clever ones. I certainly hope so. George Orwell You either own NFTs or women’s phone numbers but not both Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man of Kent Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 I'll take any win vs the Aussies as I fear they will cut loose and hand us our stuffed ***** on a plate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 we were good in the first 20 against NZ and should have done to them what the aussies did in that first half - lacked the cutting edge - NZ did to aus what they did to us, hung in and countered - worked once nearly worked the second time I don't see a gulf in class at all except at half back, and that's more down to lack of playing time and luke gale than it is poor players in widdop and Williams - if you look at the aissies and the amount of time that spine has run together one out one in doesn't matter - that's where we lack the edge you don't get one if its not honed in battle and ours certainly isnt what I did see yesterday was an arrogant bunch of f^&CWits who really should have put on a real show instead of looking like they had won before the kick off and looked shi&&y at half time lack of professionalism - they need to actually do the job as well as believing it which they clearly do Next week is australias final - hardest match of the series - ours too - winner will literally take all for me - I even think Scotland will hold NZ to a low score if they can get away with penalty after penalty like they did slowing down England - but I fear another ref might not help them there England to tear the aussies apart - last 20 will be where they come back and that's when we will see just how good the #wallofwhite will be meninga will be very worried he isn't about to get ambushed and that will shoot through his team - the top 4 players in the NRL will be on show minus the NZ no.13 so that's how good we should be as 2 of them are on our side! one definite request - WHOEVER PLAYS CENTRE PASS THE BLOODY BALL TO THE WINGERS - please! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeordieSaint Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Next week is australias final - hardest match of the series - ours too - winner will literally take all for me. Meninga will be very worried he isn't about to get ambushed! One definite request - WHOEVER PLAYS CENTRE PASS THE BLOODY BALL TO THE WINGERS - please! Pretty much agree with this. I watched Australia in the flesh yesterday and I wasn't that impressed. Yes the game was played quicker than ours and yes they played a controlled game but I thought they were pretty non-existent in attack bar the first 20mins. The outside backs and the interchange props did all the damage for them carrying the ball. If England can hold the Aussies in the first 20mins and cut out the daft mistakes (Burgesses!!!), we have a real chance. Our halves need to play solid rugby and don't panic when in the Aussie 20; they need to build pressure. I am pretty confident our defence is pretty good as Scubby has alluded to elsewhere; we won't get blown away as some people predict as this Aussie side is not all that. I think we can handle them but like I said, be clinical and build pressure. I am hoping (not expecting) for a better performance and I think we'll get it. Will it be enough? No idea but we won't die trying and I think Meninga will eh apprehensive going into the game. Can't wait! NB. Someone needs to pass to the centres first before they can give it to the wingers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnh1 Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Well I've booked my ticket for Anfield. I'm taking my daughter and my future son-in-law to their first ever games. I just hope that England are in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrone Shoelaces Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Pretty much agree with this. I watched Australia in the flesh yesterday and I wasn't that impressed. Yes the game was played quicker than ours and yes they played a controlled game but I thought they were pretty non-existent in attack bar the first 20mins. The outside backs and the interchange props did all the damage for them carrying the ball. If England can hold the Aussies in the first 20mins and cut out the daft mistakes (Burgesses!!!), we have a real chance. Our halves need to play solid rugby and don't panic when in the Aussie 20; they need to build pressure. I am pretty confident our defence is pretty good as Scubby has alluded to elsewhere; we won't get blown away as some people predict as this Aussie side is not all that. I think we can handle them but like I said, be clinical and build pressure. I am hoping (not expecting) for a better performance and I think we'll get it. Will it be enough? No idea but we won't die trying and I think Meninga will eh apprehensive going into the game. Can't wait! NB. Someone needs to pass to the centres first before they can give it to the wingers. " Build pressure " is not what we're good at, we want to score with every set. We lack the patience the Australians have. They're quite content to get back to back sets knowing the break will come eventually.Another thing we're not good at is coming flying out of the blocks at the first whistle. We've a habit of starting slowly, this will be fatal as New Zealand found out last night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lounge Room Lizard Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Playing against the Kangeroos, is About the hardest thing any team can Do! Thurston, Smith and Cronk are Legends and are Perfectionist. Very rarely do they get it wrong. England are big Underdogs. England can Beat Australia and well. BUT must make few if any errors. Play simple in the Middle and build pressure with no panic stuff. Maybe look to Run at Thurston a few times if possible, as He is not a great tackler. Finish it off with a Good quality kick. Defence Quick up and suffocate Thurston and Cronk especially.I think thats the only way England can hope to win. Australia can be beaten but you need to be Spot on for 82 minutes not 79! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGD Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 I admit to getting pretty annoyed with how much biased whinging goes on in here towards Australia, but I do respect the passion pouring out here. After all, it's hard for me to understand the pain England/GB have experienced for so long. I am a Raiders and NSW fan though, I do know pain. Good luck. May the best team win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastLondonMike Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Sadly I think we have no chance against Australia after watching the last two games. We have far too many errors in us and not enough time to make the improvements needed to beat Australia. They will be patient and just wait for us to make errors. I hope to god we turn in a performance for the ages but I just can't see it. We'll compete as the fact it's Australia will bring out the best in our better players, but we'll still be throwing flick passes on the second tackle, or putting up aimless bombs with no end product. It's too soon for those bad habits to be coached out of certain players. Newham Dockers - Champions 2013. Rugby League For East London. 100% Cockney Rugby League!Twitter: @NewhamDockersRL - Get following! www.newhamdockers.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absentee thoughtlord Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Stay smart. Be viciously aggressive. But don't get drawn into the forward battle we would likely win on a base level - the Australians are masters of bait and switch. The Kangaroos are almost sporting sociopaths, and I don't mean that in the worst sense. They simply know how to draw you, make you think you have one over them, and then turn the tables when you didn't see it coming. The answer, of course, is to do things that *they* won't see coming. Broken play is their strength, but they also fear it because it is in inherently unpredictable. With changes in personnel and game-plan, England by 14. Without it, Australia by 30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buderus Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 As an Aussie I woudnt be surprised at all if you guys beat us. We seem to have had a very relaxed attitude towards the four nations this year. Constantly resting players, we are having 3 days off at the start of this week. After resting Cronk, Thurston, Inglis and Boyd in previous games I wouldn't be stunned if they rested Cameron Smith for this match. Bennett will have England firing and ready. I can see a close win for England but not enough to make the final Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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