Monday, March 14, 2011
England edge Scotland to take the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham
It was a tough match, with an unconvincing display from the home side who were given a torrid time at the breakdown by a fiery Scottish side. Indeed Scotland were in contention throughout the match, and the result could have easily gone the other way until a late try from replacement Tom Croft.
A superb individual effort from Max Evans, however, made sure that there was a nervous finish for Red Rose fans. The first half was a battle of the boots between Chris Paterson and Toby Flood and although the Scots threatened England's line twice, they were denied on both occasions. Only a last minute drop goal from Ruaridh Jackson saw a turgid half finish 9-9.
In the second half, the momentum began to swing back in favour of the home side when reinforcements in the shape of Wilkinson, Shaw, Croft and Thompson, brought their 232 caps to the fore.
These changes, and the losses of Kelly Brown to injury and John Barclay to the sin-bin for Scotland, signalled a change in fortunes, and despite a try-saving tackle from Paterson on Foden, Croft barged over for the inevitable England score.
England manager Martin Johnson admitted it was not the best performance from his side, and that they will have to improve significantly if they are to defeat the Irish at Lansdowne Road:
"We won ugly" he said. "We highlighted their work at the breakdown all week and we knew exactly what to expect but we failed to execute. In a nutshell, there were far too many errors, far too many turnovers and we got out of jail a little."
Elsewhere, Any Robinson was disappointed. "I take my hat off to the lads. They laid their bodies on the line. I thought it was a very good Test match. I just said to the players I was delighted with the way they went out and tried to play today, both with ball in hand and defensively." said the Scotland coach.
Below are the two tries, and a short montage piece. If you'd like to view full highlights, including the kicks at goal and a few of the chances, you can do so here (UK only) .
Time: 03:57
Thanks to the BBC
Posted at 1:42 pm | 46 comments
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Viewing 46 comments
Stirling March 14, 2011 1:44 pm
interesting that those two long, deep passes from Wilkinson, that have been quite unpopular in last few years, created that try for england
Anonymous March 14, 2011 1:45 pm
We will take the win. Fair play to a dogged Scots team...
On another note, is anyone else sick to death of the tv director continually cutting to celebs during the game? Tindall's bird, Hugh Grant etc.. It seems that the UK's "celeb culture" has even infiltrated the hallowed halls of rugby....heck, they even had an interview with Hugh Grant.
Please concentrate on the game and the players not the celebrities.
On another note, is anyone else sick to death of the tv director continually cutting to celebs during the game? Tindall's bird, Hugh Grant etc.. It seems that the UK's "celeb culture" has even infiltrated the hallowed halls of rugby....heck, they even had an interview with Hugh Grant.
Please concentrate on the game and the players not the celebrities.
Colombes March 14, 2011 2:00 pm
It wasn't an impressive England but they did the job when necessary. Interesting point, Flood was not great and Wilkinson brought his efficient experience.
they've nearly won this 6N but not so sure they will be able to take the slam vs a revanchist irish side
on a general note, i'm quite disapointed by this 6N, as 2010 one:
Between the English promesses not really confirmed, French who don't know where they are going, Irish too much conservative and the irregular welsh... the only satisfaction, an italian side who proves, match after match, that they have more than an enormous heart, they begin to play together.
ps: how is kelly brown?
they've nearly won this 6N but not so sure they will be able to take the slam vs a revanchist irish side
on a general note, i'm quite disapointed by this 6N, as 2010 one:
Between the English promesses not really confirmed, French who don't know where they are going, Irish too much conservative and the irregular welsh... the only satisfaction, an italian side who proves, match after match, that they have more than an enormous heart, they begin to play together.
ps: how is kelly brown?
King March 14, 2011 2:03 pm
Bloody hell how fast is Tom Croft?? He goes off like a rocket when he gets the ball.
Well done to Scotland. England were probably the better team but definitely not at ruck time. Was a good game to watch and a good test match despite there being so many errors.
Well done to Scotland. England were probably the better team but definitely not at ruck time. Was a good game to watch and a good test match despite there being so many errors.
Anonymous March 14, 2011 2:18 pm
lol i think it might be that not many celebs watch rugby anyway!
Anonymous March 14, 2011 2:27 pm
@ king
well they did say he was second quickest in leicester squad behind varndell when he was there.
Johnson really needs to get them pumped for the next game because it was a very poor performance by england. Forwards were very lazy minus haskell.
although easter adds a lot of experience, weight and the occasional carry. Is there really no one better than him at the moment? he looks so lethargic with the ball in hand most of the time. Think age is catching up with him.
I would probably start croft next week if his fitness is up to it. He's just that little bit better than wood, who has been pretty good to be fair.
also lawes back into the second row to add some aggression and tempo.
need a much better forward effort against ireland
banahan to start also
well they did say he was second quickest in leicester squad behind varndell when he was there.
Johnson really needs to get them pumped for the next game because it was a very poor performance by england. Forwards were very lazy minus haskell.
although easter adds a lot of experience, weight and the occasional carry. Is there really no one better than him at the moment? he looks so lethargic with the ball in hand most of the time. Think age is catching up with him.
I would probably start croft next week if his fitness is up to it. He's just that little bit better than wood, who has been pretty good to be fair.
also lawes back into the second row to add some aggression and tempo.
need a much better forward effort against ireland
banahan to start also
Anonymous March 14, 2011 2:31 pm
Heres Paterson tackle on Foden. Great Stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVxEivORLwc
Filipe
View Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVxEivORLwc
Filipe
View Video
Anonymous March 14, 2011 2:31 pm
Heres Paterson tackle on Foden. Great Stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVxEivORLwc
Filipe
View Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVxEivORLwc
Filipe
View Video
Andy M March 14, 2011 2:32 pm
For the England Scotland match, it wasnt really a good show from England in all fairness and Scotland remained dogged as usual for Calcutta Cup occasions. In saying that, Andy Robinson is a disgrace in rugby union for his outburst against Poite who injured himself. As we are all told in lower level rugby, you cant play the game without the ref; Robinson should be shamed (almost ranks alongside Gatland for his mouth). Directors of rugby MUST be professional.
I really have no idea why Poite usually deals with English games because he is notoriously bad the amount of not rolling from the ruck by the Scots was incredibly and almost every single maul was either pulled down (or attempted) by the Scots. The Scots got a good try but destroyed that with their constant low level (All Blacks would be proud) cheating.
Also will someone please please PLEASE shut Brian Im a complete moron Moore up for once! He was told once before about his biased commentary before, but now he has gone completely the other way!!!! It seems he is losing his grip on the laws of the game since leaving!
Swing low sweet chariot!
I really have no idea why Poite usually deals with English games because he is notoriously bad the amount of not rolling from the ruck by the Scots was incredibly and almost every single maul was either pulled down (or attempted) by the Scots. The Scots got a good try but destroyed that with their constant low level (All Blacks would be proud) cheating.
Also will someone please please PLEASE shut Brian Im a complete moron Moore up for once! He was told once before about his biased commentary before, but now he has gone completely the other way!!!! It seems he is losing his grip on the laws of the game since leaving!
Swing low sweet chariot!
Stag March 14, 2011 2:41 pm
Happy with the win but god it wasnt pretty! once the subs came on they injected abit of pace and spark into the game for tom crofts try, nice bit of skill from evens aswell.
tried to find out about Kelly brown b ut cant find anything on him at the moment, however robinson is studieing the video to see if Banahan led with the forearm.....would like to see that clip again but i think there wasnt anything wrong with it.
tried to find out about Kelly brown b ut cant find anything on him at the moment, however robinson is studieing the video to see if Banahan led with the forearm.....would like to see that clip again but i think there wasnt anything wrong with it.
Anonymous March 14, 2011 2:47 pm
Can someone tell me the difference between Paul O'Connell's swinging arm on Thomas in Dec and Banahan's forearm to Brown's neck here.
If Brown had the ball, and Banahan hit him like that you'd be looking at a citing.
Rugby isn't NFL, where, along with the padding and helmets, players also sometimes wear neck supports and this is a tactic Banahan uses everytime I watch him play.
It happens alot and I cringe everytime, Shane Horgan did it to Eng wing in Croke park in 07 (scored that day, plays for Sarries now, name escapes me) and I thought it should've been yellow then.
Brown doesn't appear to have sustained any serious injury but I hope leading with the arm stops soon.
Terrible 6N, Eng the best of a poor bunch. As an Irish fan who supported Eng in 03, I'll follow any NH team who can do well in NZ in Sept.
If Brown had the ball, and Banahan hit him like that you'd be looking at a citing.
Rugby isn't NFL, where, along with the padding and helmets, players also sometimes wear neck supports and this is a tactic Banahan uses everytime I watch him play.
It happens alot and I cringe everytime, Shane Horgan did it to Eng wing in Croke park in 07 (scored that day, plays for Sarries now, name escapes me) and I thought it should've been yellow then.
Brown doesn't appear to have sustained any serious injury but I hope leading with the arm stops soon.
Terrible 6N, Eng the best of a poor bunch. As an Irish fan who supported Eng in 03, I'll follow any NH team who can do well in NZ in Sept.
Anonymous March 14, 2011 3:03 pm
the kelly brown incident needs to be put up on RD, am sure that Banahan's arm was across his chest but he didn't force it into kelly! was just a solid chest on chest hit from what I saw! would love to look at it again though, if he is cited tomorrow then I guess I was wrong.
A poor display from england, too slow at the breakdown, if eng are going to beat ire they need to bring in Croft and Lawes to start add some pace to the beef of Haskell and Easter, hopefully can get on the front foot then!
A poor display from england, too slow at the breakdown, if eng are going to beat ire they need to bring in Croft and Lawes to start add some pace to the beef of Haskell and Easter, hopefully can get on the front foot then!
Anonymous March 14, 2011 3:11 pm
"On another note, is anyone else sick to death of the tv director continually cutting to celebs during the game? Tindall's bird, Hugh Grant etc.. It seems that the UK's "celeb culture" has even infiltrated the hallowed halls of rugby....heck, they even had an interview with Hugh Grant"
That's always happened in all sports, I've seen footage of Richard Burton at the 70s Welsh games.
That's always happened in all sports, I've seen footage of Richard Burton at the 70s Welsh games.
Anonymous March 14, 2011 3:29 pm
I know what you mean about interuptions being annoying, I had to listen on 5 live and they cut away for football scores every 5min!
We'll done scotland brutal defence! Hope Kelly Brown is ok - great player. you had me sweating for a while there Scotland! But I must say in a way its the best thing that could have happened to us, hopefully wake us up for next weeks game! Ireland will be keen as mustard!
We'll done scotland brutal defence! Hope Kelly Brown is ok - great player. you had me sweating for a while there Scotland! But I must say in a way its the best thing that could have happened to us, hopefully wake us up for next weeks game! Ireland will be keen as mustard!
Von March 14, 2011 4:08 pm
Firstly, I hope Kelly Brown's OK and wish him a speedy recovery.
I hope Banahan is NOT cited for leading with his forearm or whatever trumped-up charge is being conjured. On top of his perfectly executed tackle on Berrick Barnes this would be proof that he's being singled out, seemingly on account of his size - I bet he got this sort of crap at school too with teachers being overly harsh on him to let the little kids have a fair go.
Awesome tackle by Paterson. Really felt for Foden - did you see his face, he was GUTTED!! Great to see such a well-timed tackle though.
I hope Banahan is NOT cited for leading with his forearm or whatever trumped-up charge is being conjured. On top of his perfectly executed tackle on Berrick Barnes this would be proof that he's being singled out, seemingly on account of his size - I bet he got this sort of crap at school too with teachers being overly harsh on him to let the little kids have a fair go.
Awesome tackle by Paterson. Really felt for Foden - did you see his face, he was GUTTED!! Great to see such a well-timed tackle though.
Wolfman March 14, 2011 4:15 pm
I haven't seen the Kelly Brown - Banahan incident, but I do remember John Smit received quite a hefty ban a couple of years ago for leading with the forearm in a game against France.
If I remember correctly, he damaged the French guys throat quite badly.
If I remember correctly, he damaged the French guys throat quite badly.
Chief Financial Sham March 14, 2011 4:31 pm
The best part of the match was the try saving tackle
(u-p)rick March 14, 2011 4:44 pm
Dubious yellow, not impressed...
However I like the fact Englands try was from good play by them (and not poor scottish play)
And how scotlands try was from good play by them (and not poor english play)
however, i felt Scotland deserved that win more than england. But there we go...
Hmm a few posts jogged my memory, I thought bananaman played really well in the centre... I dont think he's got it for a winger...he has the speed, but he's not a Lomu-esque player, and that lomu era has gone really, (when your forwards were fat or lanky, and your backs were small but fast) so I think a winger really needs to be able to duck and weave...rather than trample to death (a la bananaman)
But I thought centre was a great place to stick him, he used his size and speed to bash the scots centres!
The scottish number 8 who came on for kelly brown...f*ck me that guy was fast, (i think it was him) when england kicked over everyones head and he rushed back and got the ball!!!
Thought the game was far better when ruadoiasdoijdaofij Jackson was on the pitch (no idea how to spell his name) and also the other scottish 9...I thought *PERSONALLY* the scots looked a lot lot more wooden when Parks and Blair came on...i know blair is a good player but i felt like as soon as that pair were on scotland reverted to their 'conservative play, with error filled flair' whereas when Jackson was on, there was more of an element of 'quicker play with less errors'
(but thats the feeling i got, the stats may say otherwise!)
As for the celebs...yeh, i sort of get tired of that shit...so what tindall is marrying some royalty...it doesnt make him any better a rugby player, and i presumed i was watching rugby on sunday and not, celebs at sports events! and hugh grant...fuck, someone give him a ball and stick him in the middle of the pitch...id like to see that prick get smashed!
(on the note of 'celebs' i do not view someone who was born into royalty as a celebrity...)
Also fantastic tackle by paterson!
Few points:
-Brian Moores commentary..was actually quite amusing that game..
-Any news on Kelly Brown
-Any news on the poor ref? (lol)
However I like the fact Englands try was from good play by them (and not poor scottish play)
And how scotlands try was from good play by them (and not poor english play)
however, i felt Scotland deserved that win more than england. But there we go...
Hmm a few posts jogged my memory, I thought bananaman played really well in the centre... I dont think he's got it for a winger...he has the speed, but he's not a Lomu-esque player, and that lomu era has gone really, (when your forwards were fat or lanky, and your backs were small but fast) so I think a winger really needs to be able to duck and weave...rather than trample to death (a la bananaman)
But I thought centre was a great place to stick him, he used his size and speed to bash the scots centres!
The scottish number 8 who came on for kelly brown...f*ck me that guy was fast, (i think it was him) when england kicked over everyones head and he rushed back and got the ball!!!
Thought the game was far better when ruadoiasdoijdaofij Jackson was on the pitch (no idea how to spell his name) and also the other scottish 9...I thought *PERSONALLY* the scots looked a lot lot more wooden when Parks and Blair came on...i know blair is a good player but i felt like as soon as that pair were on scotland reverted to their 'conservative play, with error filled flair' whereas when Jackson was on, there was more of an element of 'quicker play with less errors'
(but thats the feeling i got, the stats may say otherwise!)
As for the celebs...yeh, i sort of get tired of that shit...so what tindall is marrying some royalty...it doesnt make him any better a rugby player, and i presumed i was watching rugby on sunday and not, celebs at sports events! and hugh grant...fuck, someone give him a ball and stick him in the middle of the pitch...id like to see that prick get smashed!
(on the note of 'celebs' i do not view someone who was born into royalty as a celebrity...)
Also fantastic tackle by paterson!
Few points:
-Brian Moores commentary..was actually quite amusing that game..
-Any news on Kelly Brown
-Any news on the poor ref? (lol)
(u-p)rick March 14, 2011 4:48 pm
Sorry just from looking at a few more comments i see a mention of 'i hope banahan isnt cited.'
Has there been talk of a citing?!?
From the replays i saw over and over it looked fine to me...just a good example of protecting the ball, and a good example of how wrong place wrong time can hurt.
Also liked how kelly brown raised an arm as he was being stretchered off...i know the last thing on players minds in that position is to ease everyone elses feelings and worry but honestly i wish more would do it!!!
Has there been talk of a citing?!?
From the replays i saw over and over it looked fine to me...just a good example of protecting the ball, and a good example of how wrong place wrong time can hurt.
Also liked how kelly brown raised an arm as he was being stretchered off...i know the last thing on players minds in that position is to ease everyone elses feelings and worry but honestly i wish more would do it!!!
Leeners93 March 14, 2011 4:49 pm
It happens alot and I cringe everytime, Shane Horgan did it to Eng wing in Croke park in 07 (scored that day, plays for Sarries now, name escapes me) and I thought it should've been yellow then.
david strettle.horgan actually broke his nose in doing it,it was a disgrace.
david strettle.horgan actually broke his nose in doing it,it was a disgrace.
(u-p)rick March 14, 2011 5:06 pm
Im not a fan of spear tackles, no arm tackles, dangerous play etc...but f*ck me, the way some of you are talking about banahans charge on Kelly Brown is silly...
Players go low, cradle the ball and drive forward into the tackle...is common play...it was simply kelly browns head in the wrong place...not nice but he hardly cheated...
Players go low, cradle the ball and drive forward into the tackle...is common play...it was simply kelly browns head in the wrong place...not nice but he hardly cheated...
Marvel March 14, 2011 5:26 pm
/\ /\ /\ WHS/\ /\ /\.
I couldn't see anything wrong in Bannahans run. Kelly just went in too high. If he'd got low then his kneck wouldn't have been exposed. Feel for the guy, but thems the breaks.
I couldn't see anything wrong in Bannahans run. Kelly just went in too high. If he'd got low then his kneck wouldn't have been exposed. Feel for the guy, but thems the breaks.
Guy March 14, 2011 5:58 pm
Not a very nice game to watch but tense till the end (neutral spectator)
Foden should have passed to the inside, Cueto was tracking him. What more does Cueto have to do to till someone passes him the ball for a death certain try? I actually feel a bit sorry for him
Foden should have passed to the inside, Cueto was tracking him. What more does Cueto have to do to till someone passes him the ball for a death certain try? I actually feel a bit sorry for him
Von March 14, 2011 6:03 pm
Guy - totally agree! Poor bloke is always on hand and gets ignored. Still, he must have been pleased with that beautiful flat pass for Croft to go over. ;)
Re: possible citings - it seems Hartley (quelle surprise) is involved in an incident going under the microscope too.....
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/rugby/article-23931784-anxious-wait-for-matt-banahan-after-kelly-clash.do
Re: possible citings - it seems Hartley (quelle surprise) is involved in an incident going under the microscope too.....
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/rugby/article-23931784-anxious-wait-for-matt-banahan-after-kelly-clash.do
Von March 14, 2011 6:07 pm
Stirling said...
interesting that those two long, deep passes from Wilkinson, that have been quite unpopular in last few years, created that try for england
Very true. I think Wilkinson's got into this type of passing a lot more at Toulon - seems to feature quite often on the highlights Mr Dump provides anyway.
Good tactic to use yesterday too. The Scots, to their credit, were up very quickly in defence throughout the game, so this type of pass gave England that bit of space they needed with the defence committed.
interesting that those two long, deep passes from Wilkinson, that have been quite unpopular in last few years, created that try for england
Very true. I think Wilkinson's got into this type of passing a lot more at Toulon - seems to feature quite often on the highlights Mr Dump provides anyway.
Good tactic to use yesterday too. The Scots, to their credit, were up very quickly in defence throughout the game, so this type of pass gave England that bit of space they needed with the defence committed.
Greiffel March 14, 2011 8:50 pm
Re. the Wilko long passes, I actually thought he miscued one of them. Obviously I could be wrong, but that's what it looked like to me. Worked well anyway, and then Hape's flat pass made the try, and of course a good finish by Croft.
HvS March 14, 2011 9:31 pm
Why doesn't Banahan play in the pack? I bet Tom Croft is faster than Banahan and he can still do the tough stuff.
Rogerthecabinboy March 14, 2011 9:55 pm
Tom Croft is the fastest white man I have ever seen!
Anonymous March 14, 2011 9:56 pm
erm have you ever seen tom croft jump in a line out?
Anonymous March 14, 2011 10:57 pm
its interesting with croft. He is a very good player in the back row. but I can't help but think with his pace, if he had been born in new zealand for instance, he probably could have been a great centre...
I'm english btw
I'm english btw
ForzaaaaItaliaaa March 15, 2011 11:40 am
Game stolen: English try: Forward pass! Ref don't see this anymore from england side...what a pitty
Best man on the pitch is Wilko though
Forza Ireland!
Best man on the pitch is Wilko though
Forza Ireland!
Anonymous March 15, 2011 2:30 pm
why was wilkinson best man on the pitch? what exactly did he do?
Anonymous March 15, 2011 3:55 pm
ForzaaaaItaliaaa
I saw this post in the Italy France game thread. I try not to rise to comments but you're annoying.
Though Scotland deserved to win the game they didn't. The pass was not forward it was flat due to The players momentum. End of story.
Scotland were unlucky but the same goes for other teams from time to time. Let it go.
I saw this post in the Italy France game thread. I try not to rise to comments but you're annoying.
Though Scotland deserved to win the game they didn't. The pass was not forward it was flat due to The players momentum. End of story.
Scotland were unlucky but the same goes for other teams from time to time. Let it go.
Anonymous March 15, 2011 4:07 pm
why was wilkinson best man on the pitch? what exactly did he do?
March 15, 2011 3:30 PM
...erm really?
March 15, 2011 3:30 PM
...erm really?
Anonymous March 15, 2011 4:21 pm
yes really. what did wilkinson do to deserve man of the match?
Anonymous March 16, 2011 9:24 am
Oh dear not back to the kicking competition noncence...
seem to remember the Aussie press publishing an apology after they lost in 2003.
Had you been watching the early french games and England you would have seen some excellent passing rugby - video highlights illustrating thanks to RD.
seem to remember the Aussie press publishing an apology after they lost in 2003.
Had you been watching the early french games and England you would have seen some excellent passing rugby - video highlights illustrating thanks to RD.
Anonymous March 16, 2011 11:03 am
I agree guys that the S15 is a spectacle to watch, but you must understand that the 6 nations is very different as each game is a must win game.
Each Nation isn't just trying to win the tournament but aiming for a floorless Grand Slam and engaging in old rivalries (all be it now friendly rivalries) that extend far beyond the creation of rugby as a game. As Such its very hard perhaps impossible for you guys from the SH to understand.
Some games do become narrow and physical, but this is rugby, up here we can play physical and move the ball when required. With the exception of SA and Argentina. SH teams are consitently dominated in the physical game.
The 6 Nations and the S15 or Tri Nations are different thats all and I love watching them all.
The world cup whoever wins will be awesome. But guys dont insult your countries buy turning into ignorant footballer type fans!
Each Nation isn't just trying to win the tournament but aiming for a floorless Grand Slam and engaging in old rivalries (all be it now friendly rivalries) that extend far beyond the creation of rugby as a game. As Such its very hard perhaps impossible for you guys from the SH to understand.
Some games do become narrow and physical, but this is rugby, up here we can play physical and move the ball when required. With the exception of SA and Argentina. SH teams are consitently dominated in the physical game.
The 6 Nations and the S15 or Tri Nations are different thats all and I love watching them all.
The world cup whoever wins will be awesome. But guys dont insult your countries buy turning into ignorant footballer type fans!
Anonymous March 16, 2011 10:07 pm
bahahaha, you physically dominate?
NZ gets dominated?
When exactly?
They haven't lost a game in Europe in about five years you idiot.
Dominated!
Ha!
Again, I guess you have to lie to yourself to keep yourself happy.
I guess when South Africa bashed England into submission this Novemeber (with a team shorn of about 15 top line players) they got dominated physically?
NZ gets dominated?
When exactly?
They haven't lost a game in Europe in about five years you idiot.
Dominated!
Ha!
Again, I guess you have to lie to yourself to keep yourself happy.
I guess when South Africa bashed England into submission this Novemeber (with a team shorn of about 15 top line players) they got dominated physically?
Anonymous March 17, 2011 1:34 am
Massive disappointment when tindell went off that johnston didnt put wilko on at 12 and push out shontaye. Banahan is not a class act! missed chance i feel
Russell March 17, 2011 11:12 am
because banahan is better than tindall. he brings more to the team. why does everyone think banahan is bad? the only think he hasn't got really is enough pace for the wing. He's better than tindall in most areas!
and wilkinson has never played consistently well at 12 for england! why the hell would we want to start playing him at 12 again so near the world cup.
the whole having an extra kicker at 12 thing is crap nowadays. just because it worked in 2003 against those teams, with our style then (which is very different to now) does not mean it will work now. do new zealand feel the need to have an extra kicker at 12? no. do south africa? no (although you could say francois steyn is a kicker, but his other skills are far superior to someone like wilko, plus he doesn't start there much nowadays)
the wilko fan boys make me laugh. I'm english. wilko has been a great servent for our country. But that does not mean he should be guaranteed a place on the pitch
and wilkinson has never played consistently well at 12 for england! why the hell would we want to start playing him at 12 again so near the world cup.
the whole having an extra kicker at 12 thing is crap nowadays. just because it worked in 2003 against those teams, with our style then (which is very different to now) does not mean it will work now. do new zealand feel the need to have an extra kicker at 12? no. do south africa? no (although you could say francois steyn is a kicker, but his other skills are far superior to someone like wilko, plus he doesn't start there much nowadays)
the wilko fan boys make me laugh. I'm english. wilko has been a great servent for our country. But that does not mean he should be guaranteed a place on the pitch
Benson March 18, 2011 1:39 pm
Wasn't James Haskell actually Man of the Match? I remember him being interviewed and everything. Not sure why some are saying Wilko got it..?
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