ENGLAND SELECTION REACTION v New Zealand (All Blacks) 2024 | The best we have...is it good enough? ----------------------- Rugby artwork in background courtesy of Blair Skivington www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BlrArtGB
We are where we are, this is the best England 23. If we show up we can win,if we don't win but we play well, that's the way it is. Well done Borthwick, I expect to be entertained by the match which is great, given the excrutiation involved in watching England football under Southgate. Borthwick played pragmatic boring rugby in the world cup, and has evolved admirably, We are now lions led by lions. If we lose with our best performance fair enough.
What an endorsement of Sleightholme and his ability to slot into the systems. Must feel for Roebuck but Sleightholme clearly offers something in the pace department and Roebuck has plenty of time on his side. Overall it's the best team we have right now, really happy with the selections.
Heard from Borthwick Giles , that the coaches are very excited how sleightholme will fit into the defensive system as to his strengths and how he’s nearer to the perfect fit for a winger into Felix jones system . After a couple of weeks training it looks like he wants to give him the opportunity . Yes unlucky for Roebuck , but like you said time on his side.
Let’s go 🌹 Love the squad selection. I do wish Baxter was given an opportunity to play his debut against Japan as it’s a big game to throw yourself into. However I’m a very happy Englishman and my faith in Borthwick is continuing to build.
First time looking in the comments and seeing so much positivity for so long. This is the biggest endorsement for Borthwick, I think it’s a great team and a great series. Let’s go 👍
This is the best English Team I have ever seen and I’m 80,they were awesome so look out for Saturday’s to come,. If England don’t win I might have to change my mind. I loved the game every minute was played at such pace,unbelievable . Are my ABS up for it .❤❤❤❤
Another great video - really appreciate your informed and honest views 👍🏻 It’s going to be a very interesting match later. Huge respect for the AB’s and I’ve loved seeing England’s improved performances recently, especially with the new boys coming in. Come on England!!! 🏴🏉🌹💪🏻
Agree it is the best choice. Pleased Borthwick rejects the Eddie Jones chop and change mantra and is building cohesion and consistency. But at the same time giving fantastic opportunities for Baxter, Finn Smith and Sleightholme to show they can raise their game and challenge for future starting slots... thumbs up on Borthwick again!
Love this selection; brave and shows a willingness to have a go. That's been missing from English rugby for a long, long time. We're probably playing into NZ's hands , but I'll take that in return for some excitement! Pleased to see Sleughtholme, although I'm a big Roebuck fan.
Definitely agree that this is the best side from the squad. Would still like to see Freeman at 13 and Slightholme to the wing but we may well get to see that later in the game anyway, and I'm wondering if this is SB's medium term plan as well 🤔
You know what, all the best to England and Borthswick for boldly naming an early team. Theyll have a red hot crack to win. The more pressure is actually on the All Blacks with expectations on an all time high. Win at all costs for the All Blacks as anythibg but is labelled a 'SHOCK LOSS!'. If the kiwis stumble, the outcry from Kirwan and his band of merry kiwi rugby fandom will be shattered. I wouod not be surprised with a win to each team.
If de Groot, Taylor and Lomax start for the All Blacks (Which is likely), then I'm afraid England might not have the scrum to match. But then they have to deal with the likes of Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi or Tu'ungafasi and Aumua as bench options. If England are going to win this first test, they will need to score 30+ points IMO.
Yes, that's pretty much how I feel. The ABs are going to score tries, they are too good not to. So we need to score 3 or 4 tries minimum to have a chance. Any sort of scrum parity will be a huge win
Idk why Stuart gets so much stick. He is such a solid player that puts himself about in defence (especially). He IS a good scrummager and has never let England down. He is definitely one of the best tight heads England have to offer of the current crop. It could be worse guys - you could support Wales and have to deal with our level of strength of depth currently…
Sleightholme needs to play out of his skin - very surprised he got in front of Roebuck. Roebuck is more versatile and played well last week. Apart from that a pretty good side. Front row is a worry- we are underpowered and not very mobile but hopefully the experience will see us through.
We do seem to have a squad with some potential now (albeit I still think we have left some talent at home). When I watch NZ U20s and Maoris, the all- blacks just have a conveyor belt of prime talent pouring in. I wonder if any player in the England team would make it into the NZ team if eligible? Still its a fantastic test (for both sides) and hopefully we can put in a performance. If we lose a la France in the 6N then not too worried. If we lose as per Scotland then its back to square one. Hopefully we can nick a win as per the Ireland game. Shame its not on terrestial TV.
Great side, underhill is a 6 not a 7, big difference the front row will be huge. Our starting props are 26, the replacements are 23 and 145kg each. I hope you can handle the power, as a one eyed kiwi
If Marchant was still eligible, would you start him instead of Slade? Personally I feel like England were at the best under Eddie Jones when Joseph was cutting lines at pace from 13. Marchant seems to be the nearest replacement to him.
Funny enough, as an English man, I think differently to majority of my country men and see an England win here. Will be great game. Let's hope both our team avoid cards.
The real worry is the props Dan Cole and Joe Marler can't go on forever, I hope Fin Baxter does well on his debut but talk about a cauldron of fire. I don't see any real quality tightheads anywhere.
There are a few props (LH and TH) coming through via the A side and U20s, just a case of when they are deemed to be ready to make the step-up. In the meantime, I think Borthwick is right to stick with Cole and Marler at the moment and maybe start transitioning the likes of Sela, Haffar, Opoku-Fordjour and Fasogbon (and of course Baxter) in the autumn internationals.
@@davidrowe8747 I agree we still need Cole and Marler, but my worry is if the youngsters are going to be up to senior rugby anytime soon. perhaps we'll get an indication when the u20s play RSA next week.
Agreed. Its does look like the best side we can put out. But to me all it highlights is how weak we are. Not a SINGLE player would get near a NZ 2nd XV. Nowhere near. That front row for example almost beggars belief. What on earth has been happening at the RFU for the last 10 years if this is the best we can offer. NZ by 30.
Not true at all. I think Itoje and Martin would both have good cases to start as would Underhill. Mitchell also has a good case. If Ford was fit I would start him over Dmac. Feyi Waboso could as well. I’m a neutral as well. The only real weakness is the front row.
England thrashed NZ in the Japan World Cup which isn't that long ago so there's not a massive amount of difference but I do agree about our front 3 being weak, especially in depth... I'm fairly happy with the hookers, it's the props we need to sort out.
At least we won’t have to listen to Farrell whingeing about, well, everything. Have to laugh at Smith’s little girly fist, noting that he doesn’t do it when he is caught out of position, misses a tackle, avoids a ruck, or trips over his own feet. How he stays in the team is beyond me. Should be some interesting matches.
I think NZ will be to fast and strong and dominate the scrum , England got to many old players in the front row , i think Marcus Smith will have a tough time he is small and i think he will be hammered by the fast and strong forwards of NZ