England’s Bravehearts

With England perhaps stuttering at times, but doing enough so far, Saturday’s match v Scotland is the start of what can be described as the knock-out stages of the RWC. Every game from now on is a cup match- winner takes all. In England’s case, with the groups falling as they have (and Ireland’s beating of Australia being key), basically they have the challenge of an away Grand Slam to get to the final of the competition.

There has been some improvement in England’s play, slowly but surely throughout the competition. However, the biggest concern is still their inability to generate the quick ruck ball at the breakdown that their backs need. Paradoxically, any forward pack coached by Andy Robinson will always be highly effective at rucktime and here lies England’s biggest challenge- completing and beating the Scots at the breakdown.

England’s selections will also be interesting. It’s a truism to say that 7 or 8 players only have cemented their places. Cole, Thompson, Haskell, Youngs, Ashton, Foden and Tuilagi are all bankers to start, but in other areas England have to select rather than pick.

In the front row, both Corbisiero and Stevens are candidates to start at loosehead, and both have acquitted themselves well during the competition. It really is a toss of a coin, and I suspect Corbs will start due to Steven’s ability to sub on either side of the front row if required. At lock, Lawes is pretty certain to start, even if only on the basis of gametime, and I expect the extra grunt generated by my former team mate Louis Deacon, to secure him the second berth.

In the back row, things are changing. Haskell’s workrate has finally matched his verbal promises and he’s been outstanding and industrious. I still believe he needs to bolt on accuracy and effectiveness to his industry, but he’s been a standout in the last few months. Moody had a great 50 mins against Romania, and looked both hungry and able to link. He’ll start alongside line out supremo Tom Croft, with the caveat that the latter needs the riot act reading regarding his role around the tight/loose situations. Too often Croft is found idling out on the wing; he’s a wing forward not a wing three-quarter and he needs to start playing like a 6.

Regarding the ever-lasting debate on the fly half berth, I always think this; if you needed 3 points in the final quarter to win a game, and you looked around your team-mates, who would you prefer to see at ten? So based on that premise, Jonny will start, with vice skipper Tindall running the backline defence at 12.

The last slot is an interesting one. Mark Cueto does so many things very competently, and indeed, scored a hat-trick in his last outing. He searches for work, but the question is, does Delon Armitage offer more of an X-Faxtor? I think he does, and with Scotland sure to field Patterson in the back three, I suspect Delon’s superb aerial skills will give him the nod over the Sale man.

So that’s pretty much my side. I believe England will have their work cut out to better the Scots, but, due to their firepower out wide, I expect them to win narrowly despite struggling at the breakdown, in a dour battle.

Speak soon,
Coz.

Cozza’s XV

Corbisiero
Thompson
Cole
Deacon
Lawes
Croft
Moody
Haskell

Youngs
Wilkinson

Armitage
Tindall
Tuilagi
Ashton

Foden.