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Rugby Union
International Test Matches
England vs. New Zealand, Autumn 2009
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<blockquote data-quote="dullonien" data-source="post: 274005"><p>I agree that NZ appear to be there for the taking at the moment, but it will still take a very good performance from one of the home nations to do it. Ireland are probably best placed, not many injuries after the Lions tour (Flannery being the most noticeable), but I'm not convinced they have an outside half capable against the best in the world (O'Gara will be low in confidence after the Lions and Sexton is relatively untested at international level). </p><p></p><p>Wales could have been in with a great shout, but loosing just about the two best props in world rugby + Martyn Williams is a huge blow. I'd still like to think it's possible, but common sense (for the time being) says otherwise.</p><p></p><p>England are a bit of an unknown this year, bit like last. Not many players stood out for the Lions, but I'm not sure that will make much difference. I can't see England dominating anyone in the scrums anymore, other teams have improved in that area and England don't have the stand-out props they once had. Of course England are still struggling to fill the no. 10 spot, hence all the palava about Wilkinson again. I think England will do pretty well again this year as a whole, but it's still a big ask to beat the All Blacks.</p><p></p><p>Scotland unfortunately still don't quite have the quality in players in key positions to seriously challenge. Up-front I can see them challenging better that any of the home nations (if Murray is fit), but their problem areas are still at outside half, in the centres and at fullback. They should still be looking to progress from last year with the likes of the Evans brothers providing the flair that's been lacking for so many years. Andy Robinson should bring in some much needed changes.</p><p></p><p>Just realised that I'm not sure who is actually playing the All Blacks in the autumn. I know Wales and England are, but what about Ireland and Scotland?</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="dullonien, post: 274005"] I agree that NZ appear to be there for the taking at the moment, but it will still take a very good performance from one of the home nations to do it. Ireland are probably best placed, not many injuries after the Lions tour (Flannery being the most noticeable), but I'm not convinced they have an outside half capable against the best in the world (O'Gara will be low in confidence after the Lions and Sexton is relatively untested at international level). Wales could have been in with a great shout, but loosing just about the two best props in world rugby + Martyn Williams is a huge blow. I'd still like to think it's possible, but common sense (for the time being) says otherwise. England are a bit of an unknown this year, bit like last. Not many players stood out for the Lions, but I'm not sure that will make much difference. I can't see England dominating anyone in the scrums anymore, other teams have improved in that area and England don't have the stand-out props they once had. Of course England are still struggling to fill the no. 10 spot, hence all the palava about Wilkinson again. I think England will do pretty well again this year as a whole, but it's still a big ask to beat the All Blacks. Scotland unfortunately still don't quite have the quality in players in key positions to seriously challenge. Up-front I can see them challenging better that any of the home nations (if Murray is fit), but their problem areas are still at outside half, in the centres and at fullback. They should still be looking to progress from last year with the likes of the Evans brothers providing the flair that's been lacking for so many years. Andy Robinson should bring in some much needed changes. Just realised that I'm not sure who is actually playing the All Blacks in the autumn. I know Wales and England are, but what about Ireland and Scotland? [/QUOTE]
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England vs. New Zealand, Autumn 2009
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