My first post on here in about a year I reckon.
I missed the match yesterday as I was working, and no chance I am getting up at some ungodly hour to watch it. My mate told me the score when I got in to work. Have to say, I was impressed when he told me it was 39-10 to England. Going into the World Cup, I felt Argentina could have given England a real test, in light of their recent performances in Super Rugby. They certainly deserved more from the France match too, in my opinion. Just falling short while dominating the last 40. So the result had me feeling upbeat about England's RWC prospects. A resounding defeat, it appeared.
I just watched the highlights, and have to say, the result makes more sense to me knowing England were only up against 14 men for over an hour. You can talk all you like about English tactics, flair and creativity, but all those things change, and the pressure is not the same, when you are up against a depleted outfit. 7 man packs and more spaces in the midfield to exploit. Red card basically condemns Argentina, and the contest is effectively over at international level.
I am getting many friends tell me how England will do well at this World Cup, and they do have the optimal draw for the quarter final, but I still do not see enough there to threaten the ABs, and lately the boks. Be made up they do, but feel a little robbed of one of the games of this group with that red card.
Nothing England can about the draw, and red cards, and so they keep on winning, but I hope they keep grinding, as they must, to get any RWC joy. On paper, for me, the ABs are still 20 points better than anyone, and have more skilled players throughout any 15 they field.
The starting front 5 of England yesterday, compared to what the ABS have, just isn't up to scratch. ****, England have yet to face either Wales or Australia, and I'd say there'll be a few tight sphincter moments against either of these sides, let alone talking of them in the final.
Farrell needs to get his kicking boots on ......
