England into last 16

An improving England side qualified for the quarter finals of the World Cup with a 36 points to 20 win over Tonga. The Tongans started well, taking a 3 nil, and then a 10-3 lead, and at this point, I thought that was going to be a tough ask to come back from that. However, a swift response followed from England; Jonny Wilkinson's cross field kick caught the Tongan defence short and Paul Sackey slid in to gather and ground and get England moving again. Jonny then kicked a customary drop goal, before Sackey took advantage of some poor hands from Tonga to pick up a loose pass and race home from 70 metres. Suddenly things were looking rosier. After the break, tries from Tait and Farrell allowed England to pull away and book their quarter final place. But will they be a match for the Aussies?

I still have doubts over Barkley as an international inside centre. He seemed somewhat indecisive at times, and I think, especially with Tait as the outside centre, we need a more physical presence inside. Step forward Mr Farrell. He took his try ever so well, and will be hoping that Ashton promotes him to the starting line up for the quarter final. Cometh the game, cometh the man and all that. Barkley's case won't have been helped by the fact he missed a drop goal from 15 metres out!

Up front, we were definately helped by having Lewis Moody and his added pace, and I think Borthwick did well in place of Shaw. I still don't see why we need Dallaglio on the bench, leaving us with no second row replacement. And I think Vickery will have a job getting back in this side, with Stevens performing so well.

We do have a chance against Australia, and we are improving. The Aussies are still missing influential fly half Stephen Larkham, but England need to go out with all guns blazing, hope the decisions behind the scrum are good, and Jonny can kick his goals (hopefully the balls are sorted out - rugby balls that is!).

Come on England!