England have named their team for the must win encounter with Tonga on Friday night. Captain Phil Vickery is available again after suspension, but must be content with a place on the bench, as Matt Stevens has been impressive in the last two games at tighthead. Steve Borthwick replaces Simon Shaw, and Lewis Moody replaces Joe Worsley. At last some pace in the back row.
The backline remains the same, but I still doubt the effectiveness of Olly Barkley at 12. The 9, 10, 12 channel all need to move closer, especially if we want to play the flat running game that Ashton wants us too. I like the pace in the back four. It looks useful, and if Wilkinson and Barkley can provide a platform, Tait, Cueto, Sackey and Lewsey can take advantage of it.
Rumours are that Jason Robinson could make a sensational return for the possible quarter-final, should England beat Tonga, with Australia. Whether he would start or not is a different question, but it would be useful as he is a better full-back than Lewsey; the ability to kick the ball being a major advantage. Ashton once said he would never pick Lewsey at full-back again. Injuries, plus his own selection policy have forced his hand, and no doubt Lewsey has the running lines and pace, he does not have the boot to match.
England should beat Tonga on Friday, but should not under-estimate them. The Tongan's pushed South Africa all the way, and England won't want to be knocked out with an embarrassing defeat.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment