England to whitewash Australia
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<p>pandering to his audience like Fitzy was often accused of?</p>
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<p>England are certainly on the improve and they've got some talent - particularly in their locks. I still see this as the most competitive of the June Tours. Wales aren't playing well and have injury concerns, so they're fucked. Ireland look poorly one dimensional and even with a new coach, winning in South Africa is beyond them at this point.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>England should win at least one Test.</p> -
<p>Cant we swap and give the welsh to Australia, rather see us play the Poms as they will be tougher than Wales</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="crusadersfan" data-cid="575189" data-time="1461732786">
<div>
<p>Cant we swap and give the welsh to Australia, rather see us play the Poms as they will be tougher than Wales</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm in the opposite camp. Looking forward to the welsh challenge, they don't get down our way often enough.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pukunui" data-cid="575227" data-time="1461750843">
<div>
<p>Was 2003 the last time they were in NZ? Remember a very young Dan Carter and Joe Rok playing in that game.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>The test where Jerry Collins knocked a guy out in a tackle and put him in the recovery position in the same movement.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MiketheSnow" data-cid="575090" data-time="1461677210"><p>Not a chance</p></blockquote>
<br>
I have to disagree Mike. There's always a chance. <br><br>
There's also a vanishingly small chance that I could become Pope, but I think it's possibly the safer bet. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canerbry" data-cid="575237" data-time="1461753436">
</p>
<div>
<p>The test where Jerry Collins <strike>knocked a guy out in a tackle</strike> clotheslined Colin Charvis and Tana Umaga put him in the recovery position in the same movement.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Fixed it for you :hi:</p>
<p> </p>
<p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="575432" data-time="1461823397">
<div>
<p>Who will Australia not have from last year's RWC squad?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>AAC? Mitchell? Giteau? Presumably all eligible to play if they want to?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>The lack of players in the RWC squad is less interesting for me than the lack of the RWC.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>An RWC always seems to focus the mind of the Australian Rugby fraternity - without it however they are all over the shop. I fancy they will struggle this season - odd selections and underperformance are very likely.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="575432" data-time="1461823397">
<div>
<p>Who will Australia not have from last year's RWC squad?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>AAC? Mitchell? Giteau? Presumably all eligible to play if they want to?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Cheika just confirmed yesterday that the NH players won't be selected for the England series.</p>
<p>They will be available for selection in the RC though however.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So that's also Sekope Kepu and Will Genia out.</p>
<p>Kane Douglas is injured.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>That's not too bad but there isn't exactly a plethora of in-form candidates putting their hand up to fill these gaps.</p> -
<p>This is the most settled our team will be coming into the first test in recent memory. Basically there are only a few spots free. 99% locked are:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Scott Sio</p>
<p>2. Stephen Moore</p>
<p>3. Greg Holmes</p>
<p>4. Rob Simmons</p>
<p>5.</p>
<p>6. Scott Fardy</p>
<p>7. Michael Hoopah</p>
<p>8. David Pocock</p>
<p>9. Nick Phipps</p>
<p>10. Bernard Foley</p>
<p>11.</p>
<p>12.</p>
<p>13. Tevita Kuridrani</p>
<p>14.</p>
<p>15. Israel Folau</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Joe Tomane would have had a wing spot locked down but he is unlikely due to injury. 12 is between Beale and Toomua. The other lock spot is fairly open, as are the wingers - though Rob Horne has the inside running for one spot.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But really there will be very little controversy when the team is picked. That won't stop some from whinging though, I'm sure.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="barbarian" data-cid="575507" data-time="1461843916">
<div>
<p>This is the most settled our team will be coming into the first test in recent memory. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Fair point. Four spots up for grabs is very settled in the greater scheme of things.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What would your 23 look like?</p>
