snake77
That would have been a pretty good build up for England; playing in that packed stadium with that atmosphere.
A good performance. Played out their sets, ran through their plays and managed to take the crowd out of it. Some pretty basic rugby league, limit your mistakes and let the pressure build on the opposition.
I haven't seen much of the English in this tournament. Have have been good on the counter attack, scored a great try off a kick return last week. We didn't see that today and doubt we will see it next week with the Aussies kick chase.
Bennett said at the start of the tournament the first up loss didn't mean much. What matters is how they build through the tournament. He had his rematch. Now has he done enough with this side? It's a big ask.
A good performance. Played out their sets, ran through their plays and managed to take the crowd out of it. Some pretty basic rugby league, limit your mistakes and let the pressure build on the opposition.
I haven't seen much of the English in this tournament. Have have been good on the counter attack, scored a great try off a kick return last week. We didn't see that today and doubt we will see it next week with the Aussies kick chase.
Bennett said at the start of the tournament the first up loss didn't mean much. What matters is how they build through the tournament. He had his rematch. Now has he done enough with this side? It's a big ask.
Maraea
Well done England 22 years since their last finals appearance according to tonight's commentary? Fantastic. That has truly gotta be good for the international game. Better yet beat the bloody aussies- Come on England!
bruce
'We'll still go to the game,' says England coach as he rubbishes World Cup chances
England probably aren't playing well enough to beat Australia in the Rugby League World Cup final - or so says their coach.
In typically dry fashion, NRL-based supercoach Wayne Bennett told reporters on Saturday that his side's display in their 20-18 semifinal win over Tonga wouldn't be enough for the all-conquering Kangaroos next weekend in Brisbane.
Seemingly coasting at 20-0 with seven minutes left, England somehow gave up three late tries to a fast-finishing Mate Ma'a.
Australia obliterated Fiji 54-6 in Friday night's first semifinal, seeking to win a fourth World Cup crown in five attempts.
"Probably not," Bennett said when asked if England could lift the trophy.
"But we'll be there next week - we'll still go to the game."
Speaking with his tongue less firmly in cheek, Tonga counterpart Kristian Woolf felt England had every chance of World Cup glory, but had to be perfect.
Australia's defence - with only three tries conceded all tournament - would certainly be miserly, meaning England would have to follow suit.
"They're going to defend well, going to be very hard to score points against, and England were very tough to score points against tonight," Woolf said.
"I've had good looks at England and New Zealand (but) I really haven't had a good look at Australia, except for what we've seen against Fiji last night - they were outstanding; they're going to be very hard to beat and always are.
"I'd certainly like to think England make it a real contest."
Bennett, keeping his cards close to his chest, also said he hadn't spent much time watching Australia's performances.
His side started off their campaign with a group-stage opening match against the Kangaroos and lost 18-4, but scored the game's first try.
They've since gone on to defeat France and Lebanon in pool play, before a 36-6 quarterfinal win over Papua New Guinea and Saturday's semifinal triumph.
Hardyman's Yugo
Covers all bases those comments from Bennett. Win and his stock as the master coach playing the psychology game increases. Lose and he's already washed his hands of the England performance
Maraea
Reading Wayne Bennett's comments I honestly laughed out loud. Hes so passed the rest of these coaches he doesn't have to spin nothing does he. We all saw the mistakes, we saw the three tries in 7 minutes - and they sure won't win if they do the same next week. I'd be disappointed if Bennett tried to tell us some plonky rubbish. They know they werent great and theyll have to be better. I remember when that guy went up to Bennett at a game and said something like he was great in that movie Gran Turino - Bennetts reaction was to laugh, good humour good coach. Come on England!
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Hardyman's Yugo
Hodgson looked badly injured, hamstring or knee. O'Loughlin may also miss out. We'll go with Roby (better than Hodgson imho) and Curry (excellent young player). We'll need to be more clinical but have a chance imho. 'Scramble defence was good today which tells me team spirit is good.
mt.wellington
Warriors Orange Peeler
Contributor
Fiji did the Kiwis a solid last week and took a thrashing and I'm thinking England did Tonga a solid as well. Australia will be unstoppable and its foolish to think otherwise. Kangaroos by 24...
Viking
I think the English forwards will hold their own, especially if Sam Burgess plays like he did against Tonga. Watkins and McGillvary could get the better of Holmes and Dugan but Hall and Bateman are going to struggle badly and leak points. Hall has slowed up a fair bit, he looks 5kgs too heavy. The Aussie spine will dominate and of course, Smith will be the ref for this one with some other bloke helping him out by blowing the whistle on command.
Off The Bench
England have got this .Best coach ,An a good team they havnt played their hand to early
England by 6
Go the Poms
England by 6
Go the Poms
Weno
Gutsy call , hope your on the money.
A Kiwi team once defied the history books.
Why cant England.
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