England to whitewash Australia
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<p>Scrums will certainly be interesting. Oz obviously much improved there and had the upper hand at the WC.</p>
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<p>That said, Cole is the only remaining player from the front 5 that played that day. It's definitely a concern though until proved otherwise and would be more comfortable with Mullan at LH</p>
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<p>Rest of the team is certainly interesting. Would rather have had Clifford at least on the bench over Lawes, as Vunipola getting injured would be a real pain. You don't want to have to play Hask at 8 more than is strictly necessary (or at all). I like both Yarde and Nowell, who both offer something slightly different. Nowell has done nothing wrong and is probably the better all round player, but I guess Eddie has a hunch about the additional athleticism that Yarde offers. He may also have been much sharper in training, which we obviously don't see.</p>
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<p>Looking forward to it now anyway. </p> -
I hope you're right Bones, I just haven't seem that much from him in a Harlequins shirt this season. <br><br>
Regarding the scrum, the problem is we've been dependent on a dominant scrum for years but the last few times we've played Oz I think it's been pretty even. Add in that Vunipola's strengths Iie more in ball carrying than scrummaging, I think Oz could well do a number on us this time round. -
<br><br><blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cookie" data-cid="586008" data-time="1465506631"><p>I hope you're right Bones, I just haven't seem that much from him in a Harlequins shirt this season.</p></blockquote>
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Well there you go Stephen Jones, it only matters what happens in test rugby when we're talking test rugby. It doesn't matter if Smith/Yarde is looking average or it apparently looks powderpuff 😉 -
<p>England are going to try and batter Aus into submission. There is no plan B. It has been the platform for English victories over Aus in the past and Eddie is betting on it again. </p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bones" data-cid="586011" data-time="1465506985"><p>
Well there you go Stephen Jones, it only matters what happens in test rugby when we're talking test rugby. It doesn't matter if Smith/Yarde is looking average or it apparently looks powderpuff </p></blockquote>
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If Smith is playing then we really are in trouble... -
<p>I'm seeing a repeat of the 2001 Lions series.</p>
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<p>England to come out fired up, everybody looking at the forwards, but then the backs to break the game open for a shocking, and also slightly dominant win.</p>
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<p>Then Australia to win the next 2. I genuinely think that Australia have the better rugby team, but they just won't be ready for the first match. England are riding on the coat tails of a grand slam, smashing Wales and some superb domestic form. Australia look a little under done, although their players have looked a bit better in the previous month as opposed to the first 2.</p> -
<p>Side note: George Smith rumoured to return to Australia next year, playing at the Reds.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/teams/reds/wallabies-great-george-smith-to-join-queensland-reds-in-super-rugby/news-story/bf129e5d20c456da37064d44e0526063'>http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/teams/reds/wallabies-great-george-smith-to-join-queensland-reds-in-super-rugby/news-story/bf129e5d20c456da37064d44e0526063</a></p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p>...</p>
<p>The Wallaby great is in the midst of moving back to Brisbane with his family from England, where he has been starring for Wasps and is tipped by many to win the player of the year award in the premiership.</p>
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<p>The 35-year-old seems ageless, such has been the excellent consistency of his form, and he will replace Liam Gill who will leave for French glamour club Toulon.</p>
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<p>Smith will also play two years in Japan’s Top League, and could potentially be available for the 2018 Super Rugby season as well, while its understood he is keen to pursue coaching opportunities in that time and beyond.</p>
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<p>Smith, who played 111 Tests for the Wallabies, is considered one of the greatest flankers to have played the game.</p>
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<p>He recently helped England coach Eddie Jones prepare players for their tour to Australia, and Smith will also have be used in a coaching capacity while playing for Suntory.</p>
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<p>While Smith has a long history at the Brumbies, his family has links to Brisbane and so he is set to settle there long-term while playing out the remaining few years of his stellar career.</p>
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<p>Smith would bolster a 2017 Reds squad that has already locked in Wallabies captain Stephen Moore, and backrower Leroy Houston, while playmaker Quade Cooper is expected to confirm his return to the club shortly.</p>
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<p>Nooo don't ruin your legacy by turning out for that mob!</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cookie" data-cid="586008" data-time="1465506631">
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<p>I hope you're right Bones, I just haven't seem that much from him in a Harlequins shirt this season.<br><br>
Regarding the scrum, the problem is we've been dependent on a dominant scrum for years but the last few times we've played Oz I think it's been pretty even. Add in that Vunipola's strengths Iie more in ball carrying than scrummaging, I think Oz could well do a number on us this time round.</p>
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<p>No Douglas in the tight 5 so that may impact OZ's scrum a touch. They debutante Arnold is a big unit but quite unknown. The Aussie props go alright at scrum time. Far better technique to years past. </p> -
<p>Don't love the England team, I have to say. Robshaw, Vunipola & Haskell with no backrow cover on the bench? Youngs-Farrell-Burrell? I think Jones has taken his 'bodyline' schtick too seriously, particularly given the Australian tight 5 and midfield.</p>
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<p>Worried we'll fail to dominate physically, Aus will up the pace and we'll have nowhere to go.</p> -
So is this the England/Oz match thread then?
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They're singing The national anthem. Shush!
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Well that went well<br><br>
Thought the guy with the dickie bow had the edge. -
And the Sky commentary gush-o-meter moves from New Zealand to England.
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England look like they've just woken up and are still eating their porridge.
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And Hartley decides to have a little stoush to up the tempo and temperature
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Some passive defence by England. And then a poor read out wide.
