Blood & Mud

Autumn International Preview: England vs Australia, Twickenham, Sat 14:30

This game is more about what has been going on off the field leading up to it than what is going to happen on it, as both squads are so crippled by injuries that you would think they had spent the summer at a human cannonball school.  Robbie Deans has stated that that his young squad is more to do with the fact that there is only one fit player available but left in Oz (Al Baxter), than some grand long-term youth-based strategy.  Likewise, Johnson is making noises about having a competitive team but deep down he knows that this squad is nothing like the one he would want to play.

Given all that, it is pretty hard to call.  The Wallabies have a fragile midfield, but a storming back-row and a scrum that looks pretty strong; England have inexperience all over the park and the most uninspiring bench since MFI went bust, but they are at home.  Also, never underestimate the dull but effective and confidence-inspiring Wilkinson factor. 

Prediction: Australia by five.

Spotter's Badge: First time he gets the ball Rocky Elsom runs straight at Shane Geraghty, with bone-splintering results.

Cliche-watch:  "I don't know about Matilda, but Cooper was certainly a-waltzing on that run" 

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Autumn International Preview: England vs Australia, Twickenham, Sat 14:30

This game is more about what has been going on off the field leading up to it than what is going to happen on it, as both squads are so crippled by injuries that you would think they had spent the summer at a human cannonball school.  Robbie Deans has stated that that his young squad is more to do with the fact that there is only one fit player available but left in Oz (Al Baxter), than some grand long-term youth-based strategy.  Likewise, Johnson is making noises about having a competitive team but deep down he knows that this squad is nothing like the one he would want to play.

Given all that, it is pretty hard to call.  The Wallabies have a fragile midfield, but a storming back-row and a scrum that looks pretty strong; England have inexperience all over the park and the most uninspiring bench since MFI went bust, but they are at home.  Also, never underestimate the dull but effective and confidence-inspiring Wilkinson factor. 

Prediction: Australia by five.

Spotter's Badge: First time he gets the ball Rocky Elsom runs straight at Shane Geraghty, with bone-splintering results.

Cliche-watch:  "I don't know about Matilda, but Cooper was certainly a-waltzing on that run"