Not much been posted on this recently...guess all you England bashers are still waiting and hoping for us to fail
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So the final on Saturday is between two teams who, to be fair, haven't really hit their full form yet. Australia seem to be improving (great performance v the All Blacks), while England too had their best game in the semi. In awful conditions, they played to their strengths, and let Wilko do the rest. I can't remember the French getting into England's half throughout the second half.
People have slagged England for their 'non-attractive, boring style', but if you've got someone like Wilkinson in your team who's kicking, both from the dead ball and drop goals, is so reliable, then why not let him do his stuff as often as possible? Once the points are on the board, then play your flair rugby, which conditions in the semi didn't allow.
The final will surely be a close run thing, both teams not wanting to give an inch. I'd be surprised to see open, flowing rugby, with the forwards on both sides proving crucial to the outcome of the match. England's line outs have to improve though.
One surprise to me was the ommission of Mike Catt. It's been well publicised that he takes a lot of the pressure off Wilkinson, so he may well come on if things aren't going well for England, like he did against Wales.
Looking forward to it though!
Any views?
