|
Our Personal Rugby Adventures
What are you doing for the world cup? Got a grandstand going on? Touring to NZ? Biggest barbie ever?
England Need a Spark 4 views 0 Images
23 November 2013 by Englandfan
See all
|
| |
England have billed their World Cup semi-final meeting with New Zealand as the ‘Big Hit’ but, if they are to have a hope of reaching the final, they will need more than just physicality.
On paper England’s quarter final victory over France looks to have been comfortable but the 34-6 scoreline belies the fact that this was an under-par display devoid of inspiration. Against a more disciplined side with a sharper cutting edge England could have found themselves in real trouble.
Thankfully for fans of rugby league betting, coach Steve McNamara has given up on trying to make Rangi Chase and Kevin Sinfield work as a half-back pairing and has drafted Gareth Widdup into his squad in place of Chase.
Whilst Widdup may not offer Chase’s X-factor he is a proven NRL performer and he will not allow the big occasion to get the better of him. Unlike the prickly Chase, Widdup is not easily flustered and the Kiwis will be wasting their time trying to rattle him.
Behind the ruck McNamara has rightly dispensed with the services of the one dimensional Michael McIllorum, another hothead that the New Zealand team would certainly have targeted. In his place in the matchday squad must surely come Rob Burrow who was outstanding against Fiji and, if he gets the nod, could be a serious man of the match contender for those who enjoy a bet on rugby with bet365.
Whilst England should be able to match New Zealand for physicality, the World Champions will not be too concerned about McNamara’s big men. What could concern the Kiwis however is the spark that could be offered by both Widdup and Burrow. If the England pack can deliver any sort of a platform then the hosts will always be in with a chance with game changers like these two in their side.
|
|
|
Tags:
|
|
No image available
|
|
|
|
|
|