ENGLAND | ALL BLACK READY??? | Team & Player Ratings

With the New Zealand squad freshly announced and with the Japan game still relatively fresh in our minds, lets break down the England performance to assess the strengths, weaknesses and work ons for England ahead of an almighty series with the All Blacks.

[@joemartin4751]

A shame Baxter didn’t get a look in v Japan. He’s a better scrummager than Rodd.

[@thewomble1509]

Will Goodrick - Clark should be in that squad. Rodd is not imposing enough.

[@Bossofyou]

The Razor era finally begins. So excited !!

[@mitch2924]

Let’s hope it doesn’t start with a loss to England at Eden Park

[@BeauNelson-r5e]

@@mitch2924 Highly unlikely to start like that as the first game is in Dunedin. The All Blacks will be hoping for and overly confidant English team just like their football team...

[@mitch2924]

@@BeauNelson-r5e razors 1st series includes the 2nd game being at Eden, it is very likely to happen. Englands rugby is a lot better than there soccer, the kiwis only have the Aussie and Fijians to measure there talent against.

[@Johnny-cf3jp]

He looks as nervous as a kitten. Reckon he's thinking what have I let myself in for 😅

[@HereIam-rg3vy]

@@mitch2924oops 😂

[@Damomasts]

Japan are not much of a test but still had dominance in the scrums which should worry England. ABs are a different animal.

[@gunner4life568]

Especially at home

[@guyveegee]

Define dominance

[@Trajan2401]

NZ have a huge pack

[@tombutcher3021]

I read somewhere NZ front row are seriously mobile powerful and skilful. Have not watched any SH rugby so feel free to educate me.

[@Trajan2401]

@@tombutcher3021 well basically Razor has gone for size and grunt in the forwards hard runners and size both Williams and Tosi are around the 145 kg mark which will be good backup for De Groot and Lomax Google has Tosi at 154 kgs but i dont know how accurate that is.

[@GeorgeWebster-lw4qi]

As a 100% 64 yr old Springbok fan thru and thru I always support All Blacks when they play anyone except Springboks . Ps, I hope Australia rises to where it should be ei together with Soringboks and All Blacks right on top

[@johnrichards4097]

And I guess you hope England will be up there as well?

[@Dickie2702]

I support the game of rugby first and country second. Try it you might find losing youbSH bias might be refreshing. I'm also 64 and 100% a die hard rugby fan who hopes we seem some great games this summer.

[@wellingtonian2009]

As an All Blacks fan I also hope Australia are a rugby powerhouse again and NZ has also dipped in recent years. A strong Australian side will also improve South Africa and NZ. Back in the day the Tri Nations used to be the three best sides in the world. To be the best we need to play the best.

[@astralplainer]

When you read that NZ backline out; the Barretts, Tele'a, McKenzie, Ioane, I suddenly realized that England really are up against it. Up to that point, I was definitely overconfident, but those players made me think again.

[@ontheblock40hot11]

But u English have had the six nations and a warmup game I think u should be confident having a team that’s played and showed they can play but the abs under razor are a unknown

[@peterp9918]

Can't argue with any of your ratings. There's a lot to like about Bevan Rodd as a rugby player but if he can't scrummage, he shouldn't be playing. I'd start Marler and have the youngster on the bench.

[@stephenb7528]

Interestingly I remember Rodd holding up well against the SA scrum a couple of years ago.

[@subbie5498]

​@@stephenb7528actually he scrummed illegally and then got obliterated ever since

[@9502937]

Good luck to England. I think they have a win in them. As an Ireland fan, I’m acutely aware that both England and NZ beat Ireland the last time we faced them, dashing our hopes of a Grand Slam and a World Cup respectively.

[@jamess3408]

Ireland had an off night at the WC, but no question they are one of the best teams in the world and I think stronger by the next WC.

[@Edgycoo]

The all blacks will roll everyone this year. Lets go razor.

[@Trajan2401]

​​​@@jamess3408they didn't have an off night they were beaten fair and square 😂

[@Trajan2401]

England have no chance Razor is your nemesis 😂.

[@Edgycoo]

@@Trajan2401 I agree. Nz public are so confident right now and with good reason. Exciting times.

[@FG-ul6yi]

Could you do a video on the Australia squad? Love the videos!

[@itistrue101]

Do Australians still play? I thought they banned themselves after that WC disaster.

[@huckscout5601]

​@itistrue101 England got knocked out of a world cup pool stage before and made the final the very next world cup.

[@itistrue101]

@@huckscout5601 Irrelevant.. The game is dying in Australia, mismanagement since 2003 has seen the game decline

[@mattutes]

I liked seeing Jamie George coming off on 45. I'm hoping those sort of game times will lengthen his Test career. He has had so many games for England where he has played 75/80 mins.

[@gunner4life568]

That's what the Boks do maybe it's a sign that Steve trust other hookers which can only be a good thing

[@afikiletokwe9938]

England have a great chance to take on the AB's with new combinations at loose and in the backline. But you are right in the front row it's not even close.

[@ontheblock40hot11]

U have to remember that u guys have had the six nations and the Japan warm up game so us in nz know ur team is class but I just hope for a good game with fair refs.

[@Alex55455]

Ever since Razor won that Super Rugby final in Johannesburg against the Lions I knew there was something special about him and dreamed of the day he would finally get ahold of the All Blacks. No coach had ever gone to South Africa to win a Super Rugby final before and then he went on to do the unthinkable and win another 6 titles which is absolutely insane. Now here we are with Razor in camp with the All Blacks squad getting ready to unleash his version of the All Blacks as we speak.

[@johnlamb3101]

Good Luck to you Mate! Razor has no international experience on AB level. He will require time to acclimatise.

[@henryburton6529]

Love this content. Thanks Tim

[@honahwikeepa2115]

England are going to get hammered. Razors bringing back the manhandling mentality that put the AB's into sports history. No romance, it's true.

[@samoday2992]

Yeah yeah yeah. Typical blowing smoke and nothing to back it up.

[@neilcroasdell5467]

Great analysis as always, Tim.

[@johnrichards4097]

Overall a fair analysis. Only slight difference is that I thought Rodd looked very poor in scrum. Props need to be good in the scrum first. If you get more then great. But he is not international scrummager. And secondly I thought Randall was poor. His three kicks were awful. ABs will kill us if we kick like that. I prefer Spencer off the bench.

[@Hay_good_lookin]

As an Englishman I do think NZ will win both tests. That being said I think this is a great development stage for this squad and I am hopeful that they will grow into the tour and have a close game in the second test. There is no such thing as a weak all blacks team.

[@davidwalker2402]

Considering NZ are starting a new transition making more excuses for England losing is odd. We should be favorites considering for over a year we blamed all our losses on transition.

[@tombutcher3021]

@@davidwalker2402 All England fans assume NZ are favourites. If our new team can show attacking dynamism we are happy. Also our team are coming off a long season. We just want to see some flair and attack.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@tombutcher3021 it doesn’t add up when England we’re transitioning they were never favorites but now you make NZ favorites a team in their first game with a new team 🙃

[@tombutcher3021]

@@davidwalker2402 NZ against England have been Favourites for a long time. We are playing in NZ at a stadium where we have barely won. I would say 90% of England supporters assume NZ will do us. It's all about how our new lads new coach approach the game and perform. It should be close most teams are now. Will be a great game.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@tombutcher3021 the point was NZ are the new team here, England are now 18 months transitioning, time to quit making excuses.

[@jamesbelshaw4926]

Ben Earl is not only a brilliant player, he's the spitting image of Buzz Lightyear!

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

What happened you harry potter😂😂😂😂😂

[@kev63inuk]

That’s because it really is Buzz Lightyear. 👍

[@9Charcot]

Thanks. pretty spot on in my view. Share your concerns about Rodd and Will Stuart. The Coler bear put in a hell of a shift!! Don't agree on Randall. I know you love him but a max 5 for me and he probably played himself out of the 23 because of the poor box kicking which I suspect will be a vital component against NZ. Expect to see Spencer promoted. You forgot to Rate Tom Roebuck😊But definitely a 6

[@mattcheesman1055]

I am worried about the front row. we will need to get ball with our put in . Very concerned we are going get owned in the scrum.😦

[@martinw3178]

I think we need to simply try and play away as quick as possible on our ball and do our best/take our lumps on ABs ball. It's quite amazing how often an inferior scrum still trys to front up rather than just get the ball away.

[@camwells9726]

Kiwi here , you should have an advantage at lineout time though , we have a bit of a crisis at lock with losing 2 greats , and injuries with what’s left . Also have a loose forward mix not renowned as being lineoout strong .

[@aaronwilson4370]

Pretty sure Slade missed touch at the start of ther game from a free kick and not a penalty so therefore went for distance. The commentators also accused him of missing touch from a penalty though.

[@EggchasersRugby]

That rings a bell.

[@mrsmooth6456]

Yep it was a free kick and Slade absolutely monstered it. Commentators just weren’t paying attention though I think

[@tomorrow3582]

Agreed, think it was off the back of Japan pushing early in the scrum. Wasn't a pen and the kick was massive.

[@camwells9726]

I suspect England may be getting nz at a good time , brand new coach with 2 weeks to implement his way on the players, good chance they are a bit disjointed, enthusiasm should be there though .

[@neilshrekpurves4521]

The real test is in NZ, the boys and men will be sorted

[@akawd41]

Mannys solo counter ruck alone should get him an 8

[@martinw3178]

I was so annoyed with that one. Brilliant from him but George and Earl way too slow to react. By the time they did the opportunity was fluffed. I think that's something he'll provide on a regular basis so his team mates need to be sharper.

[@retlwiz]

Great to see Marcus Smith playing so well (his kicking and tackling seem to me to have improved) and he really will frighten opposition teams if England get fast ball. NZ will do everything to slow the ball down and force Smith to kick a lot, which isn't his best area, but he is better than he was and we have excellent players under the high ball these days. If Underhill stays fit he is a nightmare for the opposition and yes, our front row is a concern - I don't seem to to remember Bevan Rodd having issues in the scrum for Sale, so I wonder what happened against Japan - it's a shame Baxter wasn't given a go. Still, England will be worrying NZ, as they are now settled and playing well, and the AB's are starting over.

[@rikiwikeepa4684]

ABs slowing the game down really that’s how much you know about AB rugby they scored 48 tries last World Cup how many did England score

[@lukeperks1915]

Marcus can’t kick 😂 go watch squidge’s video on kicking and you’ll see what a genius he is with tactical kicking, sees the space in a way no one else does.

[@kingkongsson1]

He has to prove himself against the very top sides cuz they won't give him the space teams like Japan tend to do. He's got the talent but it's time to prove it now , hopefully England in more of an attacking set up will help him do it , we'll see .

[@stephportablepagan8759]

Tim I think you mean he learnt his rugby in NZ and so has those spicy kiwi handling skills

[@andreemurray7039]

We need to sort out the scrum give fin a go

[@BenCooper-o5m]

Love how the England backrow play. Hope they play well but it's a 2 -0 win to the ABs coming up. New zealand have a far better pack and backs. The England backrow are there only hope of making it a contest.

[@jamestoaifolia8609]

England will have the edge having played a test match together, hopefully a good running game in dunniy, all the best 👍

[@gunner4life568]

I would be surprised if England win one of the matches against the all blacks

[@jimbabwe1]

Totally agree totally overrated.

[@jakemiddleton5266]

They are definitely underdogs - they are the away team at the end of a longer season and don't have any previous match footage of how this new All Blacks team will play, so cannot fully prepare. Whilst NZ have the Japan game and the 6 nations in particular to look at. By all accounts New Zealand are feeling very confident.

[@gunner4life568]

@@jakemiddleton5266 plus England 's record vs all blacks in nz is not good

[@andrews1289]

Wish it was a proper 3 test series. A single win would be awesome.

[@Nick-ed1ru]

We play them first-up in the Autumn (Nov. 2nd) so call that the Third test.

[@Brucemcleod2345]

Marcus Smith fan club here- can’t argue. Smith v McKenzie are a good matchup. England front row will have to step up if you are going to have a chance.

[@rowan_8755]

Baxter needs a shot. He got the best of Ben Tameifuna which is no small feat

[@garymorin4813]

I still think they started the wrong smith against Japan, we knew what we would get. I wanted to see Fin get a good run out with his team mate Mitchell and see how it translate to England. It's too late now, so Marcus will start and Fin won't be on the bench as Furbank covers 10. Regarding the "miss tackle", I think he wasn't going for the tackle as he thought Theo Dan had him, he was going for ball rip. It's a shame if people write him off because of a miss tackle when he has the best tackle stats of any back in the prem.

[@AffectionateMountainRang-xv8gv]

Love your programs from south africa

[@riri1718]

I have a video idea; where you define and standardise the ratings from 1 to 10 based on real life past performances. I'd imagine 1 to 3 would be negative play that disadvantages the team, think Vahamaahina in 2019 QFs (if he hadn't scored the try in that match)... and high up would be the likes of Dupont against Ireland in the 2022/3(?) six nations.

[@paulmulryne8405]

Kiwis generally don't rate or even know who our players are. Unfortunately, we are going to get done at scrum time and there aren't any weaknesses in this ABs team. If we can win a test, it'll be immense... but seems unlikely.

[@OlivierLebouguenec]

Borthwick might changes his side for NZ, not because one player was bad or good v Japan. It's a question of strategy, and respect to Japan but can Borthwick get all the answers to test England v a way better team from it. I think you're spot on with Marcus Smith. Olllie Lawrence is also a solid player to say the least.

[@I-webdesignerCoUk]

My only argument would be with Randall on the bench. There is such a big difference in quality and size between NZ and Japan, there is no way England will have the loose game and easy lines of running they had in the Japan game. Randall’s kicking was really poor and he was one of the bench players who performed poorly during that 20 minutes or so when Japan had the upper hand. Spencer had s so much more of a complete and thoughtful player, I cannot understand for the life of me why he isn’t on the bench.

[@ritchiebirnie6124]

My New Zealand arrived today....I'm a Scot and I'm ready

[@andrewpiearcey3440]

Does anyone come into the squad (Alex Coles for Itoje, Fin Baxter for Rodd)? I thought Slade was outstanding against Japan but i would like to see Freeman at 13 and have Sleighthome or Roebuck given a chance. I imagine you will have Spenser on the bench and either Roebuck or Sleightholme amking up the "2" if we go 6-2. Furbank can cover 10, Freemen centre or fullback etc.

[@mikeyt4243]

Beno Obano - best scrummager in England. When is his (unlucky) ban ending? Can they get him there?

[@Revellien]

Itoje is becoming like Farrell and Harry Kane - undroppable irrespective of performance.

[@billparry7058]

Can't argue with any of that particularly the front row. I think it's credit to Borthwick and the team that as England fans we think there is an opportunity to win at least one test against the ABs. You certainly wouldn't have got good odds on that after the Scotland game in the Six Nations.

[@TheWynM]

Loosies are very good! Best part of team

[@tomorrow3582]

Spot on. Dont disagree with any of it.

[@anelfrylinck841]

Tim, are you on the same flight as the Springboks? Their flight was cancelled on Sunday night and they are flying back now as we speak. 23:15 SA time... if so, how awesome will that be! 🎉🎉🎉

[@kev63inuk]

Be good Tim to hear your thoughts on whether wales will have any players on the Lions tour next year , now that Andy Farrell has the all clear to pick French based players .

[@daniele1569]

Marcus is a world class talent, Finn is a competent 10. The debate about the Smiths was always ridiculous. How does Ewers even get a point?

[@gunner4life568]

I agree but it takes more than talent to be world class

[@martinw3178]

World Class based on what?? He's a great 10 against poor to average teams.

[@Dickie2702]

But his average goal kicking will come home to roost in tight games. His two misses were diabolical.

[@brucefale6132]

Hes average at best

[@Dickie2702]

He reminds me of Graeme Hick, a flat track bully. But I guess we'll know more in a few weeks.

[@johnmackie1518]

This will be the litmus test for a newly assembled AB team , England ,also a good team , but Go The Blacks

[@gideonporter537]

Great vid and info

[@sakabula2357]

Think Marcus is quickly going to find out NZ isnt Japan....nevermind a below par Japan team....Go ABs

[@stephenb7528]

Pretty sure he's already aware of that

[@jameswaterhouse-brown6646]

Great stuff. Let’s go!

[@wellingtonian2009]

As a NZ supporter I won't be taking England lightly. Look what they did to us in the 2019 semifinal and I thought they were unlucky against South Africa in the RWC.

[@randyschwaggins]

The biggest issues we have had in the last few years are all still there. We have holes at 3,8 and 12. 5 and 9 were an issue but we seem to have solved these now. You can tinker all you want with the other positions but until those 3 key places are solved we can't be a world class unit.

[@FJM992]

Great analysis but England have no chance against the All Blacks.

[@jamess3408]

Was a silly comment.

[@IverKnackerov]

It’s what we’re counting on… that NZ complacency…Maro who ?

[@sbeehre]

@@jamess3408 Not silly just stating probably what will happen.

[@Trajan2401]

Agree they will get pasted.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@jamess3408England over the last 14 months blamed all their losses on transitioning NZ don’t make excuses like England they just play rugby as it should be played.

[@tonyalways7174]

The one certainty is that the All Blacks are never rubbish, very rarely just OK and almost always excellent. Sadly the same isn’t true of England. Not impossible for England to win but difficult to feel confident.

[@robertlayte61]

I agree with the ratings . However, im hoping i get proved wrong but i dont see Marcus Smith shining against the very best. He looks great at club and european level even international as long as its the minows . But im yet to be convinced at the top table

[@marelizemeier]

I don’t rage Marcus at all. When we played you before. He looked lost. Chasing shadows and out his depth. Boks made him look average. A nice game v Japan ain’t a good marker.

[@Dickie2702]

We have reservations too but not many 10's look great when thecpack is going backwards. Personally I prefer Fin Smith as he has a better all round game. Smith will try to win the game on his own as he isn't a natural facilitator of moves.

[@bronzemen34]

England gonna get smacked Razors era has begun....... Only advantage ENG has is that theyve gelled beore they got here in NZ and have played together already in a few tests.....so if thats the only reasonwhy i would see ABS lose....but I doubt it....not at home anyways....maybe IRELAND got away with it with FOZZIE as coach but not with RAZOR behind the wheel....bring it I cant wait

[@TheFIGHTERTC]

Respect your opinion on the smith debate however, Fin has only been given 30 minutes in an England shirt. He's the youngest fly half to win the prem since farrell

[@KJTmethod]

England have domination in the line outs, England will kick for territory, turn over line outs and score & all the hopes pinned on Razor will be squashed by the boys in white , go get em lads 👊👊👊

[@elkiwi69]

Your dreaming England will get smashed

[@rodeo4786]

That playbook is as old as Stonehenge England have evolved since adding more blitz defense and attacking backplay but I will say this if England have any chance for a Win it'll be the opening test match but in saying that they are up against a very serious opponent no joke

[@alistermacpherson7120]

I believe you only chance is first test,as I believe we are coming to beginning of a Great New Era for ABs who have some serious threats & potential in front row especially

[@KJTmethod]

@@alistermacpherson7120 I think the ABs era of dominance is well and truely over as you are going to suffer with the rule of overseas players not allowed to play for ABs which Razor is desperate to change, only having each other and hapless Australia to compete with is going to leave ABs in the dark , but only time will tell 😊

[@KJTmethod]

@@rodeo4786 yup it’s a old play, but Marcus Smith is the X factor that is going to hurt ABs, ABs will struggle with Richie Muanga but only time will tell, one week to go , so excited 😆

[@peterweston189]

Good result for England. Eight tries really good. Pleased for Marcus Smith. He gets negative comments. Yes, we'd like him to tackle like a train, but not many 10's could have scored the try that he scored

[@martinw3178]

The one where he ran through a massive hole ...

[@peterweston189]

@martinw3178 yes, the one that certain other English 10's would not have scored. Would be nice if people admitted that he is good at some things

[@samuelcecil9273]

Eggsy on paper we could cancel each other out tho agreed on the front row capers it seems we have reversed the trend and you are playing catch up Well done to Borthwick as his vision is expansive and we shall see how the results go for us I’ve not been excited about coaches since John Mitchell led the boys to Aus 2003

[@Greg-ql8yt]

Agree with relative scores - you’re probably 1 higher than I am across the team given the opposition. Not sure how Borthwick is early in any journey (sic) with England.

[@agz471]

I like your show 👍🏽

[@gerifortune872]

I never got the fascination about Dan Cole but I'm bok supporter so you see why...

[@guysnowball9028]

Tim, if 6 is did nothing wrong how has Randall hit that level? Poor kicking, one of which led directly to a Japan penalty. Appreciate that he adds tempo but, imo, the control that Spencer brings is more important vs NZ (not that he is a slouch in attack either). Consistently surprised that Spencer doesn’t get more of a look in for England as he is exceptional in the prem.

[@philipgolding3672]

I think there is a BIG question over the England's ability to win a test in NZ!

[@andygillett9999]

Itoje seems to be assuming he turns up and he’s a shoe in. Borthwick missed a chance with Alex Coles against Japan in not putting him on the bench. He has outplayed Itoje the last 2 times they have played each other. Hoping he makes amends in NZ Also give Baxter a chance instead of Rodd

[@thewomble1509]

Agreed. Itoje could do with a rest and England need to find a couple of new lock pairings. I'd Coles/Martin. Coles has the height and agility, Martin is a beast in the tight and loose.

[@martinw3178]

Did you watch the game? Itoje had more game interactions than one of our backrowers and the added carrying work was good to keep momentum. Given Coles plays TH lock or 6 he won't have matched against Itoje and as he doesn't call the lineout it would be bold to play him instead of him.

[@andygillett9999]

@@martinw3178 yes I watched the game. Maro has always been a brilliant player. But has dropped off considerably over the past 18 months. My point was that it is time to give others a chance and Alex Cole’s has played well against Saries and many others in the premirs. I may be wrong, but I’m pretty sure he calls the lineoutes for the Saints as well!

[@thewomble1509]

@@martinw3178 Did you read the whole of my comment?

[@nath4nt]

@@martinw3178Coles isn’t a TH lock as far as I know.

[@JoinTheTemple]

Can you imagine Arundle coming into the team at 15 (when he is selectable again) and Radwan on a wing (maybe Freeman into the 13 slot when Slade retires). What a back three that would be. Rapid!

[@markstratton7435]

I think front row needs a look at bevan road will get hammered if he plays marler to start Sam Riley in I believe off the bench otherwise keep the same side I believe well see how we go against the all blacks

[@markstratton7435]

Sorry meant finn baxter

[@HayManned]

Video on springbok squad when?

[@brucethomson3512]

Hi Egghead 😁 Just wanna see Springboks win......not too bothered abt the rest 😊

[@martynslinn6607]

Using this one game to rate Bevan Rodd seems a bit thin, he can scrum and has stood up well in the past so i really do not believe his race is run, at the moment Marcus over Finn is a no brainer but would like to see Spencer in the mix before Randall.

[@firepunch5001]

This will be a good match up England will win the first game no doubt and I'm not English speak it tho 😅

[@Johnny-cf3jp]

Don't get the Mitchell fanfare. Very ordinary

[@henrymilleruk100]

Thank you - for defining your personal scale. Why don’t people do this more 😂

[@-GTP316]

Ewels is never international grade

[@murraysmith595]

Should be a tight Series. Pretty evenly matched, I think England may just have a edge with cohesion. A New Coaching staff and systems etc may take a little time come up to speed. I think we may have to try and go after England at scrumtime. Do you think imports in the premiership are costing the development of worldclass Props? We have near Bok level depth currently.. the 5 in the squad are great, We also have Bower, Moody, Ta'avuo, Numia, Renata, Ansley that are all test Quality.

[@lokidd3644]

😂😂😂😂

[@andrewcowman8731]

Japan have gone backwards with an aging side & offered England little as a challenge. England well what did we actually learn since the 6N. I think calling them AB ready is getting ahead of oneself. The Auckland & Chiefs players in the final showed better speed, recycling & ingenuity. Borthwick will have a proper test & my prediction is not a good one for England

[@brendonwilliams5709]

Steve is going to get fired after the 2nd Test The All Blacks are going to destroy the Poms 😢😂

[@korocam9137]

Japan actually found a lot of holes in Englands defence but could not execute the finish.

[@j.k.jerome2093]

Tim I think you've over rated Randall because he's your boy. Those box kicks spell trouble in NZ

[@eugenebezuidenhout5717]

Come and watch Club rugby in Centurion before you leave.

[@alannorman4097]

I thought that England's performance against Ireland this year was top draw. To draw conclusions from the Japan game is daft.

[@robcrocker348]

I am quietly optimistic about this test series 2-0 England or a draw

[@alistermacpherson7120]

Please let me know what you are smoking

[@ricardocarvalho1290]

FORZA ALL BLACKS!!

[@ianpratley4867]

NZ to win by 15 points

[@EnglishVeteran]

W⚓️

[@readesiun988]

Very generous

[@Trajan2401]

A little conservative 😂

[@darthmaul408]

Bevan Rodd was an off the wall selection from Eddie Jones and he’s just stuck around. I’ve seen no evidence that he can play at this level. He’s decent around the park but so are many looseheads. Yet he doesn’t scrummage at an elite level. So why is he selected? Odd.

[@willk1756]

He stood up to the Bok scrum when we beat them last

[@darthmaul408]

@@willk1756 I do think that’s good enough personally.

[@martinw3178]

Generally agree with the rating except Lawrence and Earl. Lawrence was a 5. Too many mistakes, too often a touch too slow to where he should be in both defence and attack and he makes poor decisions. With Slade flying out and too often the gap not being closed properly I can see our midfield being exploited. 33 missed tackles v Japan is fine. The same against the ABs will see England having to chase the game. Earl the best player in the backrow and arguably on the field. It's not just the insane work-rate but the threat he poses without the ball. He had a significant part in 4 of the trys, scoring one, making one and acting as the decoy runner that committed the defence for both Mitchel and Smiths trys. Oh and no the debate isn't over re Marcus Smith as it's never been a question that he can deliver off the front foot against inferior teams. He ran down a couple of blind alleys even v Japan and I'd expect more of the same v the ABs. He simply doesn't have Fin Smiths game control and composure. Where is his performance to match Fins v Munster a man down or the second half v Leinster? Closest he got was Bordeaux and that was a huge team effort with him on the front foot.

[@Canvashed]

Here's hoping NZ don't let a 27 point lead slip against England again😂

[@gavinsmith28]

South Africa only beat England due to scrum strength, and New Zealand neutralised South Africa, so England will really have to step up

[@phillipsugwas]

Passion is not enough. That lasts 43minutes. A very specific plan. Rigid adherence to it. Don't copy other teams. Bomb Squad is not a cure- all because its expected at 45min (etc). Look at Munster. It didnt work. Bulls made idiots of themselves against GLA....poor strategy.....don't do that against ABs....If u give them time on the ball it will be a long afternoon. Don't.

[@andrewharris1837]

Randall was poor so Ben Spencer should play

[@markthuysman4933]

I Really Hate and Rate Motoji sorry for the spelling RSA

[@TT-bs2vm]

Here is how England can win. Frustrate the ABs at the breakdowns, kick goals, rinse and repeat.

[@mitch2924]

Imagine Razor loses to England at Eden park…the kiwis will be begging for Foster back 🤣

[@phillipsugwas]

No but if you buy NZ pharma you will do well. They have never been so uncertain... look at their selections... they are unsure - for the present...at least. Time to rub it in.

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

Then you will see the through kiwi,s.the smiling knives.kiwi are a fickle bunch. Wille moon bunch😂😂😂😂

[@rodeo4786]

Imagine 😂😂😂 yes Imagine 😂😂😂

[@lauriecarter8931]

Never !!!

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

The pommies will easily beat the kiwi willy moons.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@LourensBester]

Hope England pump them. Lost all respect for NZ with their whingeing about the ref

[@scottdawson1607]

Poms whinge more than the AB'S

[@sbeehre]

@@scottdawson1607 The fans maybe were pissed off but I didnt hear the AB's themselves complaining.

[@Trajan2401]

You're full of it clown then you must hate SA they are the biggest whingers when it comes to refs.

[@kelbatt7729]

England will be trying to win a series against NZ for the first time. Current record: 7-0

[@Trajan2401]

@@kelbatt7729 and that ain't gonna change 😂.

[@martinluke9470]

Marks out of ten are totally meaningless. It dosn't show anything at all, just a number. Just tell us about the players and their strengths and weaknesses. Thanks.