wa seagull said:he did a great job scoring tries today against france
perth seagull said:the Wallabies seem to be able to come good when it matters.
larus said:One think to rememeber, Perth Seagull, winning is a habit, and this is a habit that this English team have. Agreed, not every game has been free flowing rugby, but that's what turns a good team into a great team. In 5 - 10 years time, people will look back and talk about the great world-beating team led by Martin Johnson. That's the thing about the past, it's always easier to acknowledge greatness as it has been accepted, and doesn't impact on today.
Look at our results.
We have played 36 games since the start of 2001. During this time, we have lost to France twice (once in the build up to the W/C, by 1 point with virtually a 2nd XV playing), and once to Ireland.
We have beaten the Aussies twice at home and once away.
We have beaten SA twice at home and once away.
We have beaten NZ once at home and once away.
This team go out there with the belief that they will win. Is that arrogance or is it confidence?
How many of your players will have played in a team that has beaten the English?
Yes, you may win, but it will be metally more difficult for your players. Also, they may have had their final hurrah by beating NZ.
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perth seagull said:I put money down on the Kiwis to beat the Wallabies. They absolutely humiliated Australia on home soil not so long ago in the Tri-Nations. And they had powered their way to the semi-final, while Australia limped through one unconvincing performance after another. They were firm favourites to go through. But come semi-final time, NZ, for whatever reason, just didn't show up. Australia outplayed them, and the All Blacks choked big time. I don't know where they pulled that performance from, but all of a sudden Australia upset a previously invincible team in the southern hemisphere. Going in to the final, it's the exact same story with England. They've got a great recent record, but what if the Wallabies pull another rabbit out of the hat?
That said, England play a more strategic and professional game than anyone else. I think Wilko's goals could be the difference between England and the opposition again.