Well that's it now, the only thing left for us supporters is to get behind this 30 and wish them "All the best".

MikeGC - I agree with you completely.

Oh heck, what a mistake-a to make-a - now none of the 'naughty boys' will speak to me !












Sorry, Kath, only kidding

All the best - but you need a back up openside and a proper fullback. (Morgan and Hazell would have done it).

jammat, I am going to quote your line from another thread because I think it is pertinent here. "Rees still has his little niggle - which is why back up should be in the squad." It does have shades of the lack of forward cover in the football world cup. It has looked as though Mr. Ashton wants to go the way of not having the specialist openside for every game, unless he is expecting Rees to play non-stop. It is either daft or brilliant in its concept. We shall have to wait and see. It will be wonderful if it proves to be the latter. Similarly the selection of Andy Farrell.

Rees can be rested against the USA and Tonga, so he'll only be needed for two pool games. After that...?

There's hardly a player in the game who isn't carrying/recovering from an injury. The number of players who are truly 100% fit is negligible.

Farrell? I think were a bit heavy on centres and light on opensides, also 16-14 split rather than a 17-13 which France have gone for, not too keen but what's done is done.

No major surprises here. Borhtwick/Palmer and Flood/Barkley/Farrell/Catt I suppose the only real bones of contention.


Hodgson and Tindall not allowed to use remaining games as rehab, but forced to allow Rees to do just that. I do hope he stays fit. AS Mike Says, we only have Hobsons choice now so England to be the first team to retain RWC it is then.


There is far too much talk about good ball and bad ball.
In my opinion, good ball is when you have possession and bad ball is when the opposition have it.

I suspect a lot was found out about Palmer in the time with the Marines - he gives me the impression of being soft, and hence hasn't had a chance again.

Flood I think is too lightweight for battles against the big physical sides, whereas Barkley has very good upper body strength (he just needs to learn to offload out of the tackle). Catt has been there, seen it, done it, has the t-shirt and the medal, and his brain still works. He will have an important role on and off the pitch.

I don't understand the Farrell selection, except to save the RFU's blushes. It would have been far better to have either Abendenon or Cipriani there - options at FB and great experience for them looking ahead.


Duncan Bell: Try Scorer

Farrell will be 'a great asset' to the side..........................He couldn't say anything else, could he?

The Direly Mail focuses on The ThirtySomethings they include a nice pic for your wall, or somewhere.