By Ouseburn 19/6/03
June 20 2003

We've Gone to a Land Down Under, to spoil their fun and steal their thunder. Apologies in advance for my adaptation of that classic song by Men at Work.

We've Gone to a Land Down Under, to spoil their fun and steal their thunder. Apologies in advance for my adaptation of that classic song by Men at Work.

That of course is what Team England Rugby are there to do! England are in Australia to do a job of work not just for the themselves or the coaching and management staff but for us the fans and England.

This is the second official Test for England and they will be playing in front of a estimated 56,500+ crowd to retain the 'Cook Cup'. The only tickets reported left were standing and they had been issued quickly as a extra allocation by the ARU.

This is another massive game however, let's not be fooled by all the hype churned out by the Southern Hemisphere and oh boy, haven't we had some thrown at us this week? Giant Gargoyles being the most complimentary I feel. However, the VODAFONE WALLABIES may need to 'Ring a Friend' at the end of this match because I don't think they will dare ask the audience, do you?

We have had Eddie Jones (Australian Coach), who is calling on the referee David McHugh to be strict. He wants scrum-half George Gregan to be allowed access to quick, clean ball a criticism of England's tactics of slowing down possession in tackle and ruck situations. Leading to the claim England play 'Boring Rugby'.

Then we have Jon Mitchell (who once upon a time in another land coached for, guess who?) yes folks you got it England! This is Jon's view of England's tactics, "It was effective on the evening but I'm sure if that kind of situation occurs in the World Cup, it will be a pretty boring World Cup, won't it?"

Last but not least the old Bore himself Campo., life would not be the same without him would it? Guess what he said? Boring England same as usual can't score tries.

As said previously, Team England are there to do a job and that is to WIN the game!

That's what England are all about. They work, think and move as one. The England defence is tremendous, great teams are built on and around strong defence. This showed during the 'All Blacks' game when we went down to 13 men. It was interesting to read Clive Woodward's comment about that situation. "We often practice with 14 players in case of one yellow card but never 13. It doesn't come down to luck. It comes down to everyone thinking and acting correctly under severe pressure".

Speaking of defence, Nathan Sharpe in doubt for the Cook Cup. Eddie Jones announced today that "Nathan got jammed up in a defence drill and pulled up sore but we`re confident with treatment he`ll be right for Saturday," said Jones.

Another Nathan, Nathan Grey will play at Fly-Half replacing Elton Flatley in the starting lineup after Flatley was dropped for disciplinary reasons.

It would appear that Eddie Jones has lots to think about apart from England. I for one, cant wait for this match. The old butterflies in the tummy are starting to flap their wings and I know that I will be sitting on the edge of my seat come Saturday. No doubt my nerves will be wrecked by the time kick off comes!

Focus is the motto, if England focus and act as one body of men we will do it. Roll on Saturday. Just leaves me to sound out my usual cry:-

The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit; and, upon this charge.......
'CRY GOD FOR HARRY ENGLAND AND ST. GEORGE '
Henry V (1599) Act3, Scene1

England J Lewsey, J Robinson, W Greenwood,M Tindall, B Cohen, J Wilkinson,K Bracken,T Woodman S Thompson,P Vickery,M. Johnson,(Capt), B Kay, R Hill, N Back, L Dallaglio

Replacements:M Regan, J Leonard, S Borthwick, J Worsley, M Dawson, A King, D Luger

AustraliaBill Young, Jeremy Paul, Patricio Noriega, David Giffin, Nathan Sharpe, David Lyons, Phil Waugh,Toutai Kefu, George Gregan (Capt), Nathan Grey, Joe Roff, Steve Kefu, Morgan Turinui,Wendell Sailor, Chris Latham

Replacements:Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Daniel Vickerman,. Daniel Heenan, Chris Whitaker, Mat Rogers,Lote Tuqiri