Dreadful. That’s 80 minutes of my life that I’ll never get back. It’s actually longer if you include the train journey to Twickenham and the time taken to drown my sorrows afterwards in ten pints of Guinness.
Last week, there was some consolation in the fact that it couldn’t get any worse…but then it did. England had nothing to offer and managed to make countless errors despite the fact they weren’t even trying to play.
Brian Smith must have said to the lads before they run out, ‘If you get the ball, kick it.’ And they did, all afternoon. Actually, he must have said to Ugo Monye, ‘If you get the ball, drop it.’ And he did, all afternoon!
Jonny Wilkinson, Shane Geraghty and Paul Hodgson were all guilty of aimless kicks that seemed to drop on an Argentinian player every time, and they seemed determined not to pass the ball to the men outside them. I don’t think Danny Hipkiss touched the ball for an hour, and needless to say, there was no enjoyment whatsoever in watching England play.
We’ll be bringing you a full round up of all the weekend’s games, as well as England player ratings and a rant or two about England’s problems. For now though, leave us your feedback on the game, and what you think needs to change before we take on the All Blacks.
I don’t know how to look at the game on Saturday. Was it selection?? was it the capable but poor opposition?? or do I admit we’re simply in an English rugby ice age! Personally, I look at the players and think on an individual level they cannot have become poor players overnight!
I Think of Duncan Bell’s carries for bath, I think of Croft’s role and play with L and the Lions. Geraghty, Hipkis, Cueto, Moyne and Wilkinson looked every inch internationals in the build up to these Autumn Internationals, so why when we step onto the field of play do we become what we witnessed on Saturday afternoon??
I have a theory and this only comes from a similar rugby experience.
Johnson is one of if not the greatest players we’ve ever had, he’s intelligent, has an amazing grasp of what’s required to win and lead but I genuinely think he has the players worried about everything they’re doing or about to do!
I believe his immense presence and control on/in/off the training pitch, changing room and field of play has become too much of a distraction for these men. Johnson in his day, as a player/capt was everything any member of the squad wanted in a leader, Bothwick, irrelevant of what I think of him does not have Johnson’s profile, presence or stature to shield, motivate or guide these players. So if it were me Johno, they all know who you are, step back tell them get on with it, no consequences and please let them find out who they are for once!!
PS I wrote this last night before Mick Cleary wrote his article in this morning’s Telegraph….. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/6575438/Off-colour-England-struck-down-by-fear-against-Argentina.html
Where to start:
Monye – Worst fullback ever. Wilko spend the first half covering his ass and Cueto had to take over in the second half. Did end up wondering if he’s argentinian or got paid off by any chance?
Leadership – None. Yet again Borthwick never even attempted to talk to, motivate or lead the team. Instead he tried his hardest to do absolutely nothing – for which I would give him an A* for effort and execution. MUST at the very least lose the captaincy – but should also be dropped from the squad all together!
Game plan – Was either to kick as poorly as possibly and let the argentinians run at us all day or there was NONE! How many people (supporters/commentators/players) have all commented on the lack of game plan and how the players looked “nervous” and “scared” to play. What does that say about our coaching team/management!!!
Coaching – Maybe we could recruit them as sleepers and inflitrate them into other teams so they can mess everyone else up as bad as us!!! If not, Wells and Ford have to go (maybe also Smith)
Johnno – The man is a legend and i’ll always respect him, however he is obviously not in control, doesn’t command the same respect from the players or his coaching team as when he was a player and I think it will only be a short matter of time till he is given his marching orders.
Rob Andrews – As guilty as everyone else and so should be given the boot too!
Subs – why when we have talent like Lawes on the bench, did he spend 80 mins sat down. Deacon was yet again awful and I actually think Borthwick may have been worse. Our top 3 2nd row players are Kennedy, Lawes and Shaw. Why are they not being played? Is this another “cipriani” case, where they are out of favour with the coaching team/management?
Moody – Our only saving grace. The only player seen talking to the team and leading by example and the only player currently with the ability to take over the captaincy.
Wilkinson – Poor kicking out of hand and poor place kicking, however he did spend all day having to cover full back and worry about everyone else that I don’t think he was able to concentrate enough on his own role.
All in all, shocking doesn’t even come close. Everytime we think “at least it can’t get worse” they manage to surprise us and sink even lower.
Joke
Quote from MJ:
‘I got a little bit impatient at times. It was a long 80 minutes to watch and I probably aged 20 years, but we won the game. You have to be constructive’
What the hell was there to be constructive about?
A few of Johnno’s post match comments made me think he himself wouldn’t put up with this for much longer. He’s clearly at his wit’s end, and now realizes that he’s totally out of his depth. But I’m sure Andrew will be telling everything’s going to be alright, and that it will just take time….
Keep thinking of all the post match comments stating “we’re nearly where we want to be”. Congratulations boys and girls, we are officially there – WORSE TEAM IN THE WORLD