Man for man we're not as good as the Aussies, that is pretty clear but I'm hopeful. We've been able to match it with them in the pack in previous years but we haven't had enough strike in the backs. I think our backline is as good as we've had in donkeys years and while the pack might not look as good as once was, I don't think the Aussie pack will be either, especially if Haas and Tino defect over to Samoa. The Aussie backline will also be exceptional but I think we have plenty of character in our backline and lads who will thrive in the atmosphere of these games. 


What we did against Tonga and Samoa these past two years, at home, does not directly compare to what the Aussies did against them or tell you what will happen when we meet but I think we can at least have that confidence that we've dispatched those teams with as much ease as they have. It'll be a big step but for us but I think there is more in us and I think the atmosphere of these games will drive us on. 

There are a couple of our lads who need to wake up to the fact that their Ashes chances are on the line currently and they aren't playing well enough to get in. 


I'd probably go as far as to say there's only really Liam Marshall who can be pretty content that he's been consistent enough to be really confident of a place. Others may be preferred to him on physical attributes but not on desire, commitment, competitiveness and form over the season. 

All international coaches across all sports pick a combination of in-form players and regulars.

It isn't as simple as picking the most inform players. 

Absolutely correct. It winds me up when I read fans of clubs, whose players are in great form at that time, pushing the idea that an international team could ever be picked on form alone. 

Firstly how long does 'form' need to last? When do we go back to? How many weeks of 'form' do you need to show before the games take place? Does previous international form get taken in to account? Big game form? Etc etc. 


It's the same in all sports and teams will always be picked on multiple factors. 

Im fine with all of that but how far do you take it and what takes priority? If we're picking big game players and players who have done well for England in the past then Hall, Burgess, Hill etc would all be in. I know you're saying its a balancing act but ultimately in some cases a coach has to decide which takes priority - past experience/accolades or current form.

I think how far Wane will take it won't be far enough for Hall, Burgess or Hill tbh. He's loyal to fault sometimes but not to that degree. I do think he'll pick guys like Bateman and Clark though, as they will now be his experienced heads.  As you say, it'll be a balance. I think we'll see those guys like Bateman, Clark, Knowles, Williams etc, who are lads he trusts but he will probably just ease in a couple of younger players as well. 

The balance in terms of current form not ousting players with history of performing for England and in big games will come via the selections of players like Harry Smith and Welsby. They've not been at their best over the season but they're tried and tested in the big games and have that mentality of the bigger the game, the better they play.