ArthurClues wrote:
Not the quality of last night, but in terms of drama you couldn't (as a neutral) ask for more. Have to say I disagree with the criticism of some of the forwards. They fought hard against a top class pack and were on top in the last 15 mins. It's easy to say the likes of Hill and Mcllorum aren't good enough, but it's a lot harder to come up with players who are better. We didn't lose because of them - that is for certain. Sadly it was a former son of Headingley who was by far the poorest performer. He's done well this tournament, but was dreadful this afternoon. A sad end to dissapointing international career. All that said, it's great to watch international RL, and the game as a whole really needs to embrace it.
Not sure agree with all of that. In terms of Hill and Cooper, easy swap for Lees and Mik who are both in the squad and performance wise were significantly better over the whole tournament. Hooker wise there would be mcshane, leeming, Clark or Akers who is in the squad who I would say are all considerably better than mcllorum.
Welsby should have been full back and snyed in the halves of the plan was kick deep and apply pressure.
England had one plan all tournament which was we get over the top of you with quick play the balls and rush defence. Surprise surprise that as soon as they can’t really get the quick play the ball and get over the top they look all over the place. That is completely down to Wane and his tactics and the players he picked.
Samoa didn’t even go a tactical master class they simply slowed down the play the ball, early on the shifted the contact slightly wider and England just didn’t really seem clear on what to do.
Poor squad selection and poor tactical coaching is the reason England aren’t in the final.
