What team do you think Brian Ashton should pick in order to beat the Aussies?

Question

Key positions? Give your reasons please....

Answer 1

Heres my England team beat the Aussies:

15.  Jason Robinson

14.  Paul Sackey

13.  Matthew Tait

12.  Olly Barkley

11.  Josh Lewsey

10.  Jonny Wilkinson

  9.  Andy Gomersall

  1.  Andrew Sheridan

  2.  George Chuter

  3.  Phil Vickery

  4.  Steve Borthwick

  5.  Simon Shaw

  6.  Lewis Moody

  7.  Tom Rees (if fit!!)

  8.  Nick Easter

Subs:  Lee Mears, Matt Stevens, Martin Corry, Lawrence Dallaglio, Dan Hipkiss, Shaun Perry

I've picked Robinson at Full-back for his speed, unpredicatability and God given talent for beating defenders and making yardage. Josh Lewsey is better defensively so can cover across when Jason is 'on the jink'. Paul Sackey gets the right-wing shirt for his finishing ability (he has been superb in the last two games). We have to have Tait and Barkley as they aren't great but are the best we've got at the moment and are both big-match players.

Jonny W is a given although I'd like to see him swap alot more with Olly Barkley. Andy Gomersall is prehaps our player of the tournament so far and i love his snappiness and the way he bullies the pack along.

The Front row I've gone big, and bruising to smash into the Aussie's and to sap their strength then i'd bring 'Crash' Stevens on in second half to finish them off and add more to the loose. The Second Row has to be Simon Shaw for his handling and the fact his big timber and bloody difficult to play against, the other lock is 'Borthers' for his workrate and ability to steal the oppositions ball. The back-row i've gone for speed and ball winning on the deck. They will be up against George Smith and probably Rocky Elsom so unless we can win the battle down where the boots are flying we'll be on a hiding to nothing. Also Moody is the best charger down in the world and with inexperienced youngster Barnes at Aussie 10, Moody can put some real pressure on him. Nick Easter has to start at no.8 as old warhorse 'Lol' is better coming off the bench these days for a big 20 minute final hoorah !!!

Answer 2

The Aussie scrum is no where near as good as it could be. Their line out is fantastic and they use a mix of rush and drift defensive sets. England just hasn't shown us that they even understand what rush D is - RSA had no problem shutting the English backs down and spoiling Farrell's weak attempts to chip in behind - The Aussies are master drifters also (spend half the bloody game off side) so scoring tries is a tall order - few teams in the world can crack the Aussies - need to be well organised with super quick ball and hands and feet - skill sets the old guard just don't have - Catt is simply out of his depth.

Your old forwards may have the heart but do the have the lungs? If you are going to kick for territory you will at least have to have a crack at their line-outs. You need some tall timber - mobile and big enough to cause problems - Men like Simon Shaw are just the ticket. - shame, Grewcock is not available.

Johnny will have to be aggressive with his  boot - look to drop kick any chance he gets - keep them honest and catch them offside.

Lots of luck - would love to see the world champions square off against the ABs in semifinal one - but it is starting to look a bit like a repeat of the tri-nations.

Answer 3

i think for england to win against australia they only need one player wilkinson.... after that it doesnt matter

if england kill the game and let JW kick the points they might win

Answer 4

same as wend they one before

Answer 5

Drop the entire backline, they're rubbish. Pity for them Robinson is out, he's the only real game breaker they had.

(OK, keep Jonny purely for his kicking skills.....)

Keep Sheridan & Chuter. Drop the rest - too old and/or slow.

Nice answer Damian, but c'mon bro, it's a bit rich to say the Aussie backline spends half their time offside. Have a look at the AB's, (particularly McCaw at the breakdown......)

**edit** Looks like Robinson is playing......keep him in the team

**another edit** Hey Robster, I don't know how old you are, but do you remember two other "inexperienced Aussie youngsters" called Tim Horan and Jason Little???? ;-)) Barnes will do just fine TYVM.........

Answer 6

14 tackle bags & Wilko.

Answer 7

The All Blacks

Answer 8

A winning one????????

Answer 9

He should pick the Kiwis