I'm really struggling to see what Heighington brings to the team. Is it just me?

Ellis should replace Wilkin.I really dont know what mcbanana sees in him.

Based on his recent selections you may be right, but we thrived today with the extra prop, so I don't think he should change it.

This. All the other forwards made a dent into the NZ line tonight, apart from Wilkin. Just not good enough at International level for me.

He's solid but not amazing. Am I right in thinking he's really a 2nd row playing at loose?

yeah i agree its such a waste having wilkin in the team.Doesnt punch holes in the defence, doesnt make any yards. loses collision always.and for some strange reason kicks downfield on some occasions.Not international class at all.

TBH, I can never make my mind up about Wilkin.

I think he can offer 'different things' as a forward but he often does strange things and thinks he's a lot smarter with the ball than he actally is.

He's good for the niggle but is a little lightweight . 40/60 against for me.

Carvell should be in the 17.

Wilkin is a fine player at SL level but doesn't have the physical attributes to make an impact in internationals. His hands for Briscoe's try were superb, not many second rowers could pull that off.

Player stats from tonights game. livescores.smh.com.au/matches/nr ... 1136943672

Player stats from tonights game. livescores.smh.com.au/matches/nr ... 1136943672

Yeah, it sums him up well. Shame really cos he is a little different in the pack.

Rewatching it now with my cousin who has just come in from the pictures. Tomkins is the man of the match, he was utterly superb, threatening their line with almost every touch of the ball he had. He's one of those players who, because of his threat, makes opposition players number up wrong and get drawn into him as if he's got a magnetic pull on them. Outstanding performance.

Morley's go forward is great, 145 metres from 14 carries. Backed up nicely by Graham with 156 from 20 and Peacock with 129 from 17.

One player with outstanding stats who I also noticed a lot more second time was Jamie Jones Buchanan. 91 metres from 10 carries and 28 tackles.

If you look at the defensive work done by the players potentially to be cut for Ellis and there is a case IMO for them all staying and Widdop losing his place on the bench:

Wilkin 55 metres - 28 tackles
Heighinton 44 metres - 21 tackles
Jones Buchanan 91 metres - 28 tackles

Wilkin and Ellis can both cover the back positions, so IMO there is no real need for a back on the bench. If next week is tight, it's unlikely Widdop would even get on the pitch.

Saddened, your beginning to sound like you are actually a fan of Tomkins?

Another player who was absolutely immense tonight, Roby. Top class.

JJB has impressed me more and more this season. Has been one of the best back rowers for a while and had a big game today.

Tomkins is simply brilliant.

I'd keep Widdop on the bench as he can unlock defences and has caused problems whenever he's come off the bench - could be useful if it's close next week.

Looking at your stats Saddened, Heighington would be the one to make way (he won't though).

Graham's stats are handy.

20 runs for 156m.
33 tackles.
1 line break
2 tackle breaks



Officially when it comes to fast play the balls. NZ had 1. England had 0.

Roby was M,O,M by far he was immense

I've never doubted his ability. I've only ever been criticial of his sportsmanship. When he's cutting through defenses as good as NZ's you can't help but admire him. Mind you, I did have a sly chuckle when Sika Manu picked him up and bounced him like a basketball.

Here here. Was.

Briscos's stats are impressive also, showing the amount he was involved. Only 1 less scoot than Roby for example.

Roby 4 for 25m. Briscoe 3 for 26m.

For me I thought Peacock and Graham were awesome, especially JP, lead the side so well, and is obviously so proud of playing for his country.

Great performance, and made my mind up that I'll be at the Final next Sunday!

The best thing about this England side (imo) is that the backs and the pivots are all young (sinfield aside) and already managing to play to this level. They'll only improve and when the likes of Lomax and Widdop get more time as well, its looking good for the future.

where are the posters who were slating players like briscoe last week after the loss to aus, funny they haven't posted tonight, tomkins, hall and briscoe will be our back 3 for years to come, now time to bring more quality centres through

jjb totally suprised me tonight, thought he was fantastic, carvell did well, just could do without his silly offloading though

I thought that Heighington was very poor tonight. Dropped off tackles, didn't make much in attack and was slow returning to defensive/attacking lines. If it was up to me I would drop him.

I thought that we benefited from having the option of four props.

For me, I would have a pack next week of:

Peacock
Roby
Graham
Ellis
Westwood
Sinfield

Carvell
Morley
JJB

For an NRL backrower Heighington is a very weak defender. Dont think he won the collision once.

I've just watched the game again on tape and I thought that every man from 1 to 17 was superb for England tonight. It was a very professional performance and has filled me with a lot of confidence and optimism for next week.

Does anyone else recall McNamara saying that Heighington has actually been considered for England duty for a couple of years, I'm pretty certain that if Burgess, O'Loughlin and Joel Tomkins were available then he wouldn't be in the side.

I didn't think he did badly on first viewing though, more impact than Wilkin.

I really don't rate Jon Wilkin but I thought he ran some good lines tonight and looked dangerous in attack.