just got back from the game, i was surprised that 2/3 of the stadium were kiwi, i always thought there were more Aussies in London ?

There were some huge hits out there and i fear for England against both sides.
The oz seem to be great at keeping possession and the kiwis seem to make a lot of yards when they have the ball. England will get murdered.

Sad isn't it that we're having to hope for a minor mullering and not an Epic one.

I really hope i'm wrong and made to look foolish, and that when they step out against NZ and Australia that they players will have some fire in them.

of the two i think the kiwis will give us the biggest hammering. They are a very strong side in attack and tonight were easily the better team at defending. if not for the thurston steal or the 2 point penalty that wasn't the kiwis would have shown again why they are world champions.

It ebbs and flows, sometimes there are more Kiwis, sometimes Aussies, there are always far too many Yarpies though



Mind your average Brit couldn't tell an Aussie from a Kiwi without them wearing their colours.

Took my mate to his first game tonight. Thanks to the show put on by both sides, shouldn't have too many problems getting him back for more. What a match - I also fear and England hammering from both sides...

more from who jumped up and clapped when aus and kiwis scored, you're right though i can't tell a difference

Soliola is signing for Saints? Eddie should have told us...

Been funny reading through this thread and seeing all all the stupid reactions of you poms.


This game had nothing to do with you lot!

the game tonight was played by 34 players who wanted to wear their shirt with pride and didnt back back down from the fight, great game played at speed and intensity, i fear for england next week

no it was not a lot of Ausie foward was hidding and seamed a little yellow in the belly and they was hoping for one the big game players to bail them out and lucky for the threy did.

eh?

sorry i ment the Ausie fowards was soft and did not like phisical side of the game and they was hoping the big game players came good and they did.

Ah.

I agree, if and it's a big if the English forwards can dominate early on that is the only slim hope England have.

Incredible game.

If there's a better match-up in world sport at the moment than Aus v NZ rugby league, I can't think what it is.

It was absolutely ferocious out there for 80 minutes, but there were hand shakes and smiles at the end. Exactly how sport should be.

Epic stuff from both teams.

That's never stopped you from crapping all over this forum.

You love us. You love our game. You love our country.

Dreamer

If that was the case why weren't Australia beaten as badly as England will be next week?

Easy on the predictions there young fella

Pretty good match, despite Ganson being largely responsible for field position most of the night. I was literally sighing with disappointment when he was awarding us with penalties, because they were just so damn soft. The guy's got problems. Tests shouldn't be scruntinised to that extent.

Quite disappointed with Hayne's involvement. Mostly not his fault, he wasn't serviced all night. Whether he was ordered to stay on his wing or not we'll never know. Sheens should've at least switched him and Slater in the second half.

Inglis, however, despite lacking service as well, especially in the first half, still shone. The freak is going to rip England apart, it's already written.

Mr. Ineffectual Ryan Hoffman did not change my mind one bit. He is a nuffy against the Kiwis. It won't be, but I hope that's his last game for the tournament. There's no way he deserves a place ahead of Hindmarsh.

I wonder if the NFL players over here for an exhibition



match watched the game and what they thought of it?

Big hits, no padding.

Continous motion and no taking 3 hours to play a game that last 4 x 15 minute periods.

Rugby League "The GREATEST Game" on the planet by a huge margin.

They'd probably say:
"Stooopid b'stards - taking all those hits and getting paid peanuts. Give me my padding and $40 million anyday"

so true fella. we all love our game, but compared to other sports nfl/socer etc our boys are paid peanuts

What made me laugh was the woman doing the sports slot on the BBC news channel saying that we've only got to win one match now to reach the final! The difference between the standard of last night's game and the dross that we get served up with in the average 'Super' League game was frightening. Looking forward to the re-match in a fortnight's time.

"Top o' the league, you're 'avin' a laugh, top o' the league, you're 'avin' a laugh"

Hey, don't take my name in vain



P.S. can you remember what you predicted for this match



Awesome game, to me the Haka set the stage, I've never seen NZ as wound up.

Unless England can suddenly start to believe in themselves (and gain 50% in fitness levels) they will be in for a good hiding.

I remember Mate.

Full credit to New Zealand they deserved to win this game.
They played great and their defense was the best I have seen for a little while.

Australia were lucky to scrape the draw.
They will get better with a run under their belts.