Let us divide each team into three positional areas, and rank them in terms of relative strength.

A. [uForwards.[/u

1. New Zealand
2. England
3. Australia

B. [uHalves.[/u

1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. England

C. [uOutside Backs.[/u

1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. England


Looked at this way there is little chance that a full strength New Zealand can be defeated by a full strength England. However a full strength England may, because of its forward superiority, be able to defeat Australia if the English halves and outside backs played at their very best.

The thing about the upcoming New Zealand touring team is the utter uncertainty of the quality of their second or third string touring halves, who are completely untested at this level. However it would require an amazing effort by the English forwards to create the circumstances where the English halves could dictate the game.

Ah if only life were that simple Jean.
What colour is the sky in your world?

1,7,6,9,13

Home advantage

Individual brilliance

................ just if it was that easy

I think that the sky is always blue and the sun is always shining and Janet and John (or is that Jean) always skip home for tea with mummy and daddy

See above for a reflection of how seriously people take your rambles....

Do you not have anything better to do get a life for gods sake

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. I expect this original analysis to bear fruit in October-November, 2015.

England need to make a mark on this series with some strong performances. Obviously the Kiwis are weak in the halves; this area is rich for exploitation.

Nevertheless, the Kiwis have got some excellent young talent coming through in these positions. Martin in particular (Junior Kiwi) is a superb young player. Bit early for him this tour, but he is in the works.

Have you considered the role a coach might play?

Not sure why our forwards are ranked by the OP as ahead of Australia? The number of times that I seen our bigger and so called better forwards dominated over 80 minutes by Australia's leads me to a different conclusion.

Have we appointed a player-coach?

Why do you ask?