Assuming we get Graham and Ellis back in the fold, I think we can do a job on the Kiwis this weekend.
Also think we need to look at the bench.
I know Wilkin can cover a number of different positions, but we should be as most SL matches, with 3 out and out forwards and someone who can play 9 or 7.
Then we have to try and beat the "unbeatables"

Carvell needs to be in whether Peacock plays or not. Kiwis are big boys and we will need the go forward.
I'd keep JJB on the bench though. Thought he did ok.

all too familiar i fear, good show in the first match, run out of steam in the second one. i can see us getting steam rollered in the second half. if we play like we did saturday then we'll win though.

i thought sam tomkins was brilliant. shame about chase, heighington, sinfield, jjb, morley and yeamen though.

Of course we can beat the Kiwis. But we need 4 props in the 17.

Harsh on JJB and Sinfield, howevere I'd play sinfield at loose and put McGuire to 6 then drop yeaman for widdop

harsh how? sinfield is there for his safe hands and safe boot. our kicking in open play was ordinary, and his goal kicking was not international standard.

jjb looked like a fish out of water at that level.

I find it hilarious that Widdop is good enough to play 24 rounds of the NRL season at 6 for Melbourne, but is deemed surplus to requirements and benched for England. Put Sinfield at 13, and Widdop where he belongs, in the halves.

Damn right Gower, we should be trying to play all players in their best position where they will perform to a higher standard.

Completely disagree about JJB, thought he was great.
He ran in hard and got bounced......but he still managed to get more yards than any other forward on the field.

I thought JJB toughed it out rather well. I prefer him to Wilkin anyway.

I think McNamara thinks Widdop is too much of a runner like Chase and has Sinfield there to provide direction. At Melbourne Widdop seems to run off the likes of Cronk and Smith. Can England play two runners at halfback?

Agreed.

Also, Carvell HAS to be on the bench; he's arguably the form prop of the season and is a reet big lad - we need someone who can muscle up against the rufty-tufty Kiwi's and Peacock isn't going to manage that whilst limping around on one leg.

4 Props and a little bit more composure and I genuinely think we can beat anyone on the day.

JJB has to go for mine though from the bench for a fourth Prop. He went well on Saturday so it would be a little harsh, but Wilkin offers that extra threat ball in hand and has a bit more agility that the Kiwi pack may well struggle with.

I have to agree - JJB's only attribute is the enthusiastic wrecking ball approach and that's a contest the Kiwi's will win every time; Wilkin has a bit of guile and the ability to unlock the defence with something unexpected.

We also have the small problem of keeping Benji under control - if he turns up, we could be in bother.

With what i have seen it depends on which ref we get. If we get that clown who did saturdays game then the Kiwi's will have a field day not letting us up quickly as they are as bad as the aussies. Would be tempted to have Mcguire on bench incase the halves are not doing enough. If injuries are confirmed put Sinefield to loose again and put Widdop at Half with Mcguire subbing. Have 3 forwards on the bench.

You have to play Widdop he is class,hope he sticks with him drop chase i say how embarrasing that he is gona face the hakka


Should be shot at ten paces for what hes done to newzeland judas end of.Ok maybe not shot

Aye, and then he'll respond with a mumbled chorus of GTSQ, delivered with a distinct lack of gusto and a slightly confused look on his face.

Followed by an MoM performance against his own country, mass "well done Rangi" hysteria on the Cas board, another flop against Australia in the final, and selection for NZ in the world cup.

In answer to the OP - yes, we can beat NZ, and a Rangi-inspired GB probably/possibly will.

England 13/10
Kiwis 4/7
Handicap + 4

Assuming we get our forwards fit and add Carvell we will win this one, get the house-keeping ready !

sneaky feeling for this game

yes I do think we can win it also think it will be the best game out of the comp so far

England by 4

i do not think its possible for me to agree more. how can a stand off for arguably the best team in the best league not be good enough for england. its a joke. put sinfield at 13

Wilkin made that great pass to tomkins that set up a try. I thought JJB looked unfit and struggled.

That was a great bit of play, bouncing off the defender spinning and the pass to Tomkins.

If you get a chance to watch it again due to the quality of the pass and Tomkins ability, Tomkins beats the first Kiwi defender befor he has even caught the ball, steps him then catches the ball when he has got on his outside.

Reminded me of the Walters to Renouf pass who skinned Deveraux I think it was down the left side to score in the World Cup Final in 1992 that won them the game and trophy.

We can beat the kiwi's if we play like we did on saturday

Have to agree, Widdop needs to be in the starting line up, I like sinfield alot, he hooked in the internationals maybe the season before last and was excellent, maybe having him on rotation with robey is the way to go

Fingers crossed on Peacock ellis and Graham all fit because we'll need all the size we can muster, spesh with Adam Blair likely to return for Fridays game. This guy will make a massive difference to how NZL play too,

Will be a really close game, COME ON ENGLAND!

Also thought that JJB gave an excellent account of his self,

I though the whole team really played well

Yes we can beat them, if they turn up and play badly, will we then beat Aus, not a chance.
Nothing will change untill we stop second rate imports and develope our own, that means time and money and will take years.
Go back to the roots of the game and get it right or carry on every few years with false hope and excuses.