The teams for tomorrow have been picked and we’re all awaiting Englands first test since the 6 Nations and first test under Johnson with eager anticipation. Although I am sure some will argue that Johnsons input won’t really start until the Autumn tours. Either way, I can’t wait and am very excited by the prospect of Barkley and Tindall playing together. I think Hodgson may suprise some England fans, I am hoping he will suprise me. He delivered some good ball in the Baa-Baas game and you got the feeling that he was just getting into his stride before he got injured. Barkley has been given the kicking duties. I think that this is a good decision by the management as it eases the pressure of Hodgson considerably. There is no fly-half replacement on the bench so if Hodgson gets injured or is playing badly Andrew will certainly move Barkley and Tindall along and bring Tait or Noon in at 13.
One of the main selections that has been widely criticised is Brown at 15. If he doesn’t play well in this test he will certainly be dropped for the next one. His lack of pace in the Barbarians game was telling and if he is to remain a contender for the 15 shirt he needs to put in a good performance this weekend, otherwise the likes of Abendanon (who is starting for the Saxons) or Tait will be considered more seriously.
Speaking of full-backs, Hook is playing there this weekend and dare I say it about a Welshman playing rugby but that is a pretty exciting prospect.
Predictions for the weekend-New Zealand to beat England by less than 7 (depending on the performance of the 10s). Australia to tear Irelands midfield up and beat them fairly convincingly, with the correct sort of ball. Wales to lose to South Africa but they’ll make South Africa feel like they’ve been in a game this time and the scoreline ought to be more respectable. England A to beat Irealand A convincingly. Argentina to beat Scotland by more than two scores.
If England do win tomorrow they’ll need to thank Haskell and Rees, that’s for sure. Set your alarms, kick off is next.
