Johnno on... the build-up to France

Hi everyone, I’m not surprised Brian Ashton has named an unchanged team for the semi-final.

I thought he might bring Olly Barkley onto the bench just because of his experience, but I think with what England have been through, you get to the point where the guys deserve to play because of what they did in the last game. Brian almost said that himself.

Unless there was a compelling reason to change things, you would have to go with the same team. The team has been changed so many times recently so it’s refreshing that Brian has just said to the same men, ‘Go out there and do it again’.

Our subs worked pretty well against Australia. We got them on pretty early in the second half and didn’t wait until it was too late for the guys to have an impact and it kept the pace of the game high. Hopefully the same tactics can be applied on Saturday night.

Although nobody should underestimate France, I do think England will be happier to be facing them rather than New Zealand. The All Blacks may be out, but they have had the best playing record in the world since the last World Cup - they lose very few games.

I see Jeff Probyn is hoping for a France victory because he feels they will have more chance of beating South Africa in the final and keeping the World Cup in the northern hemisphere. If that’s his thoughts then fine - what will be will be. Nobody can safely predict the outcome of these two games though. England have got a real chance though.

Comments

[terence hayes]

I wish the team all the best for this evening. looking forward to a good tight game, without to many injuries