Last weekend saw the first fixture between the All Blacks and the USA Eagles for a long time. Whilst the result was never in doubt, the USA never gave up, and the fixture will live in the memory as a very entertaining fixture. Glimmers of hope for team USA, particularly the Premiership based players Samu Manoa and Blaine Scully, made the fixture more than just a one off kick about. The take from Scully from a restart, followed by Manoa, showed just how the USA could do something with rugby if the big wigs can set up a professional league. The pure excitement by the commentary team annoyed many before becoming a very refreshing turn of pace. I'd love to hear that level of excitement each week, even to the point where the commentators observed the All Blacks attacking the offside line whilst the Eagles were penalised.
Whilst many eyes were at Twickenham for the highly entertaining Barbarians v Australia fixture, the entertainment at Soldier Field was glorious. It bodes well for American rugby that they can get the interest for a fixture like this, in a beautiful, sport mad city. However, some bizarre murmurs are floating around the Internet. IRB chief Brett Gosper has suggested the move of a Six Nations fixture to America, along with the proposed Premiership matches to head across the pond. Now for my money, Mr Gosper is talking rubbish. None of the six governing bodies will sanction a transfer for a home game. Nothing compares to a full Twickenham or Millenium Stadium for a contest against old rivals. The only possible fixture would be taking Italy as the home side, against Ireland in New York. Or Italy as the home side in New York against any of the home nations. The French would kick up so much fuss, it wouldn't be worth the bother. And actually, moving any game overseas is relatively pointless. Take the home crowd away from a Six Nations fixture and it's just not the same. Ditto for any Premiership games. It'll draw some small interest but ultimately it wouldn't be able to draw the long term focus and interest to the sport.
Away from the States, the past few days saw the first flurry of international fixtures. And predictably, France and Italy were able to take on Fiji and Samoa respectively with relative comfort. Even the Scots on their new turf were content with the try fest that was the match against Argentina. The three home teams are used to contesting with the best of the Northern hemisphere, year after year. The gap between the standards of the Six nations and Pacific Island squads, who play their own round robin tournament with Canada, America and Japan, is as vast as the difference between the Tri nations and the rest of the world.
A nice link to take us to the Big Three of the respective hemispheres. The Welsh and English narrowly lost out to the Australians and Kiwis, but the Itish showed some beautiful sparks to take the Springboks down with a full fourteen point gap. Wales were as close as they've ever been, but for a looping pass getting intercepted by Israel Falou, and the boot of Bernard Foley, they may done the deed to get the edge over their pool rivals. Some worrying injuries won't help Wales as they welcome Fiji next weekend, but the positives far outweigh the individual errors.
Ireland have a similarly easier time next week, as Georgia are the visitors. The Irish looked as if they'd never finished the Six Nations, even against a South African squad fresh from defeating New Zealand. If there was a squad likely to beat the All Blacks in a couple of weeks, it's this Ireland squad, full of talent and experience.
Finally England. The fifth loss to the All Blacks in as many attempts will be either marked as a sign of England's injuries, or a mental block, or even just a lack of fitness. The positives in so many areas will lighten Stuart Lancaster's video session on Monday morning, and perhaps being into question some areas of selection. Danny Care and Owen Farrell showed some real weaknesses in their kicking, and against the Springboks, it will be just as damming. The darting run from Jonny May was pure class, yet he and Rokogunguni barely saw the ball. Mike Brown was far from his best, dropping the ball inches from the line, amongst other minor errors. The distribution of the ball needs improving, and I think changing the game plan will make things more dangerous on Saturday. In the pack, the loss of Courtney Lawes to concussion did not appear to sting as much as you may have though at first. George Kruis stepped up wonderfully, and he showed the strength England have in this position. The pack contested well, but for all the struggles against the men in Black, nothing came of it. Mind you, the sneaky tricks of McCaw wouldn't have helped.
So where are England to turn to? Honestly, I would like to see a change in half backs and the centre partnership. Care, Farrell and Barritt should be switched out for Dickson, Ford and Joesph. These three have had far better Premiership seasons so far. The South Africans will be a huge challenge, but by altering the midfield, we should see a change in the attacking force.
If Lancaster doesn't make his changes this week, he should for against Samoa, giving chances to his second string players. Mullan, Webber and Brooks should take to the starting line up, as should Joseph, possibly with Burrell if he is fit. Ford should definitely start by that point, and I believe the captain and Tom Wood should be rested, or possibly benched. Let James Haskell and Calum Clark take the turf and lead the way for the Englishmen.
So let the bells of change ring, and we shall see where we go next time.
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