Poms talk of re-establishing fortress - Build-up to RWC

Article in The Roar

England say they’ll kick off a campaign to turn Twickenham into their fortress ahead of hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they face World Cup group rivals Australia on Saturday.

The Cook Cup clash with the Wallabies kicks off England’s autumn campaign which also includes Tests against Argentina and the world champion All Blacks.

England hooker Tom Youngs makes no secret of the importance they place on getting a winning start against the Wallabies.

“We want to make Twickenham a massive fortress over the next two years, building up to the World Cup,” said Youngs on Monday.

“This game is huge for us – the first of a long international season so it’s massively important to set our stall out and get a good performance in.”

Twelve months ago the Wallabies limped into Twickenham for the corresponding clash after being battered 33-6 by France, but the predicted rout failed to materialise as the visitors won 20-14.

Youngs started that match and was then among seven Englishmen in the matchday squad that helped the British and Irish Lions to a resounding 41-16 victory in the series-deciding encounter at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium in July.

The experience of demolishing Australia in Sydney has been banked, but Youngs says it is the events of last November that are most relevant.

“The Lions might still be fresh in Australia’s minds, but this has always been one of the most enjoyable games of rugby. It’s England v Australia which is massive for us and massive for them,” Youngs said.

“Looking back at last year, they got the better of us so we’re looking to put that right. That’s our main motivation.

“We’ve looked back at that game in the last week to remind ourselves and get it fresh in our minds.”

Australia often bristle when the vulnerability of their scrum is mentioned, but they were flattened in the set piece in Sydney to the extent buckling prop Ben Alexander was hauled off after 50 minutes.

Youngs denies they are a soft touch, however, as he recalls a disappointing day for England’s scrum last autumn.

“The Aussie pack don’t get the credit they deserve at times. They’re all right, they can hold their own,” he said.

“Against Argentina in the Rugby Championship, they did well over there, so they will be a massive challenge for us.

“They got the better of us in the scrum last year, so it’s up to us to put that right.”

There is one thing that I hate more than anything else - that is to watch rugby when incompetence or crookedness of the referee or the touch judges decided the outcome of games.   What should have been serious pressure and a potential try for the Wallabies was turned into an attack opportunity when the England player was clearly in touch and the line judge was three meters inside the field of play - doing what?  That kind of performance by referees is clearly unacceptable - who was the monkey anyway?   Must be a monkey - since of line judging he knows zilch.

That issue ultimately could have ben a turnover of 14 points In favour of the English team.

From what I have seen in the game itself - there are real weaknesses in the English team.   They are down to the Kruger standard under kick in balls and when under pressure - and their lock forwards are not up to standard.   This team looked substantially weaker than they were last year at this time - and I am not surprised by  the walloping the Welsh gave them in the 6 Nations.

Ripe for the beating by  the AB's by 20 or more points.  

 Not good. Poms will be all pumped up now. The All Blacks will have a far different approach this time around. Seek and Destroy mission. Can not afford poms to create any momentum before the next RWC. They are creeping up on the 2nd place on the IRB ranking. Australia is in real strife.

 McKenzie is a clown. Changing leadership roles around and screwing with the team is obviously having serious effects. 8 losses from 11 tests must be getting close to a new record slump. His attitude of my way or your out isn't working. When you don't have any depth or talent to fall back on, he's far better to try and get more from what he's got. Wallabies will be lucky to win one tests the way there going. Never mind there grand slam dreams. Be lucky to hold 5th in the rankings.

Coaching staff clearly have no idea. And no clue on how to create a winning system. Just shows the lack of skill and talent isn't limited to the field.

All Blacks must completely destroy England at all costs.