The Rugby: England and Tonga

[pauln1964]

England looking much more like it tonight against a Tongan side that were playing with flair and commitment. A little bit of worry over the failure to make tackles stick in certain places. The Australians will punish that far more than the Tongans did (and they took most of their points from those situations).

One piece of sheer brilliance from Johnny to give Sackey the first try. Another from Sackey to score the second and a beautiful piece of deception from Farrell for his first in the real code.

All credit to Tonga though - they played well and were let down by a little less stamina and a little less what I can only describe as top-level honing. Definitely the best of the Pacific Islanders (unless Fiji progress to the quarters tomorrow).

Australia next up. I'm reminding myself that they were strong favourites in the final four years ago, but I'm not optimistic.

Comments

[pax-draconis.livejournal.com]

Good performance, but the Wallabies will eat that side alive.

[pauln.livejournal.com]

My head agrees with you. My heart would like to keep a little hope alive.

Similarly, I don't rate Wales' chances against South Africa or Ireland/France against the All Blacks. Scotland should get past Italy and against Argentina stand the best chance of the Home Nations of getting into the semis - where they'll lose to SA. For me the real final is likely to be the semi between Australia and New Zealand.