GB -v- NZ Rugby League Test Series

[cockneyrock]

Now that the mild distraction of the RU World Cup is out of the way, (althought the "was it / wasn't it" brigade continue to debate "that" try, we can concentrate on the the "The Great Game" namely Rugby League!!

Matches as follows:

Saturday 27th October 2007 - First Test

The Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield

Saturday 3rd November 2007

Kingston Communications Stadium, Hull

Saturday 10th November 2007

JJB Stadium, Wigan


What do you think of our chances? I think we have the right coach at the right time and it is good to see that some young blood has been brought in to the squad. I am not expecting any run away results and hope it will be a good series. The important thing is to get a good foundation for next year's RWC in Australia. If we are going to make a good fist of it and reach the Semis or the final, we need to make sure our prep starts now. None of this back of a fag packet stuff from previous years.

Also what to you think of Maurie Fa’asavalu being int he squad? I am sure he'll be selected for at least one game during the series. He has qualified and therefore no rules broken, however, I does leave a bit of a bad taste when you think of the good he could have done supporting the development of the game in Samoa. Also means that we won't have the high ground when we rip into the Aussies and Kiwis for their history of poaching South Sea Islanders.

Anyway, enough gabble from me. You thoughts?

[Goaty]

Maurie Fa’asavalu is an excellent impact player as proved by the way Saints use him off the bench. I've got no issues with him if he qualifies. It's nice to see a South Sea Islander opt for GB for a change.....

My team selection for the 1st test.
Full Back - Paul Wellens
Wing - Gareth Raynor
Centre - Keith Senior
Centre - Martin Gleeson
Wing - Ade Gardner
Scrum Half - Paul Deacon
Stand Off - Danny Maguire
Loose Fwd - Kevin Sinfield
2nd Row - Sam Burgess
2nd Row - Jamie Jones Buchanan
Prop - Jamie Peacock
Hooker - James Roby
Prop - Andy Lynch

Subs
Mickey Higham
Maurie Fa’asavalu
Gareth Ellis
Paul Sykes

Might as well use the first test to try a couple of young players to see how they cope. I don't think Tony Smith can be critisised for trying out some new blood. We can't do any worse than we have in the past.....

[Tin basher]

Also what to you think of Maurie Fa’asavalu being in the squad? I am sure he'll be selected for at least one game during the series. He has qualified and therefore no rules broken, however, I does leave a bit of a bad taste when you think of the good he could have done supporting the development of the game in Samoa. Also means that we won't have the high ground when we rip into the Aussies and Kiwis for their history of poaching South Sea Islanders.

Maurie Fa’asavalu impact player or not it leaves a funny taste to pick him. As you say we will lose the higher ground in the using foreigners debate. Is Smith really saying that having looked around the whole of super league the best bloke for the job is from the South Seas a sad indicment of the standards of home grown talent if it's true. As to the series we might just win the first ok, lose the second and twitchy bum time for the last one.

[cockneyrock]

Might as well use the first test to try a couple of young players to see how they cope. I don't think Tony Smith can be critisised for trying out some new blood. We can't do any worse than we have in the past.....

I wouldn't critisis Smith you blooding some young players in this test, infact given the likely ferocity of the games in the "Super Pool" at the world cup, I think that this series could give our young players just the right exposure to show them why International Test Rugby is another step up. I would hate to go into the RWC with a bunch of aging players who are clinging on to their places alla the RU team this year. I would rather be knocked out at the group stage with a bunch of highly rated young players with potential, who will still be around in 2011 than see us loose by buckets in the Semi with a bunch of players that have no hope of being around for 2011.

Is Smith really saying that having looked around the whole of super league the best bloke for the job is from the South Seas a sad indicment of the standards of home grown talent if it's true. As to the series we might just win the first ok, lose the second and twitchy bum time for the last one.

It is strange when the Aussies have always complemented our ability to develop forwards. IMO it is the backs (stand off in particular) that we have lack of depth. If he had found a South Sea Island in that position I think there would have been much wider support for the switch.

[Goaty]

GB 20 - 14 NZ. Sam Burgess had a good game but Paul Wellens' hands were a bit shakey. Couldn't help but notice how clean Gleeson's shirt was at the end of the match though.....

[cockneyrock]

A reasonable game with a godd result. Error strewn I felt and neither team played to their potential. I did like the way that GB to reduce the effectiveness of Kiwis' forward play and thereby nullify a key element of the Kiwi style of play. I think it was Phil Clarke that provided the best prediction before the match when he said that the game was likely to be very cagey with both teams sussing each other out. It certainly was.

I thought GB improved as the game went of and am looking forward to a much better game next week; the Kiwis will be looking for revenge and I think GB can raise their game further. Should be a cracker!!