Man for man we're not as good as the Aussies, that is pretty clear but I'm hopeful. We've been able to match it with them in the pack in previous years but we haven't had enough strike in the backs. I think our backline is as good as we've had in donkeys years and while the pack might not look as good as once was, I don't think the Aussie pack will be either, especially if Haas and Tino defect over to Samoa. The Aussie backline will also be exceptional but I think we have plenty of character in our backline and lads who will thrive in the atmosphere of these games. 


What we did against Tonga and Samoa these past two years, at home, does not directly compare to what the Aussies did against them or tell you what will happen when we meet but I think we can at least have that confidence that we've dispatched those teams with as much ease as they have. It'll be a big step but for us but I think there is more in us and I think the atmosphere of these games will drive us on. 

Absolutely correct. It winds me up when I read fans of clubs, whose players are in great form at that time, pushing the idea that an international team could ever be picked on form alone. 

Firstly how long does 'form' need to last? When do we go back to? How many weeks of 'form' do you need to show before the games take place? Does previous international form get taken in to account? Big game form? Etc etc. 


It's the same in all sports and teams will always be picked on multiple factors. 

Im fine with all of that but how far do you take it and what takes priority? If we're picking big game players and players who have done well for England in the past then Hall, Burgess, Hill etc would all be in. I know you're saying its a balancing act but ultimately in some cases a coach has to decide which takes priority - past experience/accolades or current form.

I think how far Wane will take it won't be far enough for Hall, Burgess or Hill tbh. He's loyal to fault sometimes but not to that degree. I do think he'll pick guys like Bateman and Clark though, as they will now be his experienced heads.  As you say, it'll be a balance. I think we'll see those guys like Bateman, Clark, Knowles, Williams etc, who are lads he trusts but he will probably just ease in a couple of younger players as well. 

The balance in terms of current form not ousting players with history of performing for England and in big games will come via the selections of players like Harry Smith and Welsby. They've not been at their best over the season but they're tried and tested in the big games and have that mentality of the bigger the game, the better they play. 

I have tickets for Wembley and Everton. Wembley is my 50th, so there are 9 of us going, and I'm doing hospitality with my mate at Everton. In all my years of going to internationals I've never seen Australia lose a game live. Honestly, I'll be fairly happy if we can win one game (just hope it's not the one at Headingley if that is the case!) as I think the gulf between them and us remains very wide indeed. That said, we do potentially have a pretty strong team and if everyone is fit and firing, and Australia are a little off their best because of their haphazard preparation, who knows?


Havard doesn't get in the squad on this year's form for me.It's certainly true that Wane is a loyal coach and is prepared to overlook dips in form for players who have done the business for him in the past, as shown by past selections of Harry Newman, for example. But, if they're both fit, it has to be Farnworth and Wardle in the centres, that's surely not even a discussion.

Talk that Haas, Tino and Tabuai-Fidow are going to defect over to Samoa. If that happens, I think the series becomes closer and with the poor preperation you mention and the atmosphere from home advantage, I think you might just get to see us win a game against them! The series will be a tough ask but I think we'll compete really well. 


In terms of the squad from Wigan's POV, there are a few lads in real danger now of missing out. If I was picking a team tomorrow, Havard and O'Neill wouldn't be in (and they would've been shoe ins for me previously) and Nsemba and Smith are pushing their luck. I'd say Wardle, Marshall and Thompson are all pretty safe from our POV.