NZ were cack. No line speed , No creativity ,No go forward, No passion ,No chance.

England will get better, probably the PNG game was what we needed. We might not beat the Aussies this week but we will beat NZ I reckon and have a good chance against the aussies in the semi's of the final. TS is a shrewd coach and will get it right.



Thought the aussies were workmanlike against NZ, very good defensively though. Much more to come from them aswell though.

Just watching the Tonga/Ireland game now, is there a worst defensive FB in RL than Platt.

Craig Hall

I take Hall at FB, at least he can catch, it's a great game though.

Really disappointed with NZ watching that. Halfbacks were terrible, forwards totally outplayed, out enthused etc.



Was similar to watching another black and white team from last year!

Due to australia's defence and closing down. Think you'll change your mind when NZ beat england in 2 weeks time.



Australia are awesome

NZ are average

England are rubbish

Best game of the WC so far Ireland v Tonga.



Thought Tonga were hard done too though. Two of Irelands tries were from forward passes and there was nothing wrong with Jennings second try. Love watching Felleti Matteo play.



Lets hope Agar has lined up Jennings and Kaufusi/Paea





Thought Manu went well.

Did you see Willie's pass that led to the centres try in the second half?

Manu has played the full 80 for us before so its not a first.

Leo Latu was awsome for Tonga. Jennings pass for the last try was sensational.



Best game by a mile.

I stand corrected

What a fantastic match Tonga vs Ireland was, if you missed it, make sure you try and catch a replay. Ireland had every chance to win the game. Tonga's ill discipline was as bad as I have ever seen. Some awesome hits from the Tonga team too.

Was it me, or did Australia look and play as if they couldn't even be bothered, yet still plastered them.



Ive seen much more complete performances from the Roos in the past that is for certain.

Agree with everything there, think some Wakey fans must be wondering why Leo-Latu hasnt done that for them





Thought Tonga could have been up by quite a bit by half time if it wasnt for giving tons of pens away. Classic game though, best game I've seen this season

I didnt think the Aussies were all that good, good but not awesome or anything. I think that the current NZ is very poor compared to the sides they put out 2 or 3 years ago, nevermind the years before that

They did the basics right and won every collision etc easily. I'd take a performance like that from England happily!

I think NZ need to get shut of Leuluai at SH if they want to improve. Not a fan of Fien at 7 but he would do a better job and Issac Luke would go well at hooker, he played really well in the Anzac Test this season. They could even play Hohaia at 7 and it would be an improvement tbh.

If Motu Tony and Brent Webb were fit im not sure Hohaia or Fien would be playing. Not a fan of TL at 7 with a running 6 next to him either but thought Marshall really struggled to impose himself on the game too. Noticable that when he could be bothered to run at the line he looked dangerous but looked totally lethargic.

The Tonga/Ireland game was the best match of the World cup so far. Some very big hits from the Tongan's but credit to Ireland for the way they played also.

The next step for the NRL must be to add teams from PNG & the Pacific nations.

PNG definately.

Webb would be the fullback no question and he makes a difference to NZ. Not sure about Motu, he would get in ahead of Hohaia but think Luke and Fien would be ahead of him in the hooking role. He would make the squad though.



NZ have always had this problem, if Stacey Jones does not play 7 they have noone to get them around the field. Considering the finish to the season NZW had with Fien playing at 7 then I thought they would go with him there.



Marshall is an amazing player, some of his 'no look' balls are amazing, However he was playing with no SH and behind a beaten pack so he had no room to work with.

Could the same not be said about TL though? Cant make excuses for one half back and not the other.

Would a joint Pacific Island franchise work? Just wondering whether their national identities would accept a combined team and it could work financially, logistically and on the field?