Predictably, changes have been made. Although, what was once done for the good of the team is now merely for the benefit of the press. Ashton et-al have succumbed to criticism, and sacrificed continuity for the sake of an easy life.
The inclusion of both Wilkinson and Barkley merely serves to highlight the rather baffling tinkering that is taking place. Both have been fast-tracked through rehabilitation, Wilkinson adds the familiarity factor at number 10, and thanks to a competent game against the USA, Barkley finds himself shoe-horned into the side at 12.
The confusing thing is the timing. The Samoans rely on their physicality, so why play a Fly-Half out of position? With the knives still out for Andy Farrell, what better vote of confidence than to play him in a game that is sure to suit his strengths? It is unfair to relegate Farrell to the bench whilst persevering with Paul Sackey on the Wing, both hardly covered themselves in glory against the South Africans.
The pack has been moulded for domination. The power of Joe Worsley preferred over the go-forward of Tom Rees. The threat posed by Samoa more than justifies such a switch, but also serves to highlight the lack of bulk in the Back-Line.
A solid England performance should silence the critics, or at least give them something else to focus on instead of last Friday's performance. I stand by my comment that time is needed, rather than daily poisoned-pen attacks on varied percieved shortcomings both on and off the field.
The lack of confidence is worrying, but this is a direct result of trial by media. Games aren't won in the pressroom, they're won with clarity of mind on the field. My hope is that we will see an England performance full of fight, and a team ready to go to the trenches in order to seek redemption.
No comments:
Post a Comment