Yes rugby is the winner having that kind of England side out. I do hope they dump Johnson, but somehow I feel they are daft enough to persevere with him. He's fairly clueless on how to get the best out of what are very good players.

I disagree about the quality of the players, I think they are very limited. Foden and Ashton are the two potent attacking weapons in the backs but their defence is not up to it and it was exposed against the French – if that were against the Southern Hemisphere teams it could have been carnage

The centres are uncreative (at least Tuilagi has the physical presence to punch a few holes) and neither of the two 10’s can dominate a game apart from with the boot

I won’t go through the pack but on the whole they are big and aggressive but they haven’t dominated against Argentina or Scotland and when they came up against a decent French pack they lost out at scrum, line out and in the loose

For me, the only world class player England player (if you exclude Tuilagi’s potential) is Youngs. His service needs a little work but I felt a bit for him in the tournament as he was clearly a few steps ahead of his backline in thought and deed – if he had a decent backline outside him, he would be a very potent player

This England team needs a pretty significant overhaul to get anywhere near the top but with the Premiership teams being obsessed with international signings, I also think it could be a pretty significant dry period for the national team

I think we will have to differ on whether England will have a fallow period.
I personally think under the right guidance they would be very good, after first clearing out the oldies.

'Rugby union awaits a thunderclap of on-field drama to divert attention from pressing financial issues in both hemispheres. It has barely registered amid all the World Cup hoopla but this week has thrown up ominous news. A New Zealand Rugby Union review has recommended the country's five Super Rugby franchises be sold off to private ownership amid increasing fears about the viability of the current structure. In Auckland, rugby league is gaining in popularity. Back in England, London Wasps are urgently seeking new investment in a grim economic climate. The International Rugby Board's chief executive, Mike Miller, has won few new friends locally after suggesting the All Blacks were "replaceable" if they felt unable financially to attend the next World Cup. The Rugby Football Union continues to resemble a rudderless vessel as it prepares to pick up the 2015 tournament baton. It is not an uplifting list.'

- Rob Kitson

Two out of four isn't bad.

Good work Agent Ellis.

See The Sunday Times is bemoaning how rubbish England's RU team is (which we all knew). They are listing players for the 2015 campaign and suggesting taking a punt on Sam Tomkins. Would be a shame if another RL player took the money to fall into sporting oblivion.

I'm afraid it comes down to national arrogance and hopeless coaching. No one seems to want to lay it on the line and say they're way behind the top teams and have no chance of winning a bean without :

A. taking a battling underdog stance; and
B. trying to win (rather than not lose) big matches.

I wonder what Kyle Eastmond is thinking right now.

Whether to buy a brand new Maserati or Ferrari.

Probably laughing at Saints demise after last night,hope he rots in hell.

[url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/15234032.stmYet again. It's getting ridiculous.[/url



We're constantly told it's a global game followed by billions. Gawd knows what this is doing for our reputation.

A few years in RL away from the limelight might do Tuilagi the power of good. Imagine if his brother was an ex Super League player...?

You haven't let me down Chris. I'm elated. Apart from a bloke I work with who also works for the RFU I am still to meet anyone who has talked to me about this WC.

Martin Samuel's one to talk about class. Awful 'journalist' spouting the usual guff.

[url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/oct/10/rugby-world-cup-2011-lewis-moody?cat=sport&type=articleLewis Moody faces fine over 'branded' mouthguard.[/url
Wonder what it will be tomorrow.

Catalancs have you heard anything about Joel Tomkins going over to the dark side,possibly Saracens or Quins.

I'd heard it from folk on here so I naturally dismissed it.
However I was told by a journalist yesterday that it's a massive offer and that we aren't going to stand in his way.

400K I believe.



Even I will admit this is a lot to turn down,would he make the grade at union,and what position.

Wasps beat Bath 27-24

And are millions in debt.

Fat, loud mouthed drunks embarrassing themselves in public. That [iis[/i the reputation of the English.

Great headline from the excellent Martin Samuel which sums it all up :

"No class.......on or off the field"

not far behind my little tesco tubbies