England looks to top their group with a clean 3-0 record when they take on Romania in league encounter of Rugby World Cup on 24th instant. However, they cannot disregard the fact that they have been inconsistent in their victories against Argentina and Georgia. Their rate of conceding penalties has been alarmingly high. And there is little combo between the backside and forwards.
Jonny Wilkinson, the record point scorer for England, and a veteran of 4 world cups, was an edifice of inspiration. He was a part of the World Cup winning side in 2003, and has the experience to guide the new turnouts. He exhorted the team to go through World Cup semi-final 1999 to be inspired to the bones.
Jonny wants the team to forget the night out fiasco and go with a do-or-die attitude even if they can manage a victory against Romania doing little. The stage is set for bigger matches and preparation is never going to hurt. He will take over from Toby Flood as a fly half and may even be induced into the midfield to ensure buzzing confidence.
Manager Martin Johnson rallied on similar lines, emphasizing on the point that any mistake from here will make them repent for 4 years. Their backside has displayed quality performance and Shontayne Hape was outstanding against Georgia, scoring two tries. Tindall’s absence may just hurt them where it matters.
First of all, they have to counter a way not to concede too many penalties in upcoming deciders. Not every team will make elementary mistakes as the Georgia goalkeeper did, missing 5 penalties. The team has to rally from their formidable backside that has remained intact even if there are too many changes in the front half. Perhaps attack will prove to be the best form of defense, something England needs to know.
