Tony Smith seems to have adopted some strange tactics for Saturday’s world cup semi-final against New Zealand. He has not named either Ade Gardner, Superleague’s top try scorer, or Danny McGuire in the 19-man squad. Yet surely both must be going to play; McGuire is widely expected to partner Rob Burrow if Leon Pryce is not fit. Smith has also named Paul Wellens despite injury doubts due to ankle ligaments damaged in last week’s defeat to New Zealand. Less surprisingly, the Bradford duo Paul Sykes and Jamie Langley are not included in the team after they failed to impress last week. If these team selection tactics are supposed to confuse the Kiwis, it seems to be rather a last-ditch desperate measure. Smith can, however, change his selections to include the unexpected absences.
A much better performance on the field is an absolute must this weekend if England are not to go home with their tails between their legs. There is much brave talk about how England have still got the ability to win the World Cup, but proof is now urgently needed. England have skilled players, but so far they have failed to produce the performances required to stand up beside Australia and New Zealand. The passion shown by Ireland, Scotland and the South Sea Island teams has been sadly lacking. Perhaps tomorrow will be day when we see the potential promised by Tony Smith realised. They will need to play for the full 80 minutes though, and not give up at half time as they did last week.
