............ is now just around the corner, so what are your expectations / predictions / hopes?
It's no longer an "only three teams can win it" comp, as the likes of Samoa, and Tonga, are well into the equation these days, and our opener at St James' against the former, will be a hell of a test for us.
Most (but not all I hasten to add) of you reading this, will like me, be English, so I presume you're with me in hoping that for the first time in five decades, we ban lift that glittering trophy at OT? In fact, let's win all three, eh folks?
I'm under no illusions that it'll be easy, coz the Green and Gold Machine will desperately want to retain their hold on the World Cup, and their cousins across the Tasman will also have hugely high aspirations of winning the trophy again.
Talking of NZ, I've always held huge admiration and respect for the Kiwis, coz despite constantly living in the shadow of both the Aussies in RL, and the All Blacks in Yawnion, they continue to produce footballers of genuine quality, and personally, if we don't win it, I hope they do!
OK, over to you!
Spelly.
I cannot see England beating Oz. Nz or Samoa & could lose to another side or two unless seeding protects them. They will do well to reach the semi finals. I fear the outcome could be an utter disaster for the game in the UK. I just hope that I am wrong.
Just back from Pinksville on the opening leg of the World Cup marathon I'm embarking on.
A professional performance by us, but Fiji were a disappointment, and put a lot of ball down.
Whilst he'll be pleased with the nil, I'd have thought that Wane would've wanted a more severe challenge before the comp proper kicks off a week tomorrow.
Dom Young looked useful, and may well have booked a starting place at St James' on what he showed this eve.
Tomorrow aft it's leg two, and I'll be at Heywood Road where Wales (with Lions LLoyd, and Butt in the squad) are playing Lebanon.
Report to follow.
Spelly.
If the semis aren't Aus v NZ and England v Tonga, I will be very surprised. There's a few teams in the mix that will impress I'm sure but, like the RU WC, it's fairly predictable. It would be Aus NZ at London and England Tonga at Leeds. Does anyone think otherwise???
Cymru 22-38 Cedars this aft at Heywood Road in leg two of my marathon.
Competitive throughout, but the standard was prob only that of around mid table League one football level, and neither will remotely challenge in comp that commences a week today.
And so a year later than originally scheduled, the World Cup kicks off next week, and my mates and I will be at a shed load of the games, utilising tickets bought and paid for over eighteeen months ago, and................
Next weekend it's St James' on Saturday aft, Headingley in the eve, baling out in Stockton-on Tees for the night, before returning to Newcastle on Sunday for the clash at Kingston Park.
Bring it on!
Spelly.
How did Ant Walker play, spelly - I see he scored a try.
The Lebanon full-back was my m-o-m, but apart from that, nobody really stood out.
Spelly.
Huge marker put down by the Kiwis tonight?
They've won 74-0 at Headingley.
Spelly.
I think it's pretty safe to say that neither a Chemic nor a Lion will be on the park at St James' come Saturday, so who makes up your unbiased seventeen please?
Mackenzie and I have plumped for..............
Tomkins: Makinson, Farnworth, Watkins, Young: Welsby, Williams: Lees, Ackers, Thompson, Bateman, Whitehead, Radley. Knowles, Burgess, McIlorum, Batchelor.
Spelly.
I think the semis will be Australia vs New Zealand at Elland Road and Samoa against either England or Tonga at the Emirates.
England could end up in Quarter Final 4 at Warrington against Tonga. This venue is about half the size of the other QF venues.
Looking at the Samoa team, England might have it all on tomorrow. For the sake of the game over here and the tournament, I hope we win. But, they've got some handy lads there.
Good England win today. Did anyone else notice the BBC graphics showing 2021 World Cup? Lazy and poor from the BBC
It is the 2021 World Cup.. just postponed for a year
Just back from a four game marathon over two days, for a quartet of Lions.
England - Superb.
Australia - Did enough to win without engaging top gear
Italy - The better side today, but don't reckon they'll go beyond the group stages.
New Zealand - Ditto to Australia.
My mate picked me up at 9.30am yesterday morning, and has driven 560 miles, starting and ending here at Monton, via Newcastle, Leeds, Stockton-on Tees for the night, Newcastle again, and Warrington. What a hero!
Donny tomorrow, but another mate is behind the wheel for that one!
Spelly.
Saw you doing the Wigan Walk at Scotland v Italy yesterday, Spelly, but I now realise it was due to needing an early getaway to reach Warrington in time 😀