ENGLAND’S moment of truth arrives today as they take on the mightily impressive Fijians in Hull – and they appear to be muscling up for a slugfest.
Coach Steve McNamara is giving hooker James Roby, half-back Gareth Widdop and Tom Burgess the day off, as Sam Burgess returns after suspension and Wigan pair Lee Mossop and Michael McIlorum add some bite for the Group A clash at the KC Stadium.
And after witnessing first-hand the way the Fijians steamrollered Ireland at Rochdale just under a fortnight ago, it’s hard to quibble with that kind of logic.
McNamara said: “We have so far seen a Fiji team that is very exciting to watch with some brilliant outside backs. They have a set of forwards that are as physical as any team in the tournament. I can see why people see them as a threat.”
He has spoken of their pedigree, with many of the first-choicers regularly starting games in the Australian NRL.
For the uninitiated, the vagaries of the qualification system will virtually guarantee both sides a quarter-final spot, barring an Irish miracle in Limerick.
Only the combination of opponents – Samoa or France – and the location – Wigan’s DW or Warrington’s HJ grounds – remains an issue.
But not even the most optimistic of England diehards (and a positive disposition is almost anaethema to the majority of RL fans) would think that a team incapable of overcoming the Sims and Millards brothers has a sniff against either of the Anzac nations in the final reckoning.
Scotland are nearly there so it’s crucial for England to strive for the runners-up spot on Humberside.
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