Pool B - Argentina, England, Georgia, Romania, Scotland

[Howe_zat]

Not too worried by the half-backs, plenty of guys there who've done the job before. Think we can have some faith in Wilko & Flood.

Much, much less convinced by the centres. Hape at 12 is dodgy as you say, and Manu - as much as I like him - looks a total gamble.

[flibbertyjibber]

The Manu gamble either means an early quarter final exit or another place in the final. Basically Johnson is putting his entire reputation as a coach in the hands of a kid. The talent is there but I think it is a huge risk to take.

We probably have a better side than the one that got to the final 4 years ago but I can't in my heart of hearts see us beating the French in the quarters.

[Samuel_Vimes]

Alex Corbisiero

Poaching Italians too?

[Howe_zat]

The Manu gamble either means an early quarter final exit or another place in the final. Basically Johnson is putting his entire reputation as a coach in the hands of a kid. The talent is there but I think it is a huge risk to take.

We probably have a better side than the one that got to the final 4 years ago but I can't in my heart of hearts see us beating the French in the quarters.

The French are the least of our worries. I can't see us winning the thing but I see no reason why we can't be the best 6N side going.

[BoyBrumby]

Poaching Italians too?

Seppo, itbt.

[Smudge]

The tyranny of distance claims one victim:

Romanians arrive - minus their star winger | Stuff.co.nz

The squad was one player short after star winger Catalin Fercu pulled out of the tournament as the team left Romania – overcome by his fear of flying and the long-haul trip ahead.

Captain Marius Tincu said the squad was not pleased by his withdrawal.

"Everyone is not happy with that because he did not come to speak with us. I don't know what he's thinking. It's very stupid," he said.

"I don't know what to say. He has gone two times to Africa and one time to Argentina. It was no problem."

[Quaggas]

The tyranny of distance claims one victim:

Romanians arrive - minus their star winger | Stuff.co.nz

Too late to send him by surface mail, I guess.

[Smudge]

Cracking effort from Romania against Scotland - just ran out of energy in the last 10 minutes.

[Athlai]

Romania early fan favorites.

[centurymaker]

were so close..

[BoyBrumby]

Just saw the highlights without first knowing the score. Full credit to the Oaks; ran the sweaties very close indeed. Great pack effort from Romania.

Good signs for a competitive group. Georgia qualified ahead of Romania and Scotland have won their last couple of games versus Argentina.

[Samuel_Vimes]

Or Scotland are just dire. Wouldn't surprise me...

[BoyBrumby]

Or Scotland are just dire. Wouldn't surprise me...

Pack lacks grunt. Great back row, but tight five lightweight.

Should be one for the connoisseur today. Los Pumas and ourselves have sizeable scrums.

Loving Dan Cole's Henry VIII-esque beard too. Sport needs more beards.

[Howe_zat]

Only just learned this is on ITV. Only channel I can't watch.

[Uppercut]

England's defence is an absolute state so far. That after being seriously tight against us in their last warm-up.