LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times GMT)
606: DEBATE
Your thoughts on the action
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By Phil Harlow
5 mins: Australia survive the next set, and then it’s England’s turn to concede the penalty as Chris Bridge messes about at the ruck. Referee Leon Williamson is not slow in blowing, that’s for sure.3 mins: A lovely half-break from Kyle Eastmond takes England to within two or three metres and another penalty is forthcoming as Australia again interfere at the play-the-ball. England decline the easy two points on offer and force the Aussies to drop out under the sticks after Kevin Sinfield’s kick is dabbed down by Billy Slater. Very encouraging start.1 min: Decent, solid start from England as they drive up past halfway in their first set and then win the first penalty of the game. That is just what we wanted.
1930: That’s it. All the preliminaries are over, the excitable bloke with the microphone has shut up and we’re under way. Adrian Morley absolutely smashes the first Australian who brings the ball up. Game on!
1928: The teams are out on the field and we’ve got one Jonathan Ansell, a former member of G4, to lead us through the national anthems. What more could we ask forloinerlad on606:“I hope the two young half backs do it for England tonight. They are definitely the future. However I am worried that at least one of the best half back combinations in the SL (three in a row) is not on the bench tonight, McGuire or Burrow…” 1924: We’re expecting more than 31,000 inside Elland Road tonight, which isn’t to be sniffed at. How many more could we be getting through the gates in years to come if England could pull off a shock against the Kangaroos
1919: Let’s all take a moment to pay tribute to the peerless Darren Lockyer, who is almost certainly playing his final Test for Australia. A class, class act, on and off the field, and arguably the best stand-off of his generation. I, for one, would be delighted to see him in Super League, however old he is.
1914: So then, Kyle Eastmond. How do you rate him One Jason Robinson (whatever happened to him) says the following about him: "Kyle is a very talented young lad. “I’ve spoken to Kyle. He’s been likened to myself but in many ways I wasn’t as talented as him at his age, with his ball-handling skills and his kicking.” That’s not a bad tribute, to be fair.
southsydneynrl on 606: "I hope for England’s sake that those youngsters in the halves don’t melt under the pressure. “Could you imagine what must be going through their young minds right at this very moment, only the fact that that every league fan in England are relying on them!!! I stand here today and say thank God it’s them and not me.”
I think that’s what’s known as psychological warfare…
1908: As if the live text isn’t enough for you, we’ve also got tip-top radio commentary from my close personal friends on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra. Happy, happy days.anon via text on 81111: “Being a loyal cas fan, I hope Shenton at least gets the ball this week. I fear though that the Aussies will be embarrassed about the second half at Wigan and will try to put us to the sword…COME ON ENGLAND!!!” 1902: Both teams are going through their final preparations at Elland Road, and Australia have confirmed their line-up. Jarryd Hayne has switched to the right wing, while they have settled on Sam Thaiday, Anthony Watmough, Brett White and Kurt Gidley as replacements.1855: The teams, as it stands, are as follows: England: S Briscoe (Hull KR); P Fox (Hull KR), C Bridge (Warrington), M Shenton (Castleford), R Hall (Leeds); S Tomkins (Wigan), K Eastmond (St Helens); A Morley (Warrington), K Sinfield (Leeds), J Graham (St Helens), J Peacock (Leeds, capt), G Ellis (Wests Tigers), S Burgess (Bradford).
Replacements: J Roby (St Helens), E Crabtree (Huddersfield), B Westwood (Warrington), J Wilkin (St Helens). Australia: B Slater (Melbourne); J Hayne (Parramatta), G Inglis (Melbourne), J Hodges (Brisbane), B Morris (St George Illawarra); D Lockyer (Brisbane, capt), J Thurston (North Queensland); P Civoniceva (Penrith), C Smith (Melbourne), B Hannant (Canterbury), L Lewis (Penrith), P Gallen (Cronulla), N Hindmarsh (Parramatta).
Replacements (from): D Shillington (Canberra), S Thaiday (Brisbane), A Watmough (Manly), K Gidley (Newcastle), M Jennings (Penrith), B White (Melbourne).
I say as it stands, because both teams have hinted at last-minute changes. England boss Tony Smith says he may tweak the starting line-up by bringing in some players off the bench. Australia, meanwhile, have suggested Jarryd Hayne - the NRL player of the year - may be switched to play outside Greg Inglis.
1848: I’ll tell you why I’m optimistic all over again, despite 2004 and last year’s World Cup. It’s the attitude of these new young’uns England have finally seen fit to select after years of failure with the same old faces. Kyle Eastmond and Sam Tomkins look like nothing frightens them, and aren’t afraid of reputation either. If those two can have good games… 1845: Evening all, and welcome to the final of the Four Nations at Elland Road. It’s only England v Australia, innit I’m here all night, and you can get involved on606or even text your thoughts on 81111. For the record, I’m keeping the faith - against my better judgement after being disappointed so many times in the past…This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.