England 36 - Tonga 20

Back from New York for 1 night, and then off to Paris for the crunch game between England and Tonga and the possibility of a quater final place.

Having sat in the Stade de France and watched England getting hammered by the boks, and then the composure that they showed against a well up for it Samoa, it was with renewed confidence that I took my seat in the Parc de Princes for the do or die game.  With the fixture list for the weekend showing that every group had a game to decide who went through I felt that those who stated that the world cup was only between 4 teams might be eating their words now.  And certainly the England supporters did not want their side going home early.

Some might say that it was rude, disrespectful or discouteous, but when the Tongan's started their haka and the England Team lined up to face them, I for one was very proud of the rousing chorus of Swing Low that echoed round the stadium and made sure that our boys knew that we were firmly behind them.

A very good game then ensued, Tonga showed why they were challenging for a quarter final and the strength of their tackling, direct running and clearing out a the ruck was testament to a side that was 100% committed to winning this game.  England on the other hand had Lewis Moody who more than ever showed the side and country what it was to be on the "front foot", if only he might choose to use other parts of his body rather than just his face next time, his opposite number really should have left the field after the tackle that broke Moddy's nose.

After a little scare England certainly seemed to find their feet and the forwards started to show the sort of form that we as supporters are seeking, someone of the handling was great including a whole 30 seconds (yes 30 seconds) that was as good as anything we've seen this world cup from any other nation, no matter which hemisphere you are watching.

Jonny was fantastic not just his vision and execution of the cross field kick instead of the penalty and the wonderful finish by Sackey, but his distribution and all-round running of the game was exactly what England need.  He made the rest of the backs sparkle (with the possible exception of Ollie who didn't have his best game), but Tait looked sharp and for the first real time in an England shirt showed what he can do, the same could also be said for Farrell, who scored his first after Jonny put the 4 Tongan deffenders on the wrong foot.

It isn't about one player making the difference, but since Jonny's return the others around him play with more confidence, and the really positive thing, although he keeps kicking the points, he has put Sackey in for 3, Tait in for 1, Farrell in for 1, Corry in.  He is playing like a more complete flyhalf, and with him, and the team playing confidently around him, I reckon we could take the Aussies again.