“I would feel massively aggrieved if I were them or their families”

Grosvenor Sport ambassador Will Greenwood is back to discuss the fall-out from England’s disappointing loss against Australia and to preview the upcoming Autumn international tie with South Africa.

Reflecting on Australia

In the grand scheme of things, whilst England continue to bed in this defensive system that I don’t think they are naturally suited to, they will always run the risk of conceding an easy try and losing five or seven points.

The English team works so hard to score on one end, but it seems so easy for the opposing sides to score an easy five or seven points. To concede 42 points at home just goes to show that something is inherently wrong with this defensive system. It’s a matter of if they stick or twist with it, which listening to the press conference with Richard Wigglesworth and Henry Slade, the comments came across to me like they were still trying to align the team with the same defensive structure.

The team must be better at delivering the defensive plan quicker, that’s the be all and end all. If this is the plan that they are going to stick with, that’s what it comes down to, it’s not an overly technical answer. They need to pick it up quickly or people will keep coming back to it as something to blame.

England vs South Africa Preview

South Africa are the best team in the world, there’s no question. You only must look at the depth of their squad, when it gets to a point where they could put out a completely different team as they did against Scotland, every single player and supporter would still believe they will win the game. That’s some level of dominance, they’re a skilful side but the size of the team as well is a real edge for them.

Regarding England’s chances on Saturday, I’d say they’d have to score at least 25 points to have a chance of winning, which is tough to see judging on their last two efforts. What I would say is, rugby is a violent sport and be wary of a set of desperate human beings on a rugby field. They can win any game of rugby, but it’s what level of desperation are you prepared to go to, how hard are you willing to fight. There will be players in that England set up who will feel their career is on the line, if you’re part of a team that keeps losing, you’ll be thinking that soon you’re going to get replaced. Scotland have one of the best creative fly halves on the planet and they still weren’t able to get their scoring going.

As far as the England line up goes, I think George Furbank is a casualty of the fact that England can’t get their game going, he is the best attacking threat in the Premiership and England can’t seem to make it work with him. The aerial battle has been going against them, so you must go with Freddie Steward, they need to get that control back and have someone who can diffuse the aerial threat, Steward gives you that.

Ben Spencer is another unfortunate case, I think he’s got six caps now and he’s never won a game for England, that goes back to what I say about you only getting so many chances. It’s difficult to see how we can’t have made this work, Spencer in a Bath shirt is the best number nine in the country, Furbank in a Northampton shirt is the best full back in the country, we’ve seen a similar story with the England football team down the years! You throw Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the side together and suddenly they can’t play football, the system and set up is not getting the best out of these talented players.

I can totally see why these changes are made, but I would feel massively aggrieved if I were them or their families, because the system isn’t allowing for these players to show their talent.

Predictions & Tips

I think it will finish 28-22 to South Africa, I can see it being a great game and there’s a lot on the line for England, I think they will show a renewed effort, but the Springboks will prove just too strong.

England +6 handicap at 22/25 looks a good bet in that case and I think that South Africa’s Kurt-Lee Arendse is a good bet for first and anytime try at 8/1 and 11/8, I can see England getting the blitz wrong and he will take advantage.

All the best,

Will

BACK TO RUGBY SECTION

Feel Groovy with Beatles, Janis Joplin & Hendrix Tribute Bands

Kick off the new year with back-to-back blasts from the past. On Friday, January 5th, catch The Caverners covering all your favorite Beatles tracks. Then, on Saturday, January 6th, experience Joplin Meets Hendrix & Morrison for a trio of ‘60s good vibes. The Island will pack more good music into two days than most radio stations can in a week!

A Hard Day’s Night of Music

Ring in the first weekend of 2024 with a Beatles tribute that’s like a day in the life. The Caverners recreate the look, style and sound of the many eras of the band using the costumes and instruments of the day. From “She Loves You” to “Let it Be,” you’ll be twisting and shouting all night long to all of your fab four favorites. 

See The Caverners transform The Island Showroom into the set of The Ed Sullivan Show, strawberry fields and the famous crosswalk of Abbey Road. Since 1994, these Canadians have been wowing audiences throughout North America with their spot-on impersonations of John, Paul, George and Ringo through the ages.

See videos, read bios and learn more at Caverners.com.

Break On Through the Purple Haze

Joplin Meets Hendrix and Morrison

Jimi, Janis and the Lizard King may be gone, but these iconic ’60s personalities live on during the second night of our weekend musical extravaganza. The music of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Doors comes to life with a three-part set covering all their groovy classics. Hear “Piece of My Heart,” “Foxy Lady” and “Light My Fire,” among many other rose-tinted favorites.

This act is a collaboration between three talented individuals who have dedicated themselves to capturing the sounds and nuances of their idols. Robin Benedict plays bell-bottomed song beltress Janis; Toney (Wild T) Springer ignites the Hendrix guitar pyrotechnics; and David Enman captures the tortured soul of enigmatic Jim Morrison. Each performs a set of their biggest hits with a pro troop of backing musicians who know these iconic songs backward and forward. Don’t miss this incredible musical experience that promises to be a night to tie-dye for.

See samples of all three performers in their promotional video.

Love Us Two Times

Don’t miss this chance to see all your favorite Spotify playlists come to life for two nights on The Island stage. Get tickets for The Caverners, and Joplin Meets Hendrix & Morrison today. And consider booking a hotel room to make your weekend complete. There’s no shortage of things to see and do between musical performances!

Show Details

Date: January 5th and 6th, 2024

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Island Showroom

Ticket Price: $20

Purchase tickets by phone at 1-877-ISL-SHOW or buy them online.