IT’S TIME TO GO NATIVE
ENGLAND take on Australia today – almost 15 years to the day since their greatest triumph. November 22, 2003 saw that World Cup Final victory over the Aussies in Sydney – a 20-17 nail-biter decided by Jonny Wilkinson’s famous drop-goal. But England 2018 are in a different place with Eddie Jones’ men looking to put a poor performance against Japan behind them.
The Wallabies have suffered too with injuries and defeats against Ireland, New Zealand and Wales before a much-needed 26-7 victory over Italy last weekend.
They will be desperate to stop the run of five successive defeats to an England side who narrowly missed out on victory over the All Blacks a fortnight ago.
Jones will be selecting a stronger side than the one that laboured to a 35-15 win over changes against the USA from the Japan seven days ago with Manu side who claimed an historic win Tuilagi set to make an England over New Zealand last Saturday. reappearance in just his second Only centre Garry Ringrose game in the last four years. maintains his place in a team
Australia make five PEARSON’S that are 1-100 to win and changes from their are asked to cover a Italy triumph but are 37-point start for 12-5 outsiders to gain handicap backers. the victory with Scotland have been England warm 1-3 well supported into favourites. 1-3 and seven-point
The handicap is set at favourites over Argentina eight points. to bounce back from their
Ireland will make fourteen 26-20 defeat to South Africa,
GOLD CUP winner Native River is a tasty 11-4 to take a chunk out of the bookies’ satchels in today’s Betfair Chase at Haydock (3.00).
Colin Tizzard and his team are in great form and if they go well, this dour stayer will be hard to beat.
Native River beat Might Bite to take the Gold Cup in March on soft ground but Nicky Henderson’s charge is into 10-11 from even money with Unibet to avenge that loss as support continues for last year’s 32Red King George winner.
His trainer is extremely confident of a bold show from the nine-year-old under the returning Nico de Boinville.
Thistlecrack has been hard to train but will not mind the ground and if this talented performer has retained half the ability that saw him beat Cue Card in the 2016 King George he cannot be ignored at 9-1.
Clan Des Obeaux, the outsider at 11-1, will be primed and this course winner adds further intrigue to a compelling clash of the best staying chasers.
Ian Williams is in form and the Worcestershire handler relies on First Assignment to do the business in the Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle (2.25).
A 5lb penalty may not be enough to stop this improving five-year-old and punters have been lumping on at 6-4. That said, trainers Richard Johnson and Gordon Elliott boast a 50 per cent strike rate this season (29-58) and team up with 7-1 shot Folsom Blue who is the trainer’s only runner of the day at the meeting.
In the Graduation Chase at 1.15, River Wylde is the most popular with Unibet.
Politologue is the main attraction in the Christy 1965 Chase at Ascot (2.05).
Paul Nicholls’ charge is 16-1 to claim the King George and 11-8 to win today’s race. Those odds will shrink if successful here.
Kim Bailey’s Charbel looks the danger after a win at Chepstow. who will be in Cardiff attempting to lower Welsh colours.
Wales claimed the scalp of Australia 9-6 last Saturday and have been the subject of support in this one, backed into 5-6 with the Springboks 21-20 and a one-point handicap in favour of the visitors.