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England facing backlash after announcing non-fan friendly kick-off time for autumn Argentina clash
By Online Editors
England are facing a backlash from fans after announcing their autumn clash against Argentina will begin at 8pm.
The second of the four Quilter Internationals on November 14 has been allotted a controversial evening time slot despite the problems it creates for supporters attempting to get home from Twickenham.
The series-headlining clash with New Zealand a week earlier will also start at a later time of 5.30pm, with only the two remaining games against Tonga and Australia given the mid-afternoon kick-offs that are customary for November Tests.
The Argentina match will be the first time Twickenham has hosted an 8pm start since the 2015 World Cup and strong opposition to the Rugby Football Union’s decision has been voiced by England fans online.
Apart from deterring supporters from outside the south east from making the journey, it is also problematic for those closer to London due to traffic congestion and the numbers passing through a chaotic Twickenham station on over-crowded trains.
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The RFU declined to explain the timings when approached but the governing body has a transport plan in place that will include shuttles to Richmond and Hounslow where there are additional train and tube links.
Twickenham continues to stage concerts in the evening but these have a maximum capacity of 55,000 – 27,000 below the limit for an England international.
The completed line-up of opponents was announced on Thursday with the visit of Tonga on November 21 finalising the schedule.
England beat Tonga 39-10 at last year’s World Cup and the fourth meeting between the rivals will also be their first held outside of the global showpiece. The Pacific Islanders are ranked 13th in the world.
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That is a matter of players style of play. Will Jordan's strength is his running . He has been absolutely deadly for the the Crusaders in that position. Especially in years 2021-23. Foster subsequently then Razor put him on the wing. Scored heaps of tries, but as he showed in one test against Australia this year , he scored a try running from the back, that was amazing. That was after Robertson finally put him at 15 because Beauden was injured. Thankfully there Will remained. Speaking of Beauden and kicking. He kicks too much, waywardly as well. Handing the ball back to the opposition. He is an impact player at best.
Go to commentsYet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
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