The Rugby Thread

[Paddingtonwolf]

He looks very good tonight. Can't wait to see him up against the Welsh back row.

 

[Tredman]

England centres Joseph and Daly - fucking brilliant.

 

[jd1981]

That's as good a tackle by jack Knowle as you'll see

 

[Tredman]

This is pathetic refereeing. How on earth could care get out of the way there.

Need Southern Hemisphere refs for 6 nations.

 

[jd1981]

That looked a try but no clear evidence the ball was grounded, I think the result is going to be just about right here.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I think 21-10 was pretty much the right result.

 

[BillyDee]

I would like to retract my earlier statement that England could finish fifth...

 

[Tredman]

England much the better team over that game. Bodes well for the future.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

England v Wales is pretty much the decider now.

 

[jd1981]

Can't see more than 5 point swing in that one. Can't see a classic tho game of attrition looks likely.

 

[Paul]

England v Wales is pretty much the decider now.

Is our bet still on ??

 

[Dinowolf]

I would like to retract my earlier statement that England could finish fifth...

Too late now

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Have to agree 21-10 was about right, never thought we could win even when we went ahead in the second half, England just stronger especially with Billy V in immense form and Ijote looks as if he will be around for a long time.

Despite that still can take a few positives from it, the 3 debutants did well, didnt look out of place internationally, defence was immense for most of the game and when I thought we would get shredded in the last 20 after England's two tires they came back well so bodes well for the future.

Hard to call the England/Wales decider

 

[Jabbawolf]

If England get their execution right, I think they will comfortably beat Wales - if they give away penalties and make as many errors going forward as yesterday, Wales will prevail.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Flip of a coin stuff.

Really looking forward to seeing the two back rows face up to each other. Felatau v Vunipola is going to be immense.

5 point game either way.

 

[ROVERT47]

Watched a bit of the England game last, still can't get my head round what the referee is giving penalties for.

 

[Tredman]

Have to agree 21-10 was about right, never thought we could win even when we went ahead in the second half, England just stronger especially with Billy V in immense form and Ijote looks as if he will be around for a long time.

Despite that still can take a few positives from it, the 3 debutants did well, didnt look out of place internationally, defence was immense for most of the game and when I thought we would get shredded in the last 20 after England's two tires they came back well so bodes well for the future.

Hard to call the England/Wales decider

I thought the debutant centre for Ireland (can't remember his name!) looked very good, especially in attack. Needs to work on his defence though.

 

[Jabbawolf]

Flip of a coin stuff.

Really looking forward to seeing the two back rows face up to each other. Felatau v Vunipola is going to be immense.

5 point game either way.

Be interesting to see which team gets closest to their potential - Wales seem to be a team stifled by their game plan - England are trying to transition to a slicker, faster game, but still early days.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Wales play Gatland-ball, which is very much a one-dimensional affair, but do have some fantastic backs which get released on occasion and can be devastating.

The big difference for Wales under Gatland is the number of close games they win, rather than heroic defeats that were de rigeur previously. Yes, there have still been close games lost, but those have been against the Southern Hemisphere giants. In the Northern Hemisphere, if it is close Wales tend to win more than they lose. A very resilient side.

What will be interesting is the match-up in the centres. Jamie Roberts vs Owen Farrell looks an uneven contest. However, I HUGELY rate Jonathan Joseph. If England can get Nowell into the game then they have an excellent chance.

The English pack are about to get their toughest test of the six nations for me. The breakdown is going to be crucial, and Wales are very strong in that area. However, I think the English scrum is probably stronger, and I really like the English locks, so if Hartley can get the line-out working correctly then England will have an excellent chance to get forward rumbles going.

The penalty count for both sides is going to be a key stat. England absolutely CANNOT afford to spend half of the second half down to 14 men against Wales. They would be running the risk of being cut to ribbons.

 

[BillyDee]

Absolutely think England's discipline will be key. It has been infuriating watching them for too long because of it, and I questioned the appointment of Hartley as captain for that reason. Although I thought Card's yellow was harsh, we can't be giving away free points, or be playing with 14. Tense times...