The Rugby Thread

[Paddingtonwolf]

But with Jerry the model it worked perfectly at Bath.

 

[Banjo]

It's a lot of injuries but with the players England have at their disposal, they'll still have a strong starting 15 for next Friday's game.

As for Wales, this is about as good as it gets in terms of availability of players - all of our squad is available, save for a doubt over the fitness of Samson Lee, the tighthead prop. Really need him to be fit to play- he's a rock in the scrum. As ever, whichever team wins this is likely to have a really good tournament. Not that it'll have much bearing on the world cup group though in my view - games at Twickenham are very different to games at Cardiff and Wales have only beaten England at Twickenham twice in the professional era (albeit both being in the last four visits).

Can't wait for the 6N now. Definitely my favourite sporting event each year.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

England team to face Wales:

Mike Brown (Harlequins); Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby); George Ford (Bath Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers); Joe Marler (Harlequins), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), George Kruis (Saracens), James Haskell (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), Billy Vunipola (Saracens)

Replacements: Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), Nick Easter (Harlequins), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)

 

[Tredman]

I like that team, not too sure about Watson, but other than that looks good

Surprised there's no place for corbisiero, is he injured again?

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Think he is out injured. Considering the injuries that isn't a bad England side at all. Expecting a decent match on Friday night.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Beginning to get rather excited about tonight's clash. For so many years I dreaded the inevitable mauling from England but now the teams seem well - matched so you have anticipation of a potential classic every time they meet. I will nail my colours to the mast and predict a Welsh win, which should surprise none of you. However, I think it will be tight. 4-6 points in it.

 

[visage]

Im throbbing with excitement.

 

[visage]

I agree that the Welsh are favourites. A third of the English team making their debut at the Millenium Stadium in the opening game on a Friday night? None of them will have experienced anything even close, and its going to need balls of steel to take inspiration from it rather than be intimidated.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Going to dig out my seventies retro grand slam shirt to wear for the match. Almost the same as being there really...

 

[PPB]

Im throbbing with excitement.

:yikes:

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Vis REALLY likes rugby

 

[visage]

Im sat here in a puddle of my own filth.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Two years ago Wales gave England a good hiding at the Millennium stadium. England need to put that right tonight.

 

[PPB]

Im sat here in a puddle of my own filth.

I hate rugby but was worth coming on here if only to read that..

Now back to General Chatter for me.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Two years ago Wales gave England a good hiding at the Millennium stadium. England need to put that right tonight.

Good luck with that. It won't be a twenty-seven point margin either way.

 

[Parkins left foot]

Depends how well the less experienced English players cope - playing Wales in Wales is an intimidating prospect.

Don't like saying it but can see a Wales win, but not by much

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

According to the bookies Wales seem to be about 4 point favourites. I think that is probably correct. Neither side should demolish the other tonight. I am expecting an epic game and the atmosphere at night in the Millennium should be brilliant.

 

[Parkins left foot]

According to the bookies Wales seem to be about 4 point favourites. I think that is probably correct. Neither side should demolish the other tonight. I am expecting an epic game and the atmosphere at night in the Millennium should be brilliant.

Sounds about right. May come down to who gives away the fewest penalties & whose kicking is more accurate.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I assume George Ford will have kicking duties for England. He is pretty reliable. Leigh Halfpenny is a brilliant kicker though, and Dan Biggar is pretty much ultra-reliable as well.

When kicks are there I expect both sides to take the points a lot more than they miss them.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Is the roof open tonight? I know that Stuart Lancaster said he wanted it open.