The Rugby Thread

[E17yid]

There were 2 subs that really gave Wales the upper hand. Biggar made a huge difference (no idea why he didn't start), but also Courtney Lawes coming off. He had really led the team in terms of physicality and will be a big loss.

Lawes was impressive as usual. All the talk about Curry is justified. What a performance from him. Sinkler was even good until those 2 silly pens took the gloss off. George was solid enough as well. Our front row didn’t perform as I thought it would tbh. I think Evans has a very good game. He got under Sinklers skin a lot and got harshly penalised against in one scrum when he did well in the tight all game. Owens had another dodgy game tbh but grafted. Francis did alright.

Biggar was great when he came on and totally changed it, you’re right. I don’t want to dig Anscombe out as he did ok but I’m stil not convinced tbh.

England are still odds on to win the championship and you’d have to say that’s fair. Really fucked up not getting that bonus point against Italy. I do fancy us to beat Scotland (assuming they haven’t got everyone back ) but it’ll be a difficult match up at Murrayfield so a BP will be hard to get.

 

[Japhet]

Lawes was impressive as usual. All the talk about Curry is justified. What a performance from him. Sinkler was even good until those 2 silly pens took the gloss off. George was solid enough as well. Our front row didn’t perform as I thought it would tbh. I think Evans has a very good game. He got under Sinklers skin a lot and got harshly penalised against in one scrum when he did well in the tight all game. Owens had another dodgy game tbh but grafted. Francis did alright.

Biggar was great when he came on and totally changed it, you’re right. I don’t want to dig Anscombe out as he did ok but I’m stil not convinced tbh.

England are still odds on to win the championship and you’d have to say that’s fair. Really fucked up not getting that bonus point against Italy. I do fancy us to beat Scotland (assuming they haven’t got everyone back ) but it’ll be a difficult match up at Murrayfield so a BP will be hard to get.

Scotland could be tough for us. It's their Cup Final every time. In fact, I'd say England in the 6N is like Spurs being in a Cup competition where they have to play West Ham 5 times. On second thoughts, make that 4 times since Italy don't hate us enough.

 

[SugarRay]

Scotland could be tough for us. It's their Cup Final every time. In fact, I'd say England in the 6N is like Spurs being in a Cup competition where they have to play West Ham 5 times. On second thoughts, make that 4 times since Italy don't hate us enough.

Traditionally, it’s harsh to compare France to that level too. Remember, they’ve been in the same amount of World Cup finals as England have and deserved to win it in 2011

 

[E17yid]

Scotland could be tough for us. It's their Cup Final every time. In fact, I'd say England in the 6N is like Spurs being in a Cup competition where they have to play West Ham 5 times. On second thoughts, make that 4 times since Italy don't hate us enough.

You’re at home, though. You’ll be alright.

The WC is no different. All the SH teams want to beat England before anyone else. I’d take it as a compliment. They want to beat you most not just because it’s England bit because you’ve been a top3/4 side for years. Prior to Ireland’s dominance you were the best NH team so everyone wants to beat you.

England/Wales will always be massive but if you were at Italy’s level the players wouldn’t really get themselves up for it anymore than if they were playing someone else. The reality is you’ll always be a top side so everyone is going to want to beat you.

 

[stonecolddeanaustin]

Lawes was impressive as usual. All the talk about Curry is justified. What a performance from him. Sinkler was even good until those 2 silly pens took the gloss off. George was solid enough as well. Our front row didn’t perform as I thought it would tbh. I think Evans has a very good game. He got under Sinklers skin a lot and got harshly penalised against in one scrum when he did well in the tight all game. Owens had another dodgy game tbh but grafted. Francis did alright.

Biggar was great when he came on and totally changed it, you’re right. I don’t want to dig Anscombe out as he did ok but I’m stil not convinced tbh.

England are still odds on to win the championship and you’d have to say that’s fair. Really fucked up not getting that bonus point against Italy. I do fancy us to beat Scotland (assuming they haven’t got everyone back ) but it’ll be a difficult match up at Murrayfield so a BP will be hard to get.

Don't see bonus points coming into it for us now. Its grand slam or bust, unless it's finishing above Ireland that you're worried about.

 

[SugarRay]

You’re at home, though. You’ll be alright.

The WC is no different. All the SH teams want to beat England before anyone else. I’d take it as a compliment. They want to beat you most not just because it’s England bit because you’ve been a top3/4 side for years. Prior to Ireland’s dominance you were the best NH team so everyone wants to beat you.

England/Wales will always be massive but if you were at Italy’s level the players wouldn’t really get themselves up for it anymore than if they were playing someone else. The reality is you’ll always be a top side so everyone is going to want to beat you.

I’m not so sure. Saffas and All Blacks have a big rivalry. The all black dominance in recent years has led to it being a bit one sided but not so long ago I believe South Africa had a winning record over the All Blacks. I’d say they see each other as a bigger game.

 

[Arnoldtoo]

You’re at home, though. You’ll be alright.

The WC is no different. All the SH teams want to beat England before anyone else. I’d take it as a compliment. They want to beat you most not just because it’s England bit because you’ve been a top3/4 side for years. Prior to Ireland’s dominance you were the best NH team so everyone wants to beat you.

England/Wales will always be massive but if you were at Italy’s level the players wouldn’t really get themselves up for it anymore than if they were playing someone else. The reality is you’ll always be a top side so everyone is going to want to beat you.

Hmm.

I think teams want to beat England first and foremost because they're England.

 

[E17yid]

I’m not so sure. Saffas and All Blacks have a big rivalry. The all black dominance in recent years has led to it being a bit one sided but not so long ago I believe South Africa had a winning record over the All Blacks. I’d say they see each other as a bigger game.

I’d say the Ozzie/NZ one is bigger but most of the SH matches have some bite to them.

I guess they’re no different to us in the NH. The closer you are Geographically the bigger the rivalry

 

[E17yid]

Hmm.

I think teams want to beat England first and foremost because they're England.

Fans yes. Players not so much.

You think the Welsh players would revel in beating England as much if you were a second rate team? The fans would, for sure.

 

[E17yid]

Don't see bonus points coming into it for us now. Its grand slam or bust, unless it's finishing above Ireland that you're worried about.

Yeah the GS is what we all want just thinking if we lose that final game against Ireland we could finish as low as 3rd and that’s assuming we beat Scotland away.

You’ve got to assume England are getting 10 points from their final 2 games. At this point though we just got to get through Scotland and go from there.

 

[Arnoldtoo]

Fans yes. Players not so much.

You think the Welsh players would revel in beating England as much if you were a second rate team? The fans would, for sure.

Fair comment. I think the players know each other well enough as individuals to override what might otherwise be something of a critical generalisation.

 

[werty]

We were poor again today. We look great off the first few phases of possession, but seem to lose our attacking shape quickly after. Happened at the end of O'Sulivan's reign too. I think we're playing too flat too. Fortunately we have plenty of time to fix it for the World Cup and it's not our full squad that's doing it.

 

[teok]

 

[teok]

Rumours of shaun edwards going back to wasps not league. I still reckon gatland is england's number 1 target by a long way and it would make sense for him to take all his coaches along with him.

 

[mattdefoe]

I have been in australia for 12 years now and rugby union really isn't that big at all. I remember when i lived in england and i always thought about australia and rugby union but its rugby league and aussie rules here.

I just thought i would add a pointless comment into this thread.

 

[E17yid]

I have been in australia for 12 years now and rugby union really isn't that big at all. I remember when i lived in england and i always thought about australia and rugby union but its rugby league and aussie rules here.

I just thought i would add a pointless comment into this thread.

Yeah, union is behind League, Cricket and, of course, Ozzie rules, over there. Still, they ain’t to shabby considering it’s their 4th sport.

 

[E17yid]

Rumours of shaun edwards going back to wasps not league. I still reckon gatland is england's number 1 target by a long way and it would make sense for him to take all his coaches along with him.

I dislike this post.

 

[teok]

I dislike this post.

You are getting in pivac though aren't you? I'd be happy with that.

 

[E17yid]

You are getting in pivac though aren't you? I'd be happy with that.

Big shoes to fill, though.

 

[mattdefoe]

Yeah, union is behind League, Cricket and, of course, Ozzie rules, over there. Still, they ain’t to shabby considering it’s their 4th sport.

To be fair mate football is above rugby union now in terms of sport popularity and crowd numbers