6 Nations 2015
Discussion
We were out most of Saturday so I had to watch the Wales / Ireland game on iPlayer on the laptop while the missus slept...blimey I got an ear-bashing when I let rip at Wales getting the penalty after 50 or so phases of Irish attack!
Game of the tournament by far and what an exciting final weekend to come.
O/T by some twist of fate I ended up spending yesterday afternoon with Ben Foden and his lovely wife. Really nice, down to earth people. Foden was hobbling about a bit but told me he hopes to be back in contention for the RWC. Such a good player, and what England could do with having him pushing Mike Brown for the FB slot.
Game of the tournament by far and what an exciting final weekend to come.
O/T by some twist of fate I ended up spending yesterday afternoon with Ben Foden and his lovely wife. Really nice, down to earth people. Foden was hobbling about a bit but told me he hopes to be back in contention for the RWC. Such a good player, and what England could do with having him pushing Mike Brown for the FB slot.
Interesting weekend.
Of the teams left in with a shot of winning (minus France) IMO the team who deserve to win is still Ireland. They've been the most consistent while at times Wales and England have been woeful. I'd love England to win it but reckon it would just paper over quite a few obvious cracks. I can see the French turning up next weekend too, they normally put in at least one half decent performance per tournament. To win we'd have to bully them up front and I just don't see it along with the management lack of a plan B. I'm maybe just in a pessimistic mood today.
Some observations on England:
George Ford-there shouldn't be any room to even consider bring Fazlet back in. For what he looses to Farrell in defense is more than made up for in the rest of his skill set.
Dylan Hartely wants dropped, he's started for his lineout capability and if that isn't 100% he's not bringing a lot else to the party this tournament, Youngs popped up quite a few times during his appearance on Saturday. I'd start him against France.
Burrell was OK on Saturday, we're still short a 12. I'd give Eastmond a go with his team mates, we'd be short a carrier in midfield so would need to look at bring in a carrying 6 or possibly change up the wings to offer some carrying.
Attwood hasn't really pressed his case to challenge for a starting place at lock if/when Lawes and Launchbury are fit. Parling looked very good on Saturday and looks far more dynamic. I do wonder though if an inform Attwood is a better impact sub and needed for some extra grunt when required.
Thought Nowell was pretty decent, sharp, looks for work. All round a much more solid prospect than May.
Decision making was appalling across the pitch at times.
Of the teams left in with a shot of winning (minus France) IMO the team who deserve to win is still Ireland. They've been the most consistent while at times Wales and England have been woeful. I'd love England to win it but reckon it would just paper over quite a few obvious cracks. I can see the French turning up next weekend too, they normally put in at least one half decent performance per tournament. To win we'd have to bully them up front and I just don't see it along with the management lack of a plan B. I'm maybe just in a pessimistic mood today.
Some observations on England:
George Ford-there shouldn't be any room to even consider bring Fazlet back in. For what he looses to Farrell in defense is more than made up for in the rest of his skill set.
Dylan Hartely wants dropped, he's started for his lineout capability and if that isn't 100% he's not bringing a lot else to the party this tournament, Youngs popped up quite a few times during his appearance on Saturday. I'd start him against France.
Burrell was OK on Saturday, we're still short a 12. I'd give Eastmond a go with his team mates, we'd be short a carrier in midfield so would need to look at bring in a carrying 6 or possibly change up the wings to offer some carrying.
Attwood hasn't really pressed his case to challenge for a starting place at lock if/when Lawes and Launchbury are fit. Parling looked very good on Saturday and looks far more dynamic. I do wonder though if an inform Attwood is a better impact sub and needed for some extra grunt when required.
Thought Nowell was pretty decent, sharp, looks for work. All round a much more solid prospect than May.
Decision making was appalling across the pitch at times.
hornetrider said:
Jones told Talksport: "It's pretty shut. I've shut it, but I guess it's up to other people to open it." He shut it surely he should open it again, that is if his hurt feelings at being dropped don't get in the way of helping his country.
Steve Walsh retires, shame. Always thought he was a decent ref and good value.
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/20/rugby...
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/20/rugby...
hornetrider said:
Steve Walsh retires, shame. Always thought he was a decent ref and good value.
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/20/rugby...
Really? I always thought he was the biggest attention whttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/20/rugby...
e in the game! I could picture Ashton doing his tttish Swan dive cockery with Walsh jumping up and down in the background screaming "Don't look at him... Look at MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff