Discussion
Clive Woodward. Class act - must be so disappointed but telling it straight and giving credit where credit is due.
Sadly I think it'll be a Southern Hemisphere team winning the WC this time around. I think it's a toss up between Aussies and the Boks.
Tournament will be much the poorer for England not being there. Ultimately just not good enough, as Woodward said, the last 20 minutes of the games against Wales and Australia they were just not good enough. Too many substitutions? Not fit enough? Couldn't handle the pressure? Who knows?
As for the other northern hemisphere hopefuls.
Wales - if at full strength would have had a fighting chance of at least making the semis. As it stands I think the injury list will take its toll in the quarters.
Ireland - probably in with the best shout based on what I've seen. Probable semi finalists and from there it's anyone's guess.
Scotland - Will make the quarter finals, which is probably as well as could be expected post the 6Nations.
Sadly I think it'll be a Southern Hemisphere team winning the WC this time around. I think it's a toss up between Aussies and the Boks.
Tournament will be much the poorer for England not being there. Ultimately just not good enough, as Woodward said, the last 20 minutes of the games against Wales and Australia they were just not good enough. Too many substitutions? Not fit enough? Couldn't handle the pressure? Who knows?
As for the other northern hemisphere hopefuls.
Wales - if at full strength would have had a fighting chance of at least making the semis. As it stands I think the injury list will take its toll in the quarters.
Ireland - probably in with the best shout based on what I've seen. Probable semi finalists and from there it's anyone's guess.
Scotland - Will make the quarter finals, which is probably as well as could be expected post the 6Nations.
towser said:
Clive Woodward. Class act - must be so disappointed but telling it straight and giving credit where credit is due.
Sadly I think it'll be a Southern Hemisphere team winning the WC this time around. I think it's a toss up between Aussies and the Boks.
Tournament will be much the poorer for England not being there. Ultimately just not good enough, as Woodward said, the last 20 minutes of the games against Wales and Australia they were just not good enough. Too many substitutions? Not fit enough? Couldn't handle the pressure? Who knows?
As for the other northern hemisphere hopefuls.
Wales - if at full strength would have had a fighting chance of at least making the semis. As it stands I think the injury list will take its toll in the quarters.
Ireland - probably in with the best shout based on what I've seen. Probable semi finalists and from there it's anyone's guess.
Scotland - Will make the quarter finals, which is probably as well as could be expected post the 6Nations.
It does though depend who we (wales) play in the quarter finals though to get to the semi, may get to the semis but that's as far as we can really make it. Ireland again depends who they play, france can be tricky they haven't really shown there true colours been very annoumous I think so far.Sadly I think it'll be a Southern Hemisphere team winning the WC this time around. I think it's a toss up between Aussies and the Boks.
Tournament will be much the poorer for England not being there. Ultimately just not good enough, as Woodward said, the last 20 minutes of the games against Wales and Australia they were just not good enough. Too many substitutions? Not fit enough? Couldn't handle the pressure? Who knows?
As for the other northern hemisphere hopefuls.
Wales - if at full strength would have had a fighting chance of at least making the semis. As it stands I think the injury list will take its toll in the quarters.
Ireland - probably in with the best shout based on what I've seen. Probable semi finalists and from there it's anyone's guess.
Scotland - Will make the quarter finals, which is probably as well as could be expected post the 6Nations.
johnfm said:
MG CHRIS said:
johnfm said:
Slight over reaction I think - had Farrell kicked the 3 pointer last week Eng would still be in it.
But that's the whole point they don't think as a team instead of thinking go for a possible draw playing the long game they think they are that good to score a try they haven't looked like doing in the previous 30 mins.We had a similar problem that individual players trying to make a name for themselves instead of playing the team game maybe the English need to start doing the same.
Many teams would have considered going for a try there. It is likely that a couple of the Eng guys discussed the options before deciding to go for the try. The kick wasn't a gimme IIRC.
All ifs and buts, but I don't understand the clamour to bad mouth the team and manager (the same that had beaten Aus in their previous 2 matches I think). As fans and a team you just dust yourself off and do better next time - but kneejerk sackings aren't good for anybody.
dai1983 said:
desolate said:
ETA - got to fancy Aus for the whole thing now. they look strong all over the pitch.
Passing, catching and fitness looked suspect at some pointsrealistically they have just DICKED England at Twickenham. England aren't great, but they aren't appalling.
Whilst I naturally found tonight hilarious I must cheer up my silly English chums.
There's actually some hope for you in the future. Here's why:
1. Hartley and Tuilagi offer you loads and are definitely available for you.
2. The Armitage brothers (especially Steff) would improve you greatly but you need to somehow change the contract the RFU have with the clubs
3. A decent coach will improve you massively. One who doesn't play a loose game against the best 7 and one of the best 7s in world rugby.
4. A decent assistant coach will allow you to drop Farrell.
5. Slade is class and will improve you.
Cheers up stout saxon yeomen, all is not lost.
There's actually some hope for you in the future. Here's why:
1. Hartley and Tuilagi offer you loads and are definitely available for you.
2. The Armitage brothers (especially Steff) would improve you greatly but you need to somehow change the contract the RFU have with the clubs
3. A decent coach will improve you massively. One who doesn't play a loose game against the best 7 and one of the best 7s in world rugby.
4. A decent assistant coach will allow you to drop Farrell.
5. Slade is class and will improve you.
Cheers up stout saxon yeomen, all is not lost.
England don't need that much tinkering, just a coach who can instill some composure & discipline to their play. How often do they make great line breaks then rush into the next contact & get isolated? Plus they need to change their back row obviously.
As for Wales, we need to rest players in the last group game and go all out in the quarters. Hopefully we can make it 2 from 2 against the boks,although they were impressive today.
What a superb tournament so far
As for Wales, we need to rest players in the last group game and go all out in the quarters. Hopefully we can make it 2 from 2 against the boks,although they were impressive today.
What a superb tournament so far
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