Discussion
was I watching a different match against Scotland?
12 Owen Farrell (capt) A typical centre’s performance, allowing Smith to lead from fly-half. Fiercely physical in defence, levelling Russell twice. 8
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/04/engl...
12 Owen Farrell (capt) A typical centre’s performance, allowing Smith to lead from fly-half. Fiercely physical in defence, levelling Russell twice. 8
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/04/engl...
DodgyGeezer said:
was I watching a different match against Scotland?
12 Owen Farrell (capt) A typical centre’s performance, allowing Smith to lead from fly-half. Fiercely physical in defence, levelling Russell twice. 8
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/04/engl...
There did appear to be consistent "late" tackling of Russell. Initially it was his own fault for hanging on to the ball a step or stride to many. But it continued throughout the game regardless. Unsurprisingly it looked like he'd been marked for this, but it's too common these days for my liking.12 Owen Farrell (capt) A typical centre’s performance, allowing Smith to lead from fly-half. Fiercely physical in defence, levelling Russell twice. 8
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/04/engl...
DodgyGeezer said:
was I watching a different match against Scotland?
12 Owen Farrell (capt) A typical centre’s performance, allowing Smith to lead from fly-half. Fiercely physical in defence, levelling Russell twice. 8
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/04/engl...
Farrell flying out of the line for a late hit on Russell left the space for Huw Jones to sprint through in the build up to the first try.12 Owen Farrell (capt) A typical centre’s performance, allowing Smith to lead from fly-half. Fiercely physical in defence, levelling Russell twice. 8
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/04/engl...
Thought both Eng v Sco and It v Fra were great entertainment. Looked like they all were playing 7’s for a lot of both the games
France were pushed but still came out with a bp win
Italy will take heart from the game today but probably won’t come as close to a win again in this 6N (famous last words)
I hope England continue with the way they played on Saturday- but with a tiny little bit more structure. However they need to sort out a decent 10,12,13 combination - buy ghen that’s been an issue for a few years now
Will there be a change if Kelly and or Slade is ok for next week ??? If so who misses out ???
France were pushed but still came out with a bp win
Italy will take heart from the game today but probably won’t come as close to a win again in this 6N (famous last words)
I hope England continue with the way they played on Saturday- but with a tiny little bit more structure. However they need to sort out a decent 10,12,13 combination - buy ghen that’s been an issue for a few years now
Will there be a change if Kelly and or Slade is ok for next week ??? If so who misses out ???
Rockettvr said:
Thought both Eng v Sco and It v Fra were great entertainment. Looked like they all were playing 7’s for a lot of both the games
France were pushed but still came out with a bp win
Italy will take heart from the game today but probably won’t come as close to a win again in this 6N (famous last words)
I hope England continue with the way they played on Saturday- but with a tiny little bit more structure. However they need to sort out a decent 10,12,13 combination - buy ghen that’s been an issue for a few years now
Will there be a change if Kelly and or Slade is ok for next week ??? If so who misses out ???
I could definitely see Italy beating Wales again, and I'm not sure either England or Scotland should be feeling too comfortable either.France were pushed but still came out with a bp win
Italy will take heart from the game today but probably won’t come as close to a win again in this 6N (famous last words)
I hope England continue with the way they played on Saturday- but with a tiny little bit more structure. However they need to sort out a decent 10,12,13 combination - buy ghen that’s been an issue for a few years now
Will there be a change if Kelly and or Slade is ok for next week ??? If so who misses out ???
As for the 10/12/13 combo, I'm a Quins fan but I've thought Marchant somewhat unable to live up to the hype (especially in an England shirt) since he came back from his time in New Zealand.
I'd probably start Smith, Kelly and Slade with Farrell on the bench.
Borthwick saying that when they looked at the data the team he inherited from Jones wasn’t good at anything. Tbh I don’t think you needed to look at the data to have determined that, but it’s pretty damning.
England were definitely better in that game against a team that usually manage to stifle us, so it’s one tiny step in the right direction. Some of the best individual performances came from Jones rejects. Would be nice to see Itoje impose himself on the game more. He has a good work rate but it’s become largely anonymous.
And please, Steve, drop Youngs from the squad. He slowed the game down, was late to the breakdown, fluffed every single box kick and chip through, and squandered every attacking opportunity while he was on the field.
England were definitely better in that game against a team that usually manage to stifle us, so it’s one tiny step in the right direction. Some of the best individual performances came from Jones rejects. Would be nice to see Itoje impose himself on the game more. He has a good work rate but it’s become largely anonymous.
And please, Steve, drop Youngs from the squad. He slowed the game down, was late to the breakdown, fluffed every single box kick and chip through, and squandered every attacking opportunity while he was on the field.
Kermit power said:
I was hoping Borthwick would use the Italy game as an opportunity to deliberately give the young guns a shot across the back row and back line, but I can't see that happening after yesterday's display!
It's an interesting dilemma and Wales are in a similar-ish position - It's now 7 games to go to the world cup - do you stick or twist?I personally think both should twist.
If you stick with the old guard (and specifically for England, the 10/12 as the status quo) - then where does that get you to - To 6 games left for the world cup.
I think both sides now need to look at this in terms of games remaining and now has to be the time to make the changes needed if they are going to bed any changes in. The only reason not to twist isif you truly believe that this is the team that starts at the RWC.
LivingTheDream said:
Madness60 said:
LivingTheDream said:
Good job on the fantasy league folks 
Worst I'm on top of the league boast............ever! 
It’ll be the only week - don’t worry. Downhill from here on in
DodgyGeezer said:
LivingTheDream said:
Madness60 said:
LivingTheDream said:
Good job on the fantasy league folks
Worst I'm on top of the league boast............ever! It’ll be the only week - don’t worry. Downhill from here on in
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