I agree AA
Saw an interesting stat during the scotland 10 debates. at 27 russell has 50 caps, at 27 Sextons was really just making the starting spot his own
Dunno how true that is but we certainly end up capping players much younger than other countries - certainly recently. Ickle Jonny, both Fagersons, Russell, G Horne, all capped as teenagers
The problem for Scotland is that if you aren't on a pro contract by the time you're 19 then you aren't going anywhere. Until the Super 6 came along (and we've yet to see how that works out) there was almost no way to make the step from club game to pro.
I think that's why we end up playing so many youngsters.
That gets them into the clubs - I think for the national side its more that this is a good crop of players and if you are good enough you are old enough.
I think English coaches have traditionally been more conservative age wise when it comes to caps.
I think having a large player base fuels this too. It seems hard for our U20’s for example to break into the main room team.
In another note, Wasps are actually winning a game, humping Salarycens.
Edinburgh with another comprehensive win. What is going on? 41:14 on a dreich night
2 penalty tries and ends up 13 v 12 players!
Another good game for Tigers tonight!! 🙄😭
Predictions for this weekend?
Ireland, France, Italy all to win. Note my usual record!
I don’t understand the different roles and skills required at 6, 7 and 8.
6 and 7 generally have the job of being the first defensive positions up to make a tackle following a set piece, and also being first at a breakdown to try to win turnover ball from the tackle. The openside (6) binds on the side of the scrum with the largest area of the field, and tends to be quicker, while the blindside is often bigger and bulkier.
8 has the job of controlling the ball at the base of the scrum and linking with the 9. They are typically big ball carriers so they can pick the ball from the scrum and make a break.
Hopefully that is mostly correct...
Predictions for this weekend?
Ireland, France, Italy all to win. Note my usual record!
I think Scotland will win and will Wales (France have looked good at home but don’t travel well) and Ireland. I want Ireland to do a number on us just to bring some changes in mentality.
Tough calls this week, I'll go with 3 home wins.
Way hey. Here we go. I’ll be happy whoever wins this first match, just hope we get some fast, open play, without loads of errors.
Surely Scotland will be a tad more relaxed and won’t suffer ‘white line fever’.
Scotland looking poor in general, but what a try from Hogg!
The first 20+ minutes was a bit ‘headless chickens’ from both sides. But Scotland are settling down. It’s Hogg’s kicking that impresses me.
Surely Scotland will be a tad more relaxed and won’t suffer ‘white line fever’.
Quite the opposite. Looked absolutely desperate and trying too hard but Hoggs try settled them a bit
Could captaincy be the making of Hogg? Turn him from a decent international to real world class?
Could captaincy be the making of Hogg? Turn him from a decent international to real world class?
Gatland made him a Lion, what more needs to be said.
This is worse than watching paint dry!
This is worse than watching paint dry!
Indeed, it’s got steadily worse and worse. Game over now though.
Mind you, I wouldn’t be surprised now that Italy are down to 14 men, for Scotland to score a couple more tries. Then for years to come we’d hear about their 20+:0 win away to Italy 😂
Hastings poorest display of this year's 6 nations. We need to improve all round and rapidly or France could beat us by a barrow load
To paraphrase TJ.
“Scotland really are a steaming pile of mince”
At 48 minutes Scotland had turned Italy over 12 times and had only managed to score twice.
I gave up and went to wash the windows. Just turned up to see the third try. Things really haven’t improved.
Things really haven’t improved.
What do you think Townsend will say?
Let’s hope the next game is better than that!
Townsend will talk up italy to make it sound like a great win. Will talk about endeavour and fighting to the end.
Gaaaaa - its so frustrating 4 of our best players were uninjured and did not start. Russell, G Horne, Big Ritchie, Jones
#With all that possession we should have walloped them Ended up flattered by the score.
Only positives seeing Watson and Ritchie working so well in tandem.
McGeechan always comes across as a thoroughly nice bloke.
Poor George, he was looking lively. Hope he’s okay.
That could be him done, sad to see.
Wales shite so far!
Wales shite so far!
Really? I thought they’d been good at some things, just France more so.
Gulp, a let off there for Wales. France kinda deserved the try anyway it was so good. France are flying now!
North's taken an awful lot of head knocks hasn't he? I fear for his future TBH.
Cracking game for a neutral this one 😁
Yup - exciting game
Wales have just been Wales but unable to cope with the ferocity at the breakdown and the blitz
Poor not to use the overlap at the 5 m scrum tho - miscommunication?
France were savage at first, I thought that the key test of Wales will be how they respond tactically instead of just trying the same thing and losing all the time.
That was pretty invigorating.
Yeah this is awesome although as an Englander Im wanting Wales to win. Who knew France would be this good this year. Going to be a great 2nd Half.
Damn that was monumental at the end of the half. 7 points let go and a yellow card run down : (
I wish I was neutral.
🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
It's like a the rugby equivalent of bipolar, totally unstable!
Talk about unruffled.
Is it me or is Jonathan Davies the most biased commentator in sport, everything Wales does is brilliant but when an opposing team scores its lucky!
Is it me or is Jonathan Davies the most biased commentator in sport, everything Wales does is brilliant but when an opposing team scores its lucky!
The Radio commentary isn’t much better.
Sounds like a good game so far.
Can’t help feeling Wales have two minutes to score.
Arghh : (
Jiffy is getting really bitter this half. Its lovely to hear.
It’s normally a Wales tactic, but France have been offside all afternoon. I’m surprised they have only had two yellow cards.
France have been ferocious in the tackle though.
Cracker of a game. Good win for France. Ntamack the best player on the pitch by miles
I loathe the playing for penalties and yellow cards in the scrums. Nice to see France get the decision in the end.
Aux armes, citoyens,
Formez vos bataillons
Well that was tense, Wales still playing shite mind.
