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He was 4 weeks
Yeah I meant forever. Like the dude the broke that guys arm, he should have been banned forever too, was it Callum Clarke?
Fake tough guys everywhere nowadays.....nothing is really going to happen is it if we're honest. You or I could square up to anyone in an international match and the reaction would be the same.
Whether it's Sinckler's official or unofficial role to be a wind up merchant, he certainly revels in it. One of my mates was at Epsom college with him and he was an absolute cock 24/7 apparently!
Round three predictions:
Ireland Italy..... Ireland by 30+
France Scotland.....could go either way, I'm saying injuries will play against Scotland and France to nick it by 5
Wales England.....I daren't! On paper England slight favourites, in reality, it's Wales' RWC final everytime they play England so it really is too close to call 😎
Now on Clark we can agree. I think Moriarty would have let go before he died!!
On paper England slight favourites
On paper England are massive favourites and with the bookies.
On paper England are massive favourites and with the bookies
So were Ireland...
Sinkler is a tit. Which is a shame because he’s actually a bloody good player and offers a lot more than say Cole.
Clark is a grade A a-hole. I’m amazed any team wants him on their books after that especially as he’s not exactly an outstanding player.
Wales England is too tight too call. I don’t t care what the bookies say! Wales at home on a good run of form even though they’ve not really hit their straps yet, Gatland’s fianl year etc. Oh, and it’s England. Pissing on our chips will be perfect for them.
Wales England is too tight too call. I don’t t care what the bookies say!
They are mostly right.
Wales at home on a good run of form
Did you see the last 2 games?
Now dont get me wrong I'll be hoping for a win but its a 3/10 game for Wales. England should win.
Wales will at least play a full back and we usually drop the 10 too to help with kicking so a major flaw in both Irelands and Frances game Wales shouldnt have. North will struggle when turned by kicks though and isnt the best in the air. We could do with 1/2p at 15 and move Williams up. Shame he's still concussed from that fair challenge! Other than that its a case of can the much less powerful Welsh forwards stop their ball carriers from gaining momentum.
Yeah, you guys were a bit pants in the last two games but they won. But I guess Gatland and co will be happy that you’ve gone about your business like that; no one is really paying much attention or giving them much hope.
Wales have a pretty good set piece; they won a decent amount of penalties against a massive French pack (certainly more than we did). The line out needs work. Plus they’ll feed off emotion / the crowd. Due to the press / bookies the pressure of largely off them and on England. Cardiff in two weeks will be a bloody cauldron.
Away from the 6N : London Irish have managed to sign SOB for next season. They’re spending big ready for next year.
Does that mean the end of his international career as Ireland rarely pick those playing outside of Ireland?
SOB to Irish is an odd one. He must have averaged 5 games a season over the last 4 years.
Central contact up after WC
He's unlikely to make another WC cycle so won't get another.
He'll keep playing for Ireland up to WC exit (qf Argentina) then retire, like Best, Kearney, Toner, earls, maybe sexton.
But he's got a big contact for 3 years signed like insurance policy, like POC and Toulon last time.
LI have got as good a player as they are likely to get.
And Leinster have leavy, vdf, and Penney for 7 next season
BBC are reporting 1/2p is back in the squad and over his concussion
Of course they wouldn't just throw 1/2p back into the mix, what with an important game coming up. Player welfare is paramount.
#Sarcasm failure
I expect that he is fully recovered? That is why he is back? Whats the problem are you worried we can't handle him?
I would rather we played a full strength Wales. Personally thrilled he is back in the squad.
BBC are reporting 1/2p is back in the squad and over his concussion
He's been in the squad the whole time.
Of course they wouldn’t just throw 1/2p back into the mix, what with an important game coming up. Player welfare is paramount.
If his welfare wasnt important as you imply he'd have got game time last week.
I wonder if he'll be released to play this weekend.
Glad he is recovered.
If everyone is fit, what is the first choice Welsh back 3 nowadays? So many injuries over the last few years that I've no real idea. Is Liam W or 1/2p first choice 15?
I would rather we played a full strength Wales.
Likewise, lets have a fair game and not a "we lost because we were depleted" excuses. One of the pundits quoted this the best welsh team ever (not sure about that personally) which'll make it much sweeter if England win away, bit also a much more admirable situation should we lose.
If everyone is fit, what is the first choice Welsh back 3 nowadays? So many injuries over the last few years that I’ve no real idea. Is Liam W or 1/2p first choice 15?
I would have said 1/2p 15 North 14 and Williams 11 but Adams has been very good, so maybe he could replace North. Not really sure. Given Englands kicking game 1/2p would be ideal at 15 but I doubt he will play after such a long lay off.
Some good stuff here:
www.rugbypass.com/news/analysis-what-wales-can-learn-from-the-all-blacks-in-order-to-beat-england
One of the pundits quoted this the best welsh team ever
Eddie Jones is not welsh!!
Yeah I've been impressed by Adams too.
Looking at this series on ewetube
Christ, whoever makes those shite videos is watching the wrong sport.
Eddie Jones is not welsh!!
Oh come on now... 😉
Do you think that England will use the same kicking game as they have the last 2 games against Wales? I know that Eddie struggles to change, but wales are going to field a decent full back and probably use their 10 to return balls with vengeance, there simply isn't going to be the space!
I hope they bring something more, I read somewhere that we would use the "power game" too. The kick game against Ireland was backed up with some hardcore attacking and defending. I felt like in the 2nd half of the France game we were resting or experimenting or soemthing because they just wellied it every time.
I suspect they will keep hold of the ball more as Wales dont have the forward power that Ireland and France have, but then Wales do have a good defence. It'll be interesting for sure. If Williams is 15 they will test him and if a non match fit 1/2p plays they'll go after him too.
During our resurgence over the Autumn and the last two games, kicking game has always been the key really. We've not dominated possession in many games, but our defence has been incredible, we've not conceded too much, we play a pressure and territory based game.....simple eh!!
Ok AA thanks, I will look out for that.
That rugby pass has a few items about reffing that are interesting.
Trying to be objective, as an England fan, I did feel we had a few things go well for us, and as a neutral the ref did appear to have it in for Scotland.
I thought the incident on Hogg was an easy yellow, he raised his elbow to Hoggs groin, it was clear assault/foul play.
The Sinkler incident was an easy yellow in my book, I don't get why it wasn't. However I have noticed Owens kind of thinks "boys will be boys" when it comes to off the ball stuff so maybe he is more tolerant of that. Anyway we all love a little dust up.
I can see the logic someone explained earlier about "probable try" for Ashton, but it would have seemed fairer to just give us a penalty and maybe the yellow, but he seemed a long way from probable to me. Then we could have had an attacking line out on 5m with them a man down. The glory would have been better.
I also don't understand why Mays clear arm lock with the other block on the ground didn't make things a lot easier for Farrell and perhaps out have been penalised too.
England only kicked against Ireland and France because it was the right thing to do at the time. It keeps a defence honest (or should! France just kept rushing.)
Jones post match interview, he was asked if he expected sides to play differently to combat England’s kicking. He responded that if sides drop their wings back, then that will leave space elsewhere to exploit. Which is spot on imho.
I’d have no problem with Sinkler being binned, but the French bloke should have gone too. Replays on the day showed (on repeated playback) that, but the TMO and media didn’t pick it up.
I’d have no problem with Sinkler being binned, but the French bloke should have gone too. Replays on the day showed (on repeated playback) that, but the TMO and media didn’t pick it up.
Yeah I don't have a problem with that. Sinkler was winding him up, he reacted, and Sinkler overreacted.
Jones post match interview, he was asked if he expected sides to play differently to combat England’s kicking. He responded that if sides drop their wings back, then that will leave space elsewhere to exploit. Which is spot on imho.
This. For the first time in a long time, Englands backs are smart and potent. Dropping a wing out of defence with Tuilagi, Slade, May, Daly and Nowell in form as they are is pretty dangerous.
We've now shown we have options, ability, form and can strike, and its THAT that produces the nervous defence as we have genuine multiple ways of getting through them.
Personally I think we'll be scrum/line out dominant vs Wales looking to shove them over / pens to the corners, yet remain outside them as a real threat if needs be.
I’m not sure we will dominate Wales in the forwards - we’ve been fairly equal there in recent years.
Mako out for the series, massive loss ☹️
Awww, that's a shame...
I’m not sure we will dominate Wales in the forwards
Well, I....
Mako out for the series,
...oh.
Mako & Maro out is a big loss. Possibly 2 of our best players. We have good depth though, and shouldn’t change too much.
Agreed, but we know how good they both are, I'm interested to see Genge get tested on the largest stage, he's a beast for Leicester, I can see him as Englands first choice for years to come
Mako out for the series, massive loss
Thats a shame, another proud valleys boi out of action!
Not good news for his cuzzy bro either.
Following further expert opinion, Bath Rugby can confirm that Taulupe Faletau will require further surgery on his right arm.
Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, said: “We’re gutted for Taulupe, but this is the best course of action for him moving forwards as a player.
“We will know more in terms of timeframes following the surgery, but we’re looking forward to welcoming him back into the squad.”
All Wales need now is for Billy to get injured at training and Manu to break the team curfew and England are there for the taking.
Bummer about Mako being broken.
Moon had a good autumn and is very good in the set piece. I guess it’s Genge and Moon at loose head from now on in.
Let’s hope Eddie doesn’t do any silly judo training and break anyone else. Maro is a loss but we’re pretty well stocked at lock. Other positions less so.
London Irish have signed Naholo for next season. They really are splashing the cash.
If we close the bridge England will have to take a ferry and Tuilagi might jump off it and get arrested.
at least it'll be cheaper this yr for the England team as the bridge tolls have gone!
Super Rugby starts tomorrow morning, Chiefs v Highlanders. Excellent.
Christ, just seen that Hogg and Huw Jones are both likely to miss the rest of the tournament. Are there going to be enough players left for the England Scotland game?!
1/2p pulled from Scarlets game still concussed from the fair challenge in November!
Bad news for Halfpenny that and scary to think that he’s still having issues. That’s a bloody long time to be dealing with it. Fair tackle my arse.
Scotland’s strength in depth looks like it’s going to be severely tested over the coming few weeks.
A page ago I was mocked for my comments on 1/2p. It seems they were trying to rush him back, maybe.
I'll go for maybe.
Seeing as he didn't make it past training, and has yet to play a game since his injury, wouldn't you say that it seems that actions of Scarlets and the WRU kind of show that they actually have got player welfare at heart.
Bad news for Halfpenny.
Biggar limped off after 20mins playing for Saints today. The fly half selection for next week’s game may be made for Wales if he’s crocked.
....on the subject of that game....Sale....**** me ☹️
Yup. That’s a proper dicking handed out by the Saints.
I shan’t be too smug given that Quins are pumping Worcester.
Bloody Italian teams and their massive budgets.
Cardiff v Glasgow. Mental.
Oh, and Matthew Morgan. Steps.
Massive budgets or dodgy reffing
Bloody Italian teams and their massive budgets.
You've been very quiet recently, you ok? Still sore? 😊
Crikey, that Glasgow Cardiff game was crazy! Glasgow doing well in the league.
Ashton out of the game in Saturday with a calf strain. Guess big Joe comes in as the bench option.
Eddie has so far managed to keep his gob shut too. Has he learnt his lesson?
Ashton out of the game in Saturday with a calf strain.
Thats a shame.
Hearing Russel failed a HIA too, someone better check on TJ!
Looks like Julian Savea is after a new club.....Toulon owner suggesting that he's after a DNA to check whether or not it was the real Savea that's been running around this season!!!
French rugby is an absolute shambles.
Henderson cited following comeback game.
https://mobile.twitter.com/CianTracey1/status/1097558257038753793
Tom, the batshitmental owner has also hinted he'd be happy to let Webb go.
That Henderson ‘clear out’ doesn’t look good at all.
Tom, the batshitmental owner has also hinted he’d be happy to let Webb go.
Great!
Henderson clear out does look bad, lifts his leg and head hits ground first, accidental most likely but should see a week or twos rest. I saw it live, not sure how the video ref missed it, although TBF he probably dozed off. Worst game of rugby in years!
Updated- Webb has apparently been told he's free to leave now. (Need to read some more to fully get down to whats actually been said. Will be on to French rugby twitter for a read...)
Really looking forward to the Wales match this weekend. There are intriguing match ups all over the pitch, and Wales are always up for a fight against England. The draw has been tough to them though with Ireland next too - esoecially seeing they can rest some against Italy. You would expect some battered bodies after the Eng game.
I’m staying at Pennyhill Park Thursday with the missus - be interesting to see if the squad are still there.
I’m looking forward to it as well but from behind a sofa! 😂
Although we’ve had a good 6N so far, I’m waiting for the wheels to come off and ya getting bought back down to earth and I can’t think of many others more wiling than the Welsh, at home. I do wonder if the fallow week will work against us by taking some of the momentum built away.
Ireland should have a fair easy victory and Scotland need to find some players and escape the weekend without any more players broken.
I see Brunel has made a few changes. Dropped Parra and Lopez although nothing to do with their criticism of the coaching staff...... apparently.
He's also picked 19-year-old Romain Ntamack at fly-half although he plays centre for Toulouse.
“That is not a problem. To have spoken with him, I know that he has no particular preference, he evolves in a position of centre with Toulouse, but at the same time he is an organiser of the game,” the coach added.
“If we ever had any doubt, we wouldn’t have done it.”
Well, that's all right then isn't it?
The only way France are going to win any games will be if they ignore the coaches (a la the 2011 RWC). Or play a team missing most of its best players......
Jesus. French rugby really is a bloody mess. I wonder if Brunel will make it to the WC or will they just bin him off? Italy will be really really targeting their game with France as one they stand a good chance of winning.
I wonder if Brunel will make it to the WC
Well he's best mates with the President, Laporte, is he not?
No Parisse for Italy. A long afternoon beckons...
dantsw13
I’m staying at Pennyhill Park Thursday with the missus – be interesting to see if the squad are still there.
Friday lunchtime.....depart... 😉
Luther Burrell is going North.
To league?
Although we’ve had a good 6N so far, I’m waiting for the wheels to come off and ya getting bought back down to earth and I can’t think of many others more wiling than the Welsh, at home. I do wonder if the fallow week will work against us by taking some of the momentum built away.
This is my pessimistic outlook too. I am expecting Wales to stick a spoke in the chariot wheels.
This is my pessimistic outlook too. I am expecting Wales to stick a spoke in the chariot wheels.
+1
Looks like Genge will start. Thats a pretty abrasive front row we have there, and some hefty carrying with him & Sinckler.
Genge and Sinkler, I hope we start with Rob Evans he's a complete wind up merchant!! I cant really see Wales winning this but I suppose there's always a chance England could lose it.
Burrell now confirmed by Warrington Wolves.