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Just think how good France could be with Farrell at 10!!
They wouldn’t be. They play off the 9 much more than the 10.
All credit to Russell, he seems to be having a heck of a season and has come on no end.
I would have rather Patchell had the development time over Anscombe as he was on the cusp of becoming a 2011 Priestland. Shame injuries and some confidence denting performances happened along the way. Maybe it’s my imagination but he seems more at home as a 15???
France would either stick Farrell at Full Back, Scrum Half or Loose head before they played him at 10!
Given that the average top 14 budget is 20 mil this season it's not surprising that Russell is big money is it? Savea is on a round mil a year.....on form over the last year would you have him or say Seymour, Maitland, Mcguigan....those three probably don't earn that between them.
France play more off 9 because they rarely pick a proper 10!
Ahhh, the annual fly half debate.
Farrell certainly divides opinion of the fans yet coaches seem to rate him as to guys like Nicky Evans.
Personally I think he’s developed pretty well. He’s not an attacking genius or a maverick but I think he’s improved that area of his game. His tackling is pretty shit though...
I think the number of missed tackles he gets seems to be a direct result of the way he's deployed in England's defensive system.....he sprints out of the line at any given opportunity to close down the space of the ball carrier, lots of the time there's little chance of him getting there in time to make a full tackle, but he does disrupt the flow of the attack etc
11 in one match?
... and consistently double figure every match 😳
Just seen that Matt Tait has been forced to retire due to ongoing injury issues. A real shame because he was a fantastic player before his first major injury which robbed him of some pace.
That’s just giving AA an excuse to post THAT tackle.
Please stop.
😉
Ha ha. I guess so, but that run in the 2007 WC final against SA makes up for that.
Always sad to see player retire through injury.
But it was two tackles not a tackle!!!
The second one would now be a penalty
I was always a massive fan of Tait, turns out I was there for his last match! Picked up his injury v Sale on the last day of the season last year, a real shame.
Cory Hill out of the rest of the 6n's, as is Lawes.....so many injuries this season again ☹️
I can't help thinking Lawes is his own worst enemy, always looking to throw himself into these massive hits must take it's toll on him as well as the guy he smashes
They are usually half his size so I don't think that is the issue *runs away*
Not sure how that affects his calf muscles...
Lawes is far more than just a tackle machine these days. He still hits hard, but he carries well and actually makes an effort to link with the backs etc. He’s pretty good in the line out too.
Lawes is far more than just a tackle machine these days.
Yeah but Cory Hill is a British Lion!!!!
Georgia are in talks about a Pro14 team..... really positive move for them.
I'm not sure that it is for the league though. The structure currently is bonkers! I really don't see how the South African teams have a future in the competition, and the addition of a Georgian team adds another big chunk of travel. Apparently there's a new Welsh region based near Wrexham being created..... although one region could be lost too. All a bit of a mess really.
All change on the Wuss wings.
Adams looks to be going to Cardiff. Bryce Heem (who's been superb of late) sadly off to Toulon.
But we get Samoan Ed Fidow (hoohee?) and Tom Howe has really started performing so should make regular 1st XV pick.
Looks like a spicy England training session yesterday with the Georgians! Fight Club!
squidge report is good. good analysis and funny
Cracking game and atmosphere at Ashton Gate last night. Love a local derby.
Sarries annual spanking of Saints is well underway and will be bringing them back down to earth with a bump!
Stoner - loosing Heem and Adams is a blow. Both have been brilliant. Hopefully Toloun’s owner will continue to be a helmet and single out Heem causing him to end his contract early and come back!
TomB that’s what I was told yesterday, Ospreys to go at end of season and a new region in Gogland.
To be honest that would leave me with out a team, got to the Ospreys from supporting Swansea. You just can’t say “oh I am a dragons supporter now” or who ever.
Well it has been a ride but currently the team are playing like it is all over.
Ospreys v Leicester in the 08 or 09 Anglo Welsh final was the first game I ever went to.....Spreys hosed Leicester! What a massive downturn both clubs have had recently. Real shame they're going, for the fans mainly.
Are they merging with Cardiff then?
Ospreys v Leicester in the 08 or 09 Anglo Welsh final was the first game I ever went to…..Spreys hosed Leicester!
That was the game before Richard Hill single handedly hosed the Ospreys in the Euro Cup, iirc? I was at both.
I was at the very first announcement about the Ospreys, in a pub in Wind St, I seem to remember. Lyn Jones bouncing around telling all of the hundred people gathered there about how good the region would be. I would be sad to see them go, but I’m part of the problem - they can’t seem to attract me to games anymore. And, as I’ve said before, I watch any and all rugby, had a season ticket to SCFC for decades and live 15 minutes walk from the Liberty. If I can’t be bothered going they really are struggling to sell themselves to more casual spectators.
How much is a ticket to the ospreys at home then?
I can’t help thinking if I still lived in wales I’d go watch a few games.
It’s the classic conundrum isn’t it, like the local pub. Everyone “supports it” and doesn’t want it closed but nobody goes and drinks there as it’s cheaper and easier to have a few drinks at h9me.
I can’t help thinking if I still lived in wales I’d go watch a few games.
Thats part of the problem isnt it, those that live there cant afford it!!
Apparently they're safe for the 19/20 season, not so sure after that though.
Looks like the English Premiership will be expanded in a couple of years time too.
There is something here I really do not get. It seems the ( some? many?)welsh fans really do not like the pro 14. ( I am on a rugby forum and its worse on there than here) all the other nations fans enjy it and the fine rugby it produces.
Can anyone explain?
Seems like the welsh fans want to join the english league - something that is not going to happen as it would mean english teams dropping out. the pro 14 is the only game in town for them. constant bleating about being underfunded dispite having bigger budgets than the italians and the same as the scots ( bar Dragons)
Anyone?
Dunno. Is it to do with the 'regions' not really representing the club game prior to professionalism/the creation of the 'celtic league'?
I've just read online somewhere that another 2 or 3 of the SA club teams want to leave Super Rugby and join the Pro14?!
Maybe the Welsh regions can join Super Rugby instead 😂
It seems the ( some? many?)welsh fans really do not like the pro 14.
Could be because so many fans aren’t represented by a region. Despite the Ospreys being so close they’ve never felt like my club. Maybe because they had to kowtow so much to the Neath fans at the start? (There was quite a different culture between Swansea and Neath fans so it didn’t make a good marriage.) Theres also significant resentment about Llanelli and Cardiff carrying on as they were without any disruption (Dragons as well, I suppose.) while the valleys and Bridgend area are now completely unrepresented. And pushing through a north Wales region while sacrificing a South Wales one is ridiculous.
Discussions are in place to have 2 more SA teams.
Both Edinburgh and Glasgow are newly created teams. Glasgow regularly sell out their admittedly smallish ground ( 10 000 iirc?) Edinburgh attendences are poorer for most league games
The thing is there is no alternative for welsh teams other than going it alone. Is it really as simple as tribalism?
Maybe, TJ. I honestly don’t know. I don’t think it’s money - the tickets aren’t overly expensive, and people around here seem to find money for other stuff equally expensive.
There is something here I really do not get.
Yes, poverty.
The study shows that 710,000 people in Wales are now living in relative poverty – meaning their household whose income, after housing costs, is less than 60 per cent of median income. This figure includes 185,000 children, 405,000 working-age adults and 120,000 pensioners, making Wales the most poverty-stricken nation in the UK.
But why would that make the fans hate the pro 14 so much? Not attending games maybe but is it any worse than Glasgow?
To be fair the majority, of a small number, of Scottish borders fans don't support Edinburgh or even travel up to see them and get really annoyed with sru foisting pro players on clubs. Farndale to gala when he should be accies as an example.
But why would that make the fans hate the pro 14 so much?
Because they can afford to pay £5 to see Neath play Maesteg.
Because they can afford to pay £5 to see Neath play Maesteg.
It’s a tenner to watch Swansea play but nobody goes to that level of game. Perhaps apart from Pontypridd fans at home? I go to two or three games a season and the crowd could probably fit in a small pub.
It did occur to me that moving games from 2.30 on a Saturday afternoon means that there is less of a social element. I’m less likely to have a few pints with my friends if I’m rushing to the game on a Friday evening, and then getting home at 10, if I leave as soon as the game finishes. And the reason I only see a few Swansea games is because the timetable is all over the place. There are often weeks between home games. No routine!
The WRU don’t seem to want to promote rugby at any level below the national team.
onehundred - true - the same happened with the borders - they wouldn't go to a pro 14 team prefering to stick with the local clubs.
It’s a tenner to watch Swansea play but nobody goes to that level of game. Perhaps apart from Pontypridd fans at home? I go to two or three games a season and the crowd could probably fit in a small pub.
Its a catch 22 though isnt it. Why go if no Wales players are involved and its not the top game in the village?
I still dunno how much it costs to go see a pro 14 game in wales. I’ll google it. I guess my thoughts were why not make it cheaper and push it, if it’s half the price would you get twice as many in attendance? Prob doesn’t help the new tv deal making pay per view access to pro 14.
I think a huge issue for the Ospreys is playing at the Liberty, doesn’t suit rugby and is devoid of atmosphere.
Saracens in a bit of a squeaky bum time over salary cap, I gather.
I'm not so sure, everyone knew that they were doing it....
Two Fail journos took what, 4 months to come up with the names of 4 companies that are listed publicly?!
Seems to have gained some traction because fatty Goode has been tweeting about it.....his got into a beef with Jamie George so clear what his motives are
House and company co ownership, etc. Looks shady.
I suspect everyone is at it, though.
Nel, Watson and Russell back for Scotland. Those 3 are huge upgrades. 1/2p back fit for selection doubt he'll play though.
Could be a good game.
Nel, Watson and Russell back for Scotland. Those 3 are huge upgrades.
I’m getting more uneasy about the Scotland v Wales game. How’s Hogg?
Hogg still broke.
Its OK guys - the way our season is going right now several players will spontaneously combust between now and kickoff and at least one will have an argument with himself and lose the fight
Doing the rounds currently.
An utter cluster.
This may be the most stupid thing that I ever say, but is that WhatsApp pic a serious convo, or a spoof that I don't understand?
is that WhatsApp pic a serious convo, or a spoof that I don’t understand?
I cant tell either, not spoof but could well be fake
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47443612
I don't understand why they're not considering a Blues-Dragons merger, given that Dragons have already proved to be financially non-viable (also rugby non-viable!)
That would make a load of sense. Would make a Welsh super region in south East that might tempt fans back from North of Cardiff if they could get some regional identity and a bit of success.
Would be a proper rival to the west Wales merger team too.
The North Wales region could then work if the East and West super regions support it by sending younger players out for loan experience, but like a more minor "growth" region.
You'd have more players, and better players concentrated in two super region teams that might challenge European success and might re ignite a bit of excitement in the fans. And North Wales would get to see the next big thing generation coming through first
Easy
With the Scarlets ? FFS 🤮. Well that flat out sucks
Because Swansea and Llanelli have always had a history of love and co-operation.
Who exactly are the WRU representing? Certainly not the fans.
Still, at least I can watch Super Rugby on Sky when there is none of the laughably described ‘national sport’ being played locally.
With the Scarlets ? FFS 🤮. Well that flat out sucks
Could you imagine AWJ finishing his playing days with Scarlets, it would be like Giggs finishing his career with Man City!!!
And whose bright idea was it to shift the players focus to jobs, money and mortgages during the six nations!!!
Who exactly are the WRU representing?
Welsh FA I think!!!
Exactly! Potential grand slam on the cards, two tough games to come.....on way it can get better is if Wayne Pivac drops out and you name Andy Robinson as coach!!!
Maitland and Harris out for Scotland now!!!!
Wales team is as England except for Beard to 4 as BIL Hill is broken. Jake Ball onto bench
The Ospreys/Scarlets merger (takeover) is a mess! How unlike the WRU 😕
Itoje injured in training. Ffs, Jones really likes to push them - he’s not that important for Italy, he could have waited...
Ospreys and Scarlets merger is 'off the table' apparently.
Must be great to be AWJ, one of the all time greatest, final few years of his career and no idea at all about a contract!
Itoje injured in training. Ffs, Jones really likes to push them – he’s not that important for Italy, he could have waited…
Except that isn’t the case this time; he slipped trying to avoid running into Eddie who was stood under the posts. No silly judo etc. This time it really does sound like one of those things.
Wonder if Italy have been studying the laws again? Interesting listening to the Beeb rugby podcast yesterday; Ugo had the heads up from talking to COS that Italy were going do something and he had to stay tight lipped about it (he’s good mates with Care who was starting that game). Hopefully Robson will actually be given some meaningful game time this weekend.
Also hoping that Scotland do us a wee favour at the weekend, but I don’t think they’ll have what they need to beat Wales even at home.
Team has been announced...
England team to face Italy: Daly, Cokanasiga, Tuilagi, Te'o, May, Farrell, Youngs; Genge, George, Sinckler, Launchbury, Kruis, Shields, Curry, Vunipola
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Moon, Cole, Hughes, Wilson, Robson, Ford, Slade
That’s a pretty angry front row with Genge and Sinkler. Centres lack cutting edge with Manu and Te’o starting.
So, rugby is having a totally normal one this week.
Aussie match fixing probe!
Why on earth is Robson not given a start?
Why on earth is Robson not given a start?
I assume he’s got too many splinters in his arse to actually play having been sat on the bench for the last month or so....
What on earth is Teo doing there? He's obviously a fav of Eddie but I'm buggered if I know why (ok he did well for the Lions, but that's a while ago now!) Plus, if I were a Worcester fan, I'd be properly pissed off!
Oh, and I've just seen some footage of England's newest star, the Fijian Cokanasiga playing what looked like age group rugby for Ireland against Scotland. Is he the latest mercenary?
Jesus, Te'o and Manu in the centre, Shields at 6 ffs? Robson not starting and no lock on the bench?!
Heading into the RWC with a second choice 9 that will probably have played less than an hour of meaningful test rugby.
May as well have just picked a couple of extra forwards on the wing.....no one is going to be getting the ball out there.
Oh, and I’ve just seen some footage of England’s newest star, the Fijian Cokanasiga playing what looked like age group rugby for Ireland against Scotland. Is he the latest mercenary?
Sure that’s not footage of hike playing for London Irish?
He’s played U20’s for England. As far as I know he’s never played any age grade rugby for anyone other than England having lived here since he was three. He’s not really an import like Hughes.
Whats Slade done to get dropped?
The Ozzie game fixing thing is from a few years ago, and involves three players. Odd forward passes, dodgy missed tackles, etc. The report I read doesn’t say which players or which game.
There’s also an investigation into a referee’s performance in another Wallabies game.