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Two quick tries saved irish blushes.
They perhaps put a better look on the final score, but saved our blushes, no.
While we didn't play to our potential we dominated the game and won well. Our scrum and line out were excellent, our defence solid and the 6N debutants all stood up well. Our breakdown work however was slow and we need quicker ball to do more damage in the wider channels.
Remember that our 7,8,10, 12 and 13 were making their first 6N starts and our centres have only had one match together in the autumn. Next weekend we will have Healy, Heaslip and SOB back in the pack and Sexton as well.
Who was that France 15? He was bloody huge!
Spent most of his afternoon running in to props too!
Hardly convincing to a neutral, blind melon.
And compared to england, that irish team is hugely experienced and considering they mostly come from 2 or 3 teams, they know each other a lot better too. At present, I'd put money on England and Wales beating them.
I wouldnt put money on Wales beating an egg.
I wouldnt put money on Wales beating an egg.
Cheer up! You probably can't play any worse.....
North's head injuries are being investigated which is good news. It turns out Lee was also replaced due to concussion. Biggar wasn't quite right after his smack either 😕 Day of head injuries for Wales unfortunately. All we can see is that Melon lived up to his name
AA, don't beat yourself up, just came up against a better side !!! 😉 still all to play for and you boys know how to do it from here.
Appreciate it's the Torygraphy but Geechs has a different view on the back row and Haskell in particular. Worth a read...
His excellence wad epitomised by missing the tackle on Faletau for the wales try!! ****ing Telegraph.....
Yes, 😀 what does Geechs know, eh!!!!!
Good article and pretty spot on especially
It was interesting because early on Haskell should have made the tackle on Taulupe Faletau when Wales scored their try through Rhys Webb. He will have known that and he will have been very disappointed. But, crucially, he did not let it affect him. He did not go into his shell nor did he try to do something individually spectacular to atone for that error.
and the change from Brand Haskall to Brand England.
Ex Wasp Geech praising a wasp captain who would have thunk it. Haskels fine attributes came into play in the second half when the fat lads in front got even more on top.
im more armchair than any of you... but as a Welsh fan do you think Gatland is that strict on players they're too scared to go...
"**** this theres a gap im going for it as plan A is not working"?
only liam williams and 1/2p seemed to be up for it.
Didnt see any gaps though did they. England defended well and the welsh backz got no front foot ball against a disorganised defence.
As an aside and without wanting to cause a shit storm what do people think of Attwood kicking North in the head. It was an accident for sure but shouldnt the kicker have a duty of care about where they put their boots. Bit like an accidental tip tackle or hitting a player in the air? Reminded me of this, with added comedy irish man!!
It was an accident for sure
Enough said, he is not Diego Costa 😀
Plenty of other examples of where an accidental mistake can bring a yellow or whatever. How about the Oconnel one above. Accident? Play on?
POC was dozy/naughty on that one and could have avoided it rel easily.
But the commentary was good though, thanks!
No need to nit pick on the details, handling in the scrum will be next!! 😉
From one Lions man to another, what did Wazzer think...
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/warren-gatland-wales-v-england-8597890
1:29
" I thought Haskell was absolutely outstanding today...."
Was that just more WRU mind games?
I havent said Haskel wasnt good but he wasnt the reason England won.
AA good question re Atwood.........Atwood went for the ball North brave dive then collision with boot, end of based mainly on the speed involved there is some delay on POC offence and he could have forseen the consequences.
For Wales though was it really 21 missed tackles and if so was that a record in the GAt years?
Edit Well done to Wales Women for their Victory
Small beer content 😆
Wales under 20's and Wales women win
Happy we managed to win something even if we lost the main event.
AA good question re Atwood.........Atwood went for the ball North brave dive then collision with boot, end of based mainly on the speed involved there is some delay on POC offence and he could have forseen the consequences.
Fair point and I havent seen a replay of the Attwood one. POC got off with nowt by the way
For Wales though was it really 21 missed tackles and if so was that a record in the GAt years?
Doubt it wales tend to miss quite a lot actually due to the high pressure blitz they employ, as long as the guy missed doesnt get outside the blitz its ok. We have also been destroyed by bigger margins by NZ etc
Soporifique.Maladroit et sans idees
L'Equipe scathing about the performance (normally a headline England might warrant !). Aside from Basteraud and Dusautoir who got 6/10 rest of side was scored 5. Criticised for lack of ball retention / basic technique in crucial attacking situations.
Too late to comment much on England v Wales other than always difficult to win there. Plenty for England to work on in terms of finishing. Dire defence for the Welsh try with Youngs trotting along behind his man.
Youngs trotting along behind his man.
Yeah - good point. A mate of mine (who was a scrum half) pointed that out too.
So Haskell went too high on Faleteau, May came in off his wing and Youngs did naff all. If any one of them had done their job there would have been no try. Not ignoring the fact that it was a brilliant bit of play from the back of a retreating scrum.
L'Equipe scathing about the performance
It promises to be a vintage year for watchers of French rugby. The great thing about watching France is they could be brilliant or they could be awful but it's fascinating either way.
Changes for the next Wales game?
I like to see Liam Williams replace North (may be forced anyway), Tipuric replace Lydiate and maybe even Scott Williams (or someone with even half form) replace mini Jiffy. Or, alternatively give the big names a kick up the arse 😆
From the other point of view, what team would Scotland least like to face? As a Welsh fan, as it stands, I don't think it will take much for the Scottish backs to outsmart the red meat as the Aussies called them 😳
like to see Liam Williams replace North (may be forced anyway), Tipuric replace Lydiate and maybe even Scott Williams (or someone with even half form) replace mini Jiffy. Or, alternatively give the big names a kick up the arse
See, Wales get a thorough beating in the forwards and welsh fans want to replace the backs!
Hopefully Lee will be OK as Jarvis is a poor tighthead at Pro 12 level.
I'd bring in Charteris for Ball and maybe Tips to 7 with Warburton to 6. Hopefully Owens can get more game time for Llanelli and be in contention to replace Hibbard for later games. Other than that we have very few options.
Not sure what Samson Lee (Cole was very good) and Johnny May are doing here, rest seems fair, Talupe a bit of an odd one too
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Whose team is that A_A?
I agree with all of your points; Lee, May and Faletau don't merit being in that side.
I wonder how they come up with those teams. The recent Telegraph world xv had Robshaw as skipper and May in it as well.
The recent Telegraph world xv had Robshaw as skipper and May in it as well.
And Sexton and Heaslip! In the world XV!!!! 😆
Its Gussets team.
May not sure, I hardly remember noticing he was playing. He scored a try against New Zealand recently, plus this weekend everyone else was worse ?
Wasn't a great weekend's rugby for wingers to be fair. Don't think May did enough to warrant making Guscotts home nations squad though, maybe Bowe instead?
15 Hogg...most metres made on the weekend
14 Watson
13 Joesph
12 Bastareaud
11 Terry Thomas
10 Finn Russell
9 Ben Youngs
8 ? Dusatoir ? no real standout No 8 performance of the weekend
7 Robshaw
6 Haskell
5 Atwood
4 Gray
3 Marler
2 Ford
1 Dan Cole
15 Spedding
14 Watson
13 Henshaw (wrong pos...but...)
12 Bastareaud
11 Ben Youngs
10 George Ford
9 Ben Youngs
8 Le Roux
7 Robshaw
6 Haskell
5 Attwood
4 Gray
3 Marler
2 Ghiraldini
1 Dan Cole
Ben Youngs so good you picked him twice! I didnt really see the scotland or ireland games. I thought LeRoux was a full back?
I thought the Ben Youngs twins were outstanding, and they both thoroughly deserve their place in the northern hemisphere super-squad 😀
😳
Damn it. I was struggling with the other wing. Nobody left a lasting ipression. If I could have my pick it would be hogg but he was playing full back.
I thought LeRoux was a full back?
Willie the saffa is, Bernard the french saffa is a back row who plays for Racing Metro.
I agree about Hogg, he looked superb in attack, I reckon he could slot in on the wing no problem. Certainly a better option than Ben Youngs covering two positions 😉
I can also see a fair argument for Ashton coming back with a decent FH now playing.
Please no - of all the wingers pushing for a place, not him. He is still ripe for giving away silly penalties and his defence is woeful. His time on the international stage is done, it's time to move on.
Haskell was the big surprise for me, but then again his form has been good all season. Was surpised that Billy V lasted the full 80, but I guess having another carrier next to him reduced his workloard somewhat. Taking off Marler and Hartley when the scrum was so far on top seemed like an odd move.
I was quite surprised by England's performance but Wales were surprisingly bad. Their much vaunted centre combination was pretty quiet and North / Cuthbert may have well been sat in the stand watching the game. North has been good for the Saints though but is struggling for Wales. I wonder if it is the game plan / players around him,
The barnd of rugby played by the french these days is awful - it its based on nothing but power and big lumps. Their isn't much behind the fat lads in terms of trying to create things.
Their much vaunted centre combination was pretty quiet
To be fair, England neutrlised them by coming up very quickly all game. No head of speed for desparate dan and nowhere for Jiffy Jnr to run. Brown did a great job of fielding all the kicks over, which left Wales a bit clueless about what to do next.
England didnt so much neutralise Roberts et al but cut them off at source. Biggar, no doubt under orders kicked away all the shit ball and seeing as thats all they got Wales went nowhere. I still think they should have bought on Tipuric and tried to stretch the game. Billy V lasted the full 80 as he didnt have to run more than one pass out yo each ruck. Making Billy and Haskel run around a bit would help as with Tip on for Lydiate the backrow of Wales would have been much quicker. All round they played shit and as usual totally failed to adapt the game plan.
Please no - of all the wingers pushing for a place, not him.
Did you see the saxons game. Hate to say it but he looked good. With a FH with some nouse, he could get some results.
I know his tackling is shit (so is wades but he seems popular at present) and I know he's a complete knob BUT on form, he's an absolute menace. More potent than May anyway.
I ****ing hate Ashton but he could indeed work well with Ford at ten.
Their much vaunted centre combination was pretty quiet
You have to remember mini Jiffy has sod all game time too which never helps. On the flip side, I thought Cole played very well returning back...
Ashton scored a lot of tries for England when Flood was at FH and virtually none when Farrell was.
Still, I'd put Watson at full back with Wade and Strettle on the wings.
But then, what do I know?
As you know I've always liked Ashton, so I would be happy to see his return. 😆
Good news for the Welsh, George North didn't undergo a concussion test for the second incident and could well play on Sat. Now I'm only a dumb teacher,not a neurosurgeon, but allow me to save the WRU a few quid in medical fees, Warren; he was sparko, don't play him.
No way to Ashton coming back. Wade's defence is a bit suspect, but he will create tries from nothing...Ashton creates sweet FA and relies on others to do it for him. Some of the tries Wafe has scored this season have been pretty impressive. Given his attitude, I'd be surprised if Lancaster will have him back. Nowell will be back soon too.
Ashton is still liable to giving away silly penalties. Can't remember who they were playing, but Sarries were doing pretty well and after a restart he went flying after the ball and clattered the receiver in the air. It was just dull...he had so much time to stop but carried on. His temperament / mindset isn't tight for high pressure games.
Watson looks like he could be a fine player. I quite like May...we just need to work out how yo get him into the game more because he's got proper gas.
JJ going well was great, but it just gives us another conundrum at centre. Manu will most likely be back when he's fit who gives us a bit of extra go forward. But who to partner him with? Slade looks like he could be class. Hopefully Barritt won't be back in a hurry.
I'm more worried about Lee not playing. As long as he is okay and has been properly assessed its fine to play him. Seems a bit strange O'Driscol getting so agitated about it. I seem to recall his nephew coming back on after much worse last season. North shouldnt have played on though. Reminds me of that flanker, the one who had the dreads, for Aus v the Lions its a disgrace.
Had it been Ashton on Fords shoulder here not Haskel this would have been a try.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31250806 [b]
Probably. But then again, he'd probably have tried to tackle Hibbard by the hair and get carded.
Wade would have scored that too.
Interesting to see that the WRFU have admitted that North should have been taken off. Given the focus on concussion at the moment, will there be any fall out?
I can see a valid argument for wade. He likely would score a few tries, but lets be honest, he'd be targetted in defence and it's not just his tackling. He's about 4ft2 and he'd have cross field kicks rammed down his throat. As for Ashton? Maybe we'll see him again, maybe not. He started for the Saxons ahead of Wade so he obviously has some credit.
Watson is already a very good player. May needs to start coming into the line and looking for a bit more ball (as Ashton does). If that happens, he could be very potent.
Oh, and I hope Gatland listens to Duckman. George needs a little rest.
I hope Gatland listens to Duckman. George needs a little rest
I hope he listens to medical experts.
Ashton should not be allowed an England shirt purely for his effing ridiculous swallow dives. One day he's going to drop the ball mid-flight and won't he look like an even bigger bellend then. I hate arrogance and showmanship in rugby. Get over the line, get the effing ball on the ground as quickly as possible and get on with the game. Hmmph!
Wade's given a pretty good account of himself in Europe this year. The try he scored in Dublin was fantastic. If he doesn't get a shot, we'll never know. However Nowell and Roko are both ahead of him. Watson is playing well and May has credit after the autumn.
I think Wales need to add some variety to their game...you kind of know what they'll try and do. Guys like Liam Williams seems to offer something different to North and Curthbert. This weekends game against Scotland is a biggie. They'll be a pan at the breakdown and will look to play fast which could cause Wales problems if they're flatfooted and lacklustre again.
Wade's given a pretty good account of himself in Europe this year.
So has Ashton! He's scored more tries than Wade in the euro cup.
I know he's a difficult bloke to like, but I don't care. I want tries and wins!
Ashton's no wonder winger, but appears to be able to read a game wel and pop up in the right places to score. If May could do that, there'd be no doubt about continuing with who's there. However, it appears he just can't.
Mind you, Ashton is a hateful little thug who needs a good shoeing a lot of the time so I'm in no hurry to see him return for England, I'd rather have Vanrdel!
So has Ashton! He's scored more tries than Wade in the euro cup.
I know he's a difficult bloke to like, but I don't care. I want tries and wins!
He just won't bring that form to the international stage - his last few caps whilst in supposed good form for Sarries have been dire. I really do think that his international career is over. Thank God.
@ashton has no discipline, he's not a team player. He was repeatedly asked not to swallow dive but insisted on doing so and disrespected the coaching staff. We don't need him in he squad thank you very much.
Meh Ashton...
lost all interest in seeing him play when he dragged Alesana Tuilagi off by his hair.
I know he's a difficult bloke to like,
and there's the rub it can be dispiriting hanging around with a **** - so I guess he'd be bad for the English team spirit
I hate arrogance and showmanship in rugby. Get over the line, get the effing ball on the ground as quickly as possible and get on with the game. Hmmph!
http://theeastterrace.com/pyke.shtml
Well unless May does a bit more (as tinybits correctly says), I don't think we have seen the last of Ashton.
You all love him really. 😀
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I mean, come on....look at that not at all punchable face....
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Wade is not only the best finisher in the Premiership but he has the nous to create things for others too. He's not the worst defender despite his size and the odd bouncing ball blooper this season.
Anyway I once heard an answer to a question about Martin Offiah's poor defence which was along the lines of:
"When you got a bloke that scores tries like he does, you can pay the other twelve blokes to do the tackling."
He was brilliant in his one international start (1st Test in Argentina 2012) but missed his second cap because he got called up to the Lions. Injury has since kept him out.
SL is big on "credit in the bank" but, for me, Johnny May's only credit has been his exceptional try against the ABs. A mediocre 6N last year plus several other average performances should have him deep into the red.
I don't think Nowell has quite enough gas to be an international winger.
I bet you if they polled other wings in the 6N as to which Englishman they'd least like to face - Wade would be the most comon answer. May's pace would frighten people too but his ability to run sideways wouldn't.
I mean, come on....look at that not at all punchable face....
Love him or loathe him, I did admire the way he took all those punches in the face from Manu Tuilagi without going down "in the manner of an association footballer."
I wonder why Ashtons diving is hated but Shanes much better dives werent.
He's not the worst defender despite his size and the odd bouncing ball blooper this season.
He's certainly one of them.
Fair point a_a, Shane's dives never wound me up like Ashton's, and he was a Welshman 😉
EDIT: in fact they didn't wind me up at all, I loved watching him play. Strange that.
Some of Shane's best work was against Scotland,but he clearly loved rugby and seemed to love playing. Ashton plays to promote "Brand Ashton" I am suprised he didn't try to patent the splash.
Interesting article on Rory Best's concussion
Ashton took that punch better than Matt Smith took Hartley's elbow a few weeks ago!
This is why I'd use Yarde. He is a powerful runner, and follows the ball like Ashton, yet doesn't come with the Ashton attitude. But he can pick lines and runs into spaces not people.
He does however have the same defensive frailty as all of the above and isn't a kicker. Guess you cant have everything.
Another Anthony watson please. His brother is a very good england 7s player apparently. Get him in!!!
Yarde was absolutely awful in the Saxons game the other day, and has been pretty crap the few times that I've seen him in the prem this year too.
Ashton is an utter ****, but if we;ve finally got a midfield capable of passing him decent ball then I can think of worse things that could happen....like Farrell getting back into the team!
Anyway, we all know that Tom Varndell is the best winger in Europe. End of 🙂
Varndel makes shane williams look like brian lima
Varndel makes shane williams look like brian lima
I don't get it. And I want to because he's coming to bristol!
Varndell can tackle, and so could Shane! Not like the chiropractor granted.
Not many were/are like Lima.
That was a superbly timed tackle. He sort of looked like he was keen to make sure Hougaard was OK before carrying on as well. I like to think he was.
That's the right way to play. Hard, but fair.
Varndell is a quality club player but no more. Yarde has the physique and running ability but has looked all at sea lately on a rugby field. Wade has real potential and I'd love to see him get a few games under his belt for England. It is weird that there is the perception that he doesn't fit the mold of an international wing where certain defensive duties are expected- North and Cuthbert can't kick or defend, Ashton is yet to learn the meaning of the word tackle... in fact I can't think of many home Nations wings known for there defensive solidness.... yet many are flippin' good at scoring tries! Wade has the ability to do exactly that... but it seems too logical 😆