[Closed] STW 2014/15 Rugby Thread

Lima is a folk hero in bristol. We love the bloke.

Holy crap talk about hospital pass. Give your 10 a chance! Not the sort of service you want with Lima coming at you, or anyone for that matter

in fact I can't think of many home Nations wings known for there defensive solidness.... yet many are flippin' good at scoring tries!

Bowe

Bowe

Absolutely world class when on form. Pretty damn good even off form! Cracking player.

He's good, but he's no Varndell 🙂

Ashton took that punch better than Matt Smith took Hartley's elbow a few weeks ago!

Right, so one bloke takes a punch better than some other blokes takes an elbow from a completely different bloke. Makes loads of sense that!! 😕

Matt Smith took his elbow better than that Moreno

Varndell is/was probably the fastest player in the Premiership. At 7s he was absolutely brilliant. I thought he might make it for England but he never quite had the confidence in his abilities at that rarefied level.

I remember when England toured NZ a few years back. He had a chance to score in the corner and, as the quickest player on the pitch, the speed to do it. However, he hesitated slightly, not trusting himself, and chopped his stride a touch before going for the corner and getting pushed out by the covering tackler. That was when I thought he'd never make it as an international.

As for Wade's defence - anybody on here watch Wasps on a regular basis? I don't think he's that bad from what I've seen.

Gav didn't take this punch too well 😆

Bowe

We want a team of Tommy Bowes. Even when he is mediocre he is better than most.

Apparently the IRFU are looking to see if the Liverpool player Sakho has an Irish granny

Orange one to Bristol with immediate effect

I've been asked to post this because my husband cant get the internet to defend his boyfriend.

That was just a glorified swallow dive. He was trying to catch the ball and dive all the way over the try-line. There just happened to be someone in the way 😉

That's why the full back is better off jumping to take the ball as he then cannot be tackled and it allows a bit more time for support to get to him

Apparently the IRFU are looking to see if the Liverpool player Sakho has an Irish granny

Yeah and Dembele (The guy who's tackled and goes down a bit easily) has been called in by PSA as cover for Joanne Huget seeing as he's French already.......

A nice read

[url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/11404665/How-England-forgot-Harry-Walker-its-oldest-surviving-rugby-union-player.html ]Harry Walker. England's Oldest Surviving International[/url]

North out Williams in due to one too many bangs on the head. Otherwise unchanged as long as Lee recovers from his bang on the head (please god). Gethin still in at least its a sunday..who will be the scottish tighthead? Wales best hope is if scotland try and run it a lot, we are screwed if they kick to the corners and pressure the lineout.

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

Yarde has looked a bit squiffy since moving to 'Quinns. He is quick but he seems to lack any form of rugby brain - some of his decisions (when to kick, pass, take contact etc) are awful from what I've seen at Quinns. He looked better for a poor Irish side.

Cuthbert also seems to have the turning circle of an oil tanker when the ball is put in behind him.

Right, so one bloke takes a punch better than some other blokes takes an elbow from a completely different bloke. Makes loads of sense that!!

I meant that Manu's punch was something else - he did really well to not go down like a sakc of spuds whereas Smith dropped like a footballer when given 'a bit of an elbow' (Dorrian West's words not mine).

Cuthbert also seems to have the turning circle of an oil tanker when the ball is put in behind him.

Whilst I agree, you need to bear in mind the fact that wales defend with the wings up leaving 1/2p to cover lots of ground. So when both him and north have to cover back they will have further to go. Will be interesting to see if Williams who can kick will drop deeper and help 1/2p more. We might see more cpunter attacking from 1/2p if he has more support although the welsh backrow rarely have one drop back either which makes counter attacking hard.

we are screwed if **INSERT NAME HERE** kick to the corners and pressure the lineout.

That's what you said before the England game too. Can we take it as read for the rest of the championship? 😉

Yep. Welsh lineout was shit and and the maul defence poor. Hence wales hardly getting out of their own half v england in the second half. If scotland try and play expansive rugby without doing the donkey work first wales have a chance. Or if we can convinced Hogg to get sent off at the start.

Minmap3 - I know what you meant, I just don't see the relavance. Just sounded like an excuse to slag off Matt Smith. And Dorian is a grade A Tosspiece!!

And yes I am a Tigers fan.

Minmap3 - I know what you meant, I just don't see the relavance. Just sounded like an excuse to slag off Matt Smith. And Dorian is a grade A Tosspiece!!

And yes I am a Tigers fan.

I'm not a supporter of either (Worcs for my sins) but Smith seemed to be looking for niggle that day and the fall did seem a bit OTT.

It'll be interesting to see how Wales cope with the pressure this weekend and what kind of game plan that they'll adopt - I'd imagine that a win is more important so expect it to be a back to basics approach. Scotland could be dangerous - they seem pretty good (annoying) at the breakdown and have worked out where the try line is. I think they'll beat a couple of teams this year and I have a feeling it may be England, Italy and one other.

The English approach to Italy will be interesting too - a big victory may be needed for points difference come the end of the 6N. With this in mind, I hope they don't look to score as soon as they get the ball. They need to create the space first. The trouble is Italy have a habit of dragging teams into a slugfest.

what kind of game plan that they'll adopt - I'd imagine that a win is more important so expect it to be a back to basics approach.

Wales played a basic game v england, they play a basic game v everyone. Crash bang kick long in field.

I hope Wales kick it long, we have a lineout I would put against any in the 6N.Should be a cracking day for it according to the met office. Should be a cracking day out

Up at Murrayfield.....looking forward to seeing finn Russell, Bennett and Hogg hopefully take the game to wales.

I just feel Scotland will be annoyed at the near miss in France so will tear into the Welsh.

England hopefully will play with some passing the forward battle should be intresting.

Ireland vs France........close call.

I think they'll beat a couple of teams this year and I have a feeling it may be England, Italy and one other.

hope Wales kick it long, we have a lineout I would put against any in the 6N.

Wales will kick long but infield and chase slowly in a big defensive line. Just like v england as we like to give lots of oppotunity for the oppositions best attacking player to get plenty of ball.

England - Italy 2013: 18-11 Eng
England - Italy 2012: 19-15 Eng

Neither convincing wins. I know we hammered them last year, but Italy do have the ability to force a real grind of a game. I do think we'll win, but I don't think its going to be a try-fest (please let me be wrong 😉 )

A-A,almost Scottish in that attitude to the way your team will play. I worry about how our centres will deal with yours,but they are both very clever and I thought the got the better of the Bath pair in the cup match.Is Ball playing or has how much more manly and luxuriant Geoff Cross's beard is made him pull a tactical hammy?

Ball is playing. AW has got rid of his beard. I take it Gods own tighthead wont be playing?
Coping with the welsh centres in easy if you take away quick lineout ball from the middle and slow down ruck ball as England did.

I'd be interested to know why you think they'll beat England enough to name them, but no mention of wales.
It's a twickenham game too. I'd be VERY surprised at anything other than a convincing England win.

No other reason than I'm English.

I can't call the Scotland / Wales game this weekend - Scotland could cause them all sorts of problems, with the pace and offloads that they are looking to put on the game. It worked well for Glasgow against Bath. But, if Wales can get their big lumps hitting it up at pace, I think they'll sneak it (Warrenball of old).

As for England vs Scotland, I just a nasty feeling that Scotland will sneak it. I guess I don't have a huge amount of faith in the English rugby team. Friday night's result was a bit of a surprise.

Also, the press will start saying that they're the second coming especially if they win well this weekend. That normally means a massive fall is justa round the corner. Scotland also seem to have found an effective way to play that the players have bought into / is largely to their strengths. I'm not so sure England have this yet.

Scotland also seem to have found an effective way to play that the players have bought into / is largely to their strengths. I'm not so sure England have this yet.

But England have a LOT more quality in the team/squad. The scots look much improved but they couldn't beat a France team who could barely string two passes together. It's been years since France looked that bad

They relied on brute strength power - it was like a poor version of a South African team. This does seem to be the French way at the mo though - the Top 14 is pretty dull to watch. They're also not helped by the massive number of foreign players.

On paper we probably do have better players (asuming that Bomber's favs aren't fit and parachuted in no matter what) but I just have a horrible feeling that we'll not live up the billing of superior team. A couple of wins and the pressure for a title / grand slam will mount in the press which writes the Scottish team talk nicely.

France have been poor for a good few years now. I think the last 3 years 6N they have finished 4th, last and 4th so I'm hopeful we can take them in Dublin. Sexton, Heaslip and SOB should be back and Healy prob on the bench.

Eng will win well against Italy. It will probably be a grind first half and then they will pull away in the second, much like Ireland last week.

Sco/Wal I think is very hard to call. On paper you would think Wal should win but if they both play like they did last week then Sco should win. I'll go with form and ancestry and say Sco by a score.

I fear the scots could be a victim of a Wales backlash. Their press have been very harsh on them, the pressure is very much on.
Ireland should beat France at a canter, they looked clueless (even more so than last year).

France have been poor for a good few years now. I think the last 3 years 6N they have finished 4th, last and 4th so I'm hopeful we can take them in Dublin. Sexton, Heaslip and SOB should be back and Healy prob on the bench.

France are looking to try and destroy Ireland up front I think. De Batty is in the team because of the job he did on Moore last year. I don't think the ball will get far beyond the pack. Fofana must be bored senseless playing in this team.

Interesting article IMO on Moldova and Sale Tight head Vadim Cobilas

[url= http://sharktankrugby.weebly.com/blog/vadim-cobilas-the-most-underrated-player-in-the-premiership ]Vadiiiimmmmm[/url]

France are looking to try and destroy Ireland up front I think. De Batty is in the team because of the job he did on Moore last year.

Moore is on the bench so should get 50 mins out of Ross.

15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14. Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
13. Jared Payne (Ulster)
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)
11. Simon Zebo (Cork Con/Munster)
10. Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro)
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)

1. Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
2. Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)
5. Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) captain
6. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)
7. Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster)
8. Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster)

Replacements
16. Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
17. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
18. Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster)
19. Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
20. Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21. Isaac Boss (Terenure/Leinster)
22. Ian Madigan (Blackrock/Leinster)
23. Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster)

Eng will win well against Italy. It will probably be a grind first half and then they will pull away in the second, much like Ireland last week.

I hope not. This Englands best chance to defend against a points difference should they lose v Ireland. The should get a 10pt lead asap, then pile on the points as quickly as they can.

Scotland won't be England at Twickers this year, lol...

Yeah, read too that part of the french plan was to bring Debaty on from the bench when Moore does for Ireland, after having the upper hand at the end of last year's match when both subbed on.
Fair enough.
Domingo is a far better player IMO, and France are weaker without him in the squad so bring it on.
Keen to see how this works out anyway, 'cos Moore's young for a prop and IMO, improved over the last year whereas Debaty's declined a little.
If Moore can hold his own against last year's nemesis, then it's top news ahead of the WC group match. Ross is capable mostly, but Ireland have been crying out for another younger prop on his side 'cos he does get done occasionally. Both did fine against Italy last week though 🙂

That Ireland team is starting to look pretty close to what I think is Joe's WC team.
personally, not convinced about Henshaw/payne 12/13 yet, but fair play to the boss for giving them time 'cos he's obviously seen something he likes.
IMO, Henshaw's the better 13 and someone like Marshall or even Madigan might be a better shout at 12 in the longer term to create a bit of space for him. payne would be great cover on the bench for outside backs. But I'm not Joe Schmidt. Can see there's still a bit of experimentation going on, but mostly to find the balance of cover on the bench for Sept IMO.
Ruddock looked like he had the bench BR spot sown up till injury, as a 6/8 who proved his worth at 7. Now henderson's back and firing, he looks nailed on to at least cover 4,5,6 (if not start, he's playing that well) so that leaves the back row slot as more of a 7/8 cover need - there for Jordi Murphy, O'Donnell or Ryan to claim if they can. Unless, ideally , Henry makes it back in time. 🙂
On that basis, think I'd have preferred to see SOB sent home to get proper fit with less risk and let the two lads who did well enough last week have another crack. if there's one player that Schmidt know's exactly what he can do, it's SOB.
It's a fairly risky strategy bring so many players back from long lay offs in the same match. couple of breakdowns like pre-match last week and it's shafted. Hopefully we won't see O'Mahony on the wing again.

North out Williams in due to one too many bangs on the head. Otherwise unchanged as long as Lee recovers from his bang on the head (please god).

That would be a no I'm afraid:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31376954

Arse, Lee out Wales sunk.

Not really, we are competitive in the scrum and were always going to be against Wales. It is the breakdown that Wales will target methinks.

The reports suggest Lee failed the last part of the return to play protocol. I hope it wasn't a test of cognitive ability otherwise he may never play again 😕 😆

Henson is playing this weekend though!

All this rugby malarky is so unpredictable. Ireland are ranked third in the world, have a great coach and look settled, Wales have had great recent 6N's and continuity in the team, France are capable of anything and England are always powerhouses of the game with a wealth of talent to draw upon. Add in an extremely exciting Scotland side and it is tough to pick a winner in any one game. Really looking forward to the weekend!

Lee is a decent scrumager. Jarvis is ****ing awful at pro 12 level and Andrews is Fourth choice for Cardiff has played about 4 professional games this season and one of those he played lock. Scotland will destroy the welsh scrum.

Henson is playing this weekend though!

V moseley isnt it. I've played them! Its a sign.

Sums it up pretty well really 😉

[img] [/img]

Jarvis is **** awful at pro 12 level

To be fair most of the Wales team are awful at pro 12 level. It does seem to take at least 1 game for the Wales squad to wake up to international matches then swing in to action.... at least that is what I am hoping!

Lee will be a loss for Wales. The back up doesn't look too handy really.

I wonder if Gats is regretting snubbing Jones? The new laws mean that he isn't what he was in the scrum but surely he still had a lot to offer?

Jones is first choice for The Blues. Andrews who is on the bench is fourth choice and has made 4 appearances for them this season one as a lock.
Jarvis is cack in the pro 12 because he's shit who else in the welsh squad is regularly stuffed out of site by their opposition?

If only The Fridge made the transition to tighthead...

Who is The Fridge?

Eifion Lewis Roberts

Haven't seen him play much lately but he can't be far off a second cap at the rate Wales are searching down the logical pecking order 😆

Thought you meant Will Perry the old Chicago Bears lineman, he was like an entire front row on his own

Are the lights at the Embra ground utterly shit, or is it the coverage?

Eifion Lewis Roberts

If Gatland thinks Adam aint fit enough.....

Eifion Lewis Roberts

Haven't seen him play much lately but he can't be far off a second cap at the rate Wales are searching down the logical pecking order

He hasn't didn't too badly this season. I went to a Tigers Sale game a couple of years ago and he was totally destroyed in the scrum. Still looks like he could get a bit fitter though.

 

England appear to be on a very bouyant mood, I think every member of this team feels they are RWC contenders for sure. This could be worrying for Italy.

If Gatland thinks Adam aint fit enough.....

You can't go around applying logic when it comes to selecting a Wales team 🙂 It wasn't a serious suggestion but I am never sure what Gatland will come up with.

This could be worrying for Italy.

If Wales are anything to go by, then if England are feeling buoyant then Italy are going to give them a good stuffing

Edinburgh just beat Ospreys. Makes life a wee bit easier for Glasgow to try and win the Pro12.

[i]Ireland should beat France at a canter[/i]

Expecting a similar Ireland performance to last week, tbh.
Bit of a grind, nothing groundbreaking - maybe a bit more mobility shifting the ball , and the french pack, around the field a bit more.
Joe's gonna want to win, but he's not gonna want to play all his cards, especially in the backs moves, to do it.
Like the Tommy Bowe try against SA - that was targetted specifically against Habbanna's defensive position - don't expect Schmitdt to reveal that sort of detail today.

It's not the most important France - Ireland match this year, more of a sparring bout.

Home advantge for Ireland by 3-5. Low scoring.

The opposite for England. The're highly unlikely to meet Italy again in Sept so it's a great chance to work on a few moves in a live test, especially on the back of last weeks confidence inspiring win.
IMO, Wales were very lucky to get away with a 5 point loss. Dissalowed try, dented post and dodgy finishing and a missed tackle gave the scoreline a poor reflection on the actual game. Wles won the first ten minutes, England the next 70.
Expect even more involvement from JJ and Watson once the pack earn the right to play.

Stars align for England by 30++

Wales - Scotland could go either way if both teams keep 15 on. Both teams stinging. Noticeable lack of all the build up shenanigans and horsepoo from campgatland this week. Think they'll be back to basics and play good hard rugby, and get more out of the decent players they've got.

Looked like all that pre-match vajazzle hit Wales, and Warburton, harder than it hit the opposition.
None of that distraction this week.

Cotter's a good smart coach and a winner, might be a bit early but expect Scotland to start winning their home games under him. Think they'll score a few too.

Scotland by 1 , in a cracking high scoring match

@loum, agreed on your England Wales review. Italy normally play a tight game and try and slow everything down especially at Twickenham, I am also expecting a fine England win this year as Italy are not at their best and we have too many midfield threats with this line up.

I expect Wale to lose by 5-10. We have no realistic expectation of lineout or scrum parity and without it Gatland Ball doesnt work and Gatland doesnt do plan B's. People saying that Gatland is beasting them in training and the lack of seemingly any backline plan maybe him keeping his cards close (as Ioum suggests with ire v fra today) which means we may see a fresher wales team who are not so lacking of spark.
Whatever happens I expect Adam will be laughing his cock off when Jarvis gets his head rammed up his arse at the first scrum. He'll be laughing even more when when Andrews comes on and is the first welshman launched into space!

Are the lights at the Embra ground utterly shit, or is it the coverage?

Need both fans to turn up to put a 50p in the meter, obviously only 1 went along last night.

Are the lights at the Embra ground utterly shit, or is it the coverage?

Embra's ground is Murrayfield, unfortunately there is some other team playing a pretty big match there this weekend. When Scotland are at home Edinburgh use Meggetland. Meggetland where the game was played is effectively a council run facility and as such it's not too bad to be fair, the lights obviously aren't up to Murrayfield standards, nor is the pitch.

Ireland v France.

Depends on which French team turns up. They could blow their cheeks out, have a bit of a strop with each other and capitulate. Or it could be close for most of the game, then they turn on some French Flare and Ireland will be chasing ghosts in the last ten minutes and France sneak it.

All that said though, Ireland by 5.

England v Italy.

Italy will try to get on top of the pack, try to defend their way to a respectable loss, but all in vane.

England by 20.

Scotland v Wales.

Both have points to prove, but Wales more so. The Welsh will have to prove their places to Gats-Lord. Depends on how wet it is? Scrappy game with lots of handling errors, but top draw Gatland-Hulk-smash-ball, but not finish anything off. 1/2p to kick Wales to a close win.

Wales by 3.

England by 35
Ireland by 10...sexton playing
Scotland by 3 to 5

Cotter's a good smart coach and a winner, might be a bit early but expect Scotland to start winning their home games under him. Think they'll score a few too.

Scotland by 1 , in a cracking high scoring match

We have no realistic expectation of lineout or scrum parity and without it Gatland Ball doesnt work and Gatland doesnt do plan B's. People saying that Gatland is beasting them in training and the lack of seemingly any backline plan maybe him keeping his cards close (as Ioum suggests with ire v fra today) which means we may see a fresher wales team who are not so lacking of spark.

Think "cards close" is a good description of last weeks selection. Pretty sure that Tipuric and LWilliams will be playing come Sept, and they add that little bit of variety that makes Wales so much more dangerous - both have a step and a pass which can make the big carriers far more effective in who they steamroll.
Don't think Wales wanted to allow England the chance to practice against them. Might see a bit before the end of 6N against non WC group teams.
All that prematch bollox about North not playing was proved to be so by the fact he didn't come off even sparko.
personally think it was pure smoke and mirrors and he'll never "drop" him, it's Cuthbert that he's gonna replace but he wouldn't want too draw attention to why/weaknesses.

Second half last week all four of Roberts, North, Davies and Cuthbert were stopped and stripped in the 10 channel 'cos England's back row knew exactly where to be. Tip and Williams will improve the side, both attack and defense.
Interesting scrum stat - second half last week Wales won 4 , England won 2 and 1 penalty each - it's not all hope lost for them yet.

Of course it's not lost, Wales remain a good team. AA is playing Gatty-games on the forum, that's all!

Hope the Italy match is not too scrappy and Fr and Ireland a humdinger

Then I need to cook Val Dat dinner!!

No mind games Jarvis is a poor 3. Andrews has played mostly semi pro all season. Gatland ball works best with a dominant scrum. It also needs quick ball from the middle or back of lineout to launch Roberts. They were all stripped because the england backrow had not been drawn in as the welsh tight five offers no carrying threat or mauling threat leaving Haskel et al to do as they pleased.

How did Haskell play? I have forgotten!! 😉

Anyway you should still beat a semi-resurgent [s]Swe.[/s] Scottish XV Please do, otherwise Nicol will be even worse than normal. 😉

Haskel did well but had an easy ride but still failed to score when it seemed easier to do so and was at fault for the welsh try.

Oops

Not good news for England

Not a great start for England. Parisse is class though.

Hope Brown is OK.

Not at all convinced Billy had contact when the ball was over the try line- seemed to drop it.

JJ is class again but May butchered a clear chance in good old fashioned England style!

If Italy could kick their goals and not run themselves in to trouble half the time then England would have a tough job on their hands

Haha. Not really so tough. Leaked two tries but the scoreline says it all really.

I'm amazed this thread thrives ion STW. Surely all those Barbour wearing, privately educated, middle class Twickenham twonks, singing 'swing low etc, are the antithesis of everything this site is about?