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 [i]that[/i] bad.
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 😉
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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.
+1
Scotland by 1 , in a cracking high scoring match
Hope so, for only the second game it's quite a high stake match up. Scotland lost the last 20 odd I think, Wales smarting from a home loss.
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
