http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/26484739

Charteris out Jake the Beard in. Massive blow to the already weak welsh lineout. England will just need to kick to the corners and put two men on AW. Jake Ball has not been rhrown the ball once in any lineout in 1 1/2 games!!!

But tinybits…The Times is all about England’s new attacking style,so what is this boring rugby you talk about. Oh and they have even gone to the trouble of explaining to us non believers why Brown is the better 15, thats a STW argument settled then.

Tinybits he’s a 22 yearold lock who has one season as a pro behind him. He shows promise but isnt near the quality of Lawes or Launchbury. He looked out on his feet after 20 mins v France but stuck to the task well.

Can’t disagree with any of a_a’s assessments of Wales vs England. It would be very surprising to see England lose at Twickenham. Yes, Wales have most of the big names back in the starting line up but the form and game time between them isn’t great at all. If the England pack don’t dominate everything outside of the scrums I’d also be very surprised. After that they just need to find a back to fall over the try line with the ball in hand 😆

Also surprised not to see Zebo playing. He looked at least 3 or 4 times as fast as anyone else on the pitch last weekend. What has he been up to off the field?

Just been away for a surprise birthday treat – wife booked Pennyhill Park not knowing that it was England RU HQ. As we arrived Andy Farrell parks next to us. Amazing set up for them with the rugby pitch and their own mega gym and basement area to keep themselves to themselves and watch the videos etc. But the players come into the bar and the spa. My neck hurts from rubber necking. Had nice chats with the Kiwi (told him to stay on for the full 80m!!!), Burrell, Launchbury (really nice bloke) and Robbo. Watched Parling and a few squad guys I didn’t recognise having some Physio in the pool. Had a good discussion about the line out with JL who was praising the kiwi!!!

The backs – Care and Burrell etc looked ripped and v strong but not impossibly so. You think you could at least attempt 😉 to tackle them. But (even as an ex hooker albeit with flankers physique) I could not imagine trying to get my arms around Hartley and the other forewards. His shoulders and upper body are like a barn door that shut out the light. Ditto Robshaw, Parling, Launchbury. The physical bulk is awesome. Wife and I in the hot tub with the England captain this lunchtime – had to be done on my birthday!!

Impressive how approachable they are. Then Andy Flowers turned up and we had a chat about the cricket. Was tempted to ask about KP but thought better of it.

All over now and can stop feeling like an excited schoolboy.

A yard of maximuscle!!!!

England U20 50-0 Wales U20 so far, plus Wales down to 14. Ouch, that’s a bit of a kicking.

In other news, is there any rugby player who hasn’t boffed Kelly Brook?

Are you under 20? Think they could do with the help!

@teamhurtmore – excellent.

BOD plays his last game in Dublin tomorrow. Can’t be arsed with the how good was he debate but here are a few words from the kids at Temple Street (children’s hospital, for whom he’s done lots of work over the years).

[video]http://youtu.be/DbKyzAruRMA[/video]

A try would be nice for him tomorrow.

The best NH player of the professional age, stands comparison with the likes of Cater, Mcaw and Gregan. Sometimes could be a bit of a **** in the pitch but all driven competitors have that. The try for the 2001 lions where he goes through the middle and steps the full back is my favourite.
[video]http://m.youtube.com/?gl=GB&hl=en-GB#/watch?v=9JLASzADsaI[/video]

not as good looking as Gav though 😉

I think he winded himself going for it against the Italian. 😆 Lovely combination with the hands of BOD for that one.

Come on you’re Ireland not the Harlem **** Globetrotters

Oh dear. Might wake Ireland up and stop them arsing around.

Lovely delivery from O’D for that try! 😉

I don’t know, it worked well before half time. 😀