That Andy Goode vid is hilarious! I’m glad there is still some banter & respect between players & refs.

Unless it was something different, the story goes that he was a bit worse for wear in ‘Chip Alley’, Cardiff and boasting about how he used to do some boxing and could ‘ave some Welsh boxer or other, unaware that another bloke in the queue was said boxer’s dad. The dad showed him how good a boxer he really was.

The story may be different from reality but I think it’s a good one. 🙂

I’ve always found Hogg a bit whiny / gobby in the past. Talented guy but needs to shut up.

Brown, is well Brown. He does what he does and it wasn’t that long ago that he was getting a lot or praise. He has worked on his pace; we he was first capped it looked like he was running through treacle. He is good at taking the high balls, plays with aggression and seems to give a sh!t. I think we need a bit more aggression after Bomber tried to turn us into some nice chaps that you’f like your first born daughter to bring home for dinner.

Please for Itoje getting his first start. Hopefully Daly will get a run out too – Goode can stay on the bench as far as I’m concerned. Youngs needs a big game too.

Diving in rugby is akin to tripping, god damn despicable. When I played, even your own team-mates would disown you if you tripped up an opponent.

There might be a few of Ireland’s first choice starters out but it’s still a team packed with quality. It’s going to be close – maybe the bench could be the difference

Ireland are a very different proposition to SCO & Italy. They haven’t hit their straps yet, but they won’t be short of passion playing against us. Im hoping we are better equipped to face their arial threat now, and having Itoje as a 4th back rower on the pitch will help too.

Agree. He’s a class act. Love watching him playing.

Just watched the first half of the Super Rugby opener.

Highlanders leading the Blues 24-20.

The core skills are so impressive. Players running with the ball in both hands, playing what’s in front of them and usually taking the right option – hence 5 decent tries.

When you see an opportunity looming in the 6N or AP you think – “This could be a try”. When you see a similar situation in this game you think – “It’s a try.”

Duckman – really? I think he’s just being honest. If Ireland don’t think he’s fit enough to take a legal smashing, then he shouldn’t be playing. As Jones said – in 2003 Aus targeted Wilkinsons Right side to attack.

Clearly they do as he is picked.However Jones didn’t just say they would be running at him(really;targeting a 10? What a new innovative thought!) Talking about how his parents must be concerned that he is playing in the match? That doesn’t belong in the game.

Yes

True, but he isn’t wearing white!

“We target players all the time, that is part of rugby,” said Jones scornfully. “I didn’t know teams had special laws. Are we not supposed to run at one player? Hang on, hang on, he’s got a red dot on his head, we don’t run at him. It is a really stupid question. We are going to be targeting players. But why would be run at the strongest defender? You win a game of rugby by attacking their weak points and to say that is unfair is just ridiculous. You think Ireland are not going to send (centre) Robbie Henshaw at our fly-half, George Ford. Give me a break. It is a legitimate tactic and it has been happening since Adam and Eve.”

he’s a creationist too – blimey 😉

Im looking forward to it and hoping for a good match and a Welsh win for my dear old Nan!!

Beer or wine for a Friday night match – hmmm…?

@namaste Jason Robinson was pretty limited in certain areas as. Union FB but good enough in others to be a RWC winner. I agree with @aa Brown is the least of our worries,mwe continue to have an identity crises about who to out at 12 and how to play. Its like Barmes v Andrew all over again except Farrell isn’t nearly as good as Andrew

Roll on tonight, I’ll be in a Paris bar singing the Marseilles 🙂 I anticpate being in good voice at the start, perhaos a bit quieter by the end. Comfortable Wales win.

Brown hasn’t been as good since he bumped his head.

True ducks – blimey we have crap players and a coach with a lack of understanding of the game’s history. We’re doomed, have pity on us.

Pigface – I wonder how his parents feel?

Given that Brown is apparently crap and predictable (watch where he puts the ball) what does that say about the defences that often struggle to nail him?

😀

you almost lost me too!!

Sorry THM you have lost me there

He is alluding to Jones suggesting Sexton’s parents must be worried that he has been picked.

In club news, Peter Stringer has signed an extension for Sale.
It really is a pleasure to watch him in the flesh & close up every other week. The difference in application, skill level, quickness of thought & hand, and general game reading ability between him and Cusiter (who is no bad player himself) is quite remarkable – especially given his advancing years!

Highlanders leading the Blues 24-20.

The core skills are so impressive.

Yep, great to have it back on. Such fantastic entertainment compared to the stodgy 6 Nations!