The rugby

[AndyRM]

Didn't think much of either game today. The second half of our game against France was particularly strange. Playing not to lose was a daft idea.

 

[Alex321]

Wales need to learn that scoring in both halves is a good idea

Though I have no idea how that was a line out to England rather than a penalty to Wales right at the end. He made no attempt at all to go for the ball, and took out the player in the air.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I suppose the fact that the scoreline was close means that theoretically it was an exciting match.

 

[Beebo]

Wales scored nil points in the second half.

That’s something to build on, but our narrow blitz defence looks vulnerable.

 

[Chromatic]

Wales need to learn that scoring in both halves is a good idea

Though I have no idea how that was a line out to England rather than a penalty to Wales right at the end. He made no attempt at all to go for the ball, and took out the player in the air.

I agree, that could easily, and should, have been penalised.

 

[Beebo]

I agree, that could easily, and should, have been penalised.

I’d have to watch it again but I thought at the time that he was jumping into touch any way.
And Ford pulled out of a tackle.

 

[Rusty Nails]

The welsh front row are in trouble

I cannot understand why Gatland changed the front row as soon as England changed theirs. The front row up until then was matching England and it would have made sense to try them out against the new England front row for 5/10 minutes rather changing them based on pre-planned times. When Elias came on at the stage the lineout started to go astray.
No complaints about the result but it could easily have been different.

 

[matticus]

I done have a technical question based on what I done saw what is grounding but not a try...

Sorry, don't understand this bit. In Inglish, perhaps please??

Once the ref has referred it upstairs and briefed the TMO is it the case that the TMO makes the decision (no, they advise) and the ref, even if he sees from the replay that he should PROBABLY have made a different decision, is unable to reverse his initial on-field decision? No, he will reverse it if there is unambiguous evidence.

I have added bold text which I hope clarifies the situation.

It's all about the ref's initial decision. The system is designed to catch complete howlers, or things the ref had his back to etc.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I have added bold text which I hope clarifies the situation.

It's all about the ref's initial decision. The system is designed to catch complete howlers, or things the ref had his back to etc.

My grafication is without a bound for your clearance in an upwardly mobile erection.

 

[Time Waster]

They explained it on the TV.

AIUI a try needs the ball to be clearly on the ground with control and pressure. What I thought I saw was the ball roll off the foot with a hand on it. The French player had his arm towards the camera side of the ball so you do not see the ball and ground contact. Plus rolling off the boot I wonder what control is there?

I'm no expert but I did not see how it could possibly be a try without seeing ball, ground, downwards pressure and control. Did you really see all that when they replayed the play?

If Scotland had been able to put more points on France this decision would not have been questioned much. Bear in mind Ireland didn't have a close match and wouldn't be moaning about decisions.

 

[AndyRM]

Yeah. There's one shot where if the ball is touching anything other than the ground it's some kind of miracle.

I can see why the decision was made, but it's a tough one to take. As you say though, defending a six point lead was daft.

 

[figbat]

I’d have to watch it again but I thought at the time that he was jumping into touch any way.
And Ford pulled out of a tackle.

I agree. Ford had momentum and had committed but then pulled out and turned away from the tackle. He can’t simply stop dead so some contact was inevitable.

 

[Beebo]

Well after 2 rounds it is fairly clear that Ireland are head and shoulders above everyone else.
The others can all win or lose against each other on any given day.
It’s quite possible that England won’t win another game.

 

[Rusty Nails]

Well after 2 rounds it is fairly clear that Ireland are head and shoulders above everyone else.
The others can all win or lose against each other on any given day.
It’s quite possible that England won’t win another game.

Looking at France and Ireland, it is noticeable how differently they have reacted to their failure to meet expectations at the last WC.

Ireland have used at as motivation to continue their progress, while France still seem shell-shocked, made worse by the loss of their star Dupont.

 

[Dogtrousers]

It’s quite possible that England won’t win another game.

It's very possible.

Ireland, no chance, and they are at home.

Scotland and France, slim chance but they are both away.