The rugby

[Dogtrousers]

Is there an ex player, or soon-to-be-ex player (Not a clue why Dan Biggar comes to mind, but he's a really combative guy, for sure, and he's starting to branch out into different coaching fields) who can step up and be backed for a couple of seasons?

I suspect that the problems go too deep for an ex player to fix. If someone with Gatland's long and deep rugby experience can't seem to do anything at all I doubt if an ex-player with no real coaching or managerial experience would do better.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I suspect that the problems go too deep for an ex player to fix. If someone with Gatland's long and deep rugby experience can't seem to do anything at all I doubt if an ex-player with no real coaching or managerial experience would do better.

No, I didn't think they would, but at least there would be an eye to the future was my thought. Sam W is a good shout for the role, as suggested by @Rusty Nails (who's a bit pessimistic about Wales players' Lions inclusion I think. I'd take Jac Morgan)

 

[Rusty Nails]

I suspect that the problems go too deep for an ex player to fix. If someone with Gatland's long and deep rugby experience can't seem to do anything at all I doubt if an ex-player with no real coaching or managerial experience would do better.

The higher echelons of the WRU would make Will Carling's old farts of the RFU seem like revolutionaries.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I'll be rooting for Scotland this afternoon. Not because I'm pro Scots or anti Irish but because it would give us 4 sides on P2 W1 L1 including both favourites, Fr and Irl

Oh well ....

 

[Mo1959]

Oh well ....

They’ve been poor and Ireland are really dominating.

 

[AndyRM]

I don't think we were poor, more that Ireland were on a different level. They were especially lethal at the breakdown.

Prendergast is a pretty special player.

 

[geocycle]

Decent and consistent performance from Ireland. Scotland blown away early then tried hard to get back despite the injuries. VdM continues to impress and is a Lion for me, as did Porter and Gibson Park.

 

[AndyRM]

Decent and consistent performance from Ireland. Scotland blown away early then tried hard to get back despite the injuries. VdM continues to impress and is a Lion for me, as did Porter and Gibson Park.

Yeah, Finn and Darcy going off early didn't help our cause.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Next up in two weeks we have Wales v Ireland and Italy v France. Hard to imagine either going against form.

Plus England v Scotland at whatever Twickenham is called these days. Significantly harder to call.

Absolutely key for Borthwick's England. Win and they can claim progress is being made. Lose and they still only have one victory of worth since the last 6N.

Let's face it they are expected to beat (and probably will beat) Italy and Wales. So for the 6N it's all about this one.

 

[geocycle]

England v Scotland will be a pivotal match for both sides. Win and second place is a possibilty, lose and mid table beckons.

Yeah, Finn and Darcy going off early didn't help our cause.

These, on top of the other injuries they actually did pretty well.

 

[matticus]

IMO two of the French tries were very lcuky. Not that it bothers me, I'm a very happy England fan with the result, 1 point is plenty! (and we scored more tries ...)

Their first was entirely down to an England pass going straight to the hands of a French "goal-hanger" who had got left behind by the kick chase 30 seconds earlier. Watch 33secs in here
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkHiJ7vNBVI


And I agree with Newts on this one:

France had their own luck, their 8 passed the ball forward 2 yards in the lead up to their final try?
View attachment 761663

View attachment 761664

I get that the officials allow a flat pass where the player is moving forward, but if you watch this the pass was impossible due an England defender in the way - French 8 HAD to pass forwards to get round the white shirt!
Watch from 7:09
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkHiJ7vNBVI


(you can also the see sloppy French pass that went straight to an England hand, then bounced around a bit ... :P )

 

[Dogtrousers]

Darcy Graham is out of hospital, diagnosed with concussion. He will "follow concussion protocols".

Hope all is well with him. Concussion can be a nasty business.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport...ury-update-scotland-six-nations-b2695334.html

 

[BrumJim]

France, Italy and Scotland are my picks for the day. We've got to break our streak against Ireland at some point and today is as good as any.

ETA - got my days muddled up, so I'll actually be able to watch the game tomorrow, hooray!

1/3. A good reminder as to why I never bet on sports events. Although a Tadej Pogacar win might be worth a shot?

 

[matticus]

Darcy Graham is out of hospital, diagnosed with concussion. He will "follow concussion protocols".

Hope all is well with him. Concussion can be a nasty business.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport...ury-update-scotland-six-nations-b2695334.html

That one was a bit worrying. both players on the ground for quite some time.

Russell made me laugh though - once he was on his feet he showed off his core skills by starting an argument with a medical official

 

[BrumJim]

England v Scotland will be a pivotal match for both sides. Win and second place is a possibilty, lose and mid table beckons.


These, on top of the other injuries they actually did pretty well.

I'm going to call this one as an England win. They've stopped their last minute loosing habit, and don't have a sufficient winning habit yet to succumb to arrogance. Scotland will be short of a couple of their stars to HIA protocols.