The rugby

[Dogtrousers]

With Marcus Smith at fullback they have an attacking threat but a vulnerability under the high ball.

Admittedly I only watched the second half and I wasn't exactly keeping count of errors but I did note Smith handling a few high balls pretty well.

 

[Beebo]

Ok, so should we England fans be feeling nervous? England are making progress but still seem capable of defensive brain farts. Wales are definitely on the up and are experts at spoiling England's party in London (Wembley Grand Slam spoiler 1999, Twickenham RWC spoiler 2015 plus the "6 minutes of madness" 6N match at Twickenham in 2008)

If I was betting I'd still back England, because this Wales team when they are bad are worse than this England team when they are bad, but I wouldn't be staking a whole lot on it.

Prediction: England to win a terrible but tense match.

We all know Wales will be more motivated for this game than any other.
England will be ready to weather an early storm and I wouldn’t be surprised if we get rolled over.
Our position in the table is flattering. I don’t think any English fans think they have been the 2nd best team. But it shows how close the games are.

 

[Dogtrousers]

We all know Wales will be more motivated for this game than any other.
England will be ready to weather an early storm and I wouldn’t be surprised if we get rolled over.
Our position in the table is flattering. I don’t think any English fans think they have been the 2nd best team. But it shows how close the games are.

Generally agree with the sentiments except for the position in the table bit. I don't particularly like bonus points, or points difference. It all comes down to matches won, and at present there are three teams on P4 W3. So in my book there are three teams equal top of the table.

I'm old enough to nostalgically remember the days of shared championships. What next? A 6n "Grand Final?"

Saying "the scoreline flattered X" or - in this case "position in the table flatters ..." is all a bit too "coulda woulda shoulda" for me. But I do see what you mean about England not being the second best team. I just don't think that's what the table is (or should be IMO) for. It's to show who is leading or has won the championship. Which is a different thing.