Great win by Wales yesterday despite being short of so many key players. If they get the early good fortune they enjoyed against Scotland they could spring a surprise next week. A fantastic day out in Cardiff yesterday only dampened on the way home when a crowd of Scum got on the train at Reading.
I think those predicting an English grand slam, and - by all accounts - a walk in the park, should be paying close attention to this game..
Not entirely sure what happened to the Scottish yesterday, but the Ireland v France game was very much two decent teams canceling each-other out, and the French relying on a solid defence for large chunks of the game.
A couple of people said there needs to be an independent doctor, but there already is. I think the bigger issue is that if you coach the players to tell the doctor that their head feels funny, or that it took a slight knock, no doctor is going to risk not issuing a HIA.
Too many forward passes in the game but harsh to penalise Italy for a guy who was stationery. Minutes b4 England had a try cancelled for dropping the ball, not for the forward pass that led to the chance.
I agree, mate. Lots of possession, most of which is in good places too.
A remarkable difference when you compare it to the same fixture last year, and their bizarre tactics to avoid rucks/offsides. (One of the stranger highlights of that match was seeing players ask the referee to explain the laws of the game)
Very decent final 20 from England, as soon as that bonus point was wrapped up - they seemed to play with a bit more confidence, and find more space to exploit. Still worth commending the Italians for an uncharacteristically strong performance though!
Decent performances from England and Wales. Thought the Italians were a different proposition today. Still struggle in the last 10/15 minutes, but they are coming on in terms of style (less attritional, bit more flair) than recent years. Scotland very disappointing after a decent autumn series.
Not seen much comment on the conditions in Paris, which were atrocious. I thought it was a cracking game, with 2 strong teams, handling well given the elements. Heard Guscott earlier absolutely fulsome in his praise of that last 41 phase play & a stunning drop goal, given Sexton had been stretching his hamstring 24/25 phases in.
Comments
Not entirely sure what happened to the Scottish yesterday, but the Ireland v France game was very much two decent teams canceling each-other out, and the French relying on a solid defence for large chunks of the game.
A couple of people said there needs to be an independent doctor, but there already is. I think the bigger issue is that if you coach the players to tell the doctor that their head feels funny, or that it took a slight knock, no doctor is going to risk not issuing a HIA.
Hopefully this gets dealt with, especially as they have previous - i.e Wales 2017. (Where it was found that they weren't using the HIA protocol appropriately, but it wasn't deemed to be for a competitive edge... wtf?)
A remarkable difference when you compare it to the same fixture last year, and their bizarre tactics to avoid rucks/offsides. (One of the stranger highlights of that match was seeing players ask the referee to explain the laws of the game)
All in all, a pretty decent match.
7 tries as well
Decent performances from England and Wales. Thought the Italians were a different proposition today. Still struggle in the last 10/15 minutes, but they are coming on in terms of style (less attritional, bit more flair) than recent years. Scotland very disappointing after a decent autumn series.
Not seen much comment on the conditions in Paris, which were atrocious. I thought it was a cracking game, with 2 strong teams, handling well given the elements. Heard Guscott earlier absolutely fulsome in his praise of that last 41 phase play & a stunning drop goal, given Sexton had been stretching his hamstring 24/25 phases in.
Speed, stamina and fitness - along with a very strong squad of talented powerful players are going to cause all the other teams problems.
Bigger challenge next Saturday at Twickenham. Wales need to be on top form and hope a couple of their injured better players are back.
Grand Slam for England on that performance.