England - the third round

[Graigwen]

Have we almost got a consensus?

If Halfpenny is not fit/does not play, then Liam at full back and the wings pick themselves. It probably also means Biggar starts for experience and kicking, although Sheedy's kicking is usually good, better than two weeks ago.

No problem at scrum half.

So our only reservations are over JD2 at 12. I agree with the doubts expressed by Son of Mathonwy, Sandydragon and Wallpaperman.

.

[Sandydragon]

Have we almost got a consensus?

If Halfpenny is not fit/does not play, then Liam at full back and the wings pick themselves. It probably also means Biggar starts for experience and kicking, although Sheedy's kicking is usually good, better than two weeks ago.

No problem at scrum half.

So our only reservations are over JD2 at 12. I agree with the doubts expressed by Son of Mathonwy, Sandydragon and Wallpaperman.

.

I think much of the team picks itself based on recent performances. Centre is a particular hotspot both for starting place and for the bench. Otherwise thats our best team I'd suggest (factoring in injuries although even then there aren't that many changes - Anscombe for Biggar being the most obvious and the inclusion of Tomos Williams).

[normanski]

Have we almost got a consensus?

If Halfpenny is not fit/does not play, then Liam at full back and the wings pick themselves. It probably also means Biggar starts for experience and kicking, although Sheedy's kicking is usually good, better than two weeks ago.

No problem at scrum half.

So our only reservations are over JD2 at 12. I agree with the doubts expressed by Son of Mathonwy, Sandydragon and Wallpaperman.

.

Team’s out and is as forecast in WoL.

I hope playing JD2 isn’t a risk too far with both Williams and Watkin available and in form. Halaholo seems a good fit on the bench but how he would perform over sixty minutes if someone is injured very early in the game is open to debate. Let’s hope the conditioning team have been working with him to bring him up to international speed.

We really have to target the Ford/Farrell channels to slow their game down and disrupt their possession and kicking options - we have a backrow to do just that. Navidi especially will want to lay down an early marker.

Picking Fatty George instead of LCD is a mistake which may come back to haunt EJ. The same can be said of Daly who looks like he’s gone off the boil!

[Sandydragon]

The injury thing is a bit concerning as our attrition rate was insanely high in the Ireland game. England will be just as physical, hopefully it was just a bit of rust against the Irish.

[Which Tyler]

Anyone offering odds for "Farrell's shoulder to North's head, North unconscious, but not replaced; no sanction for Farrell"?

[Sandydragon]

Just seen the England team. No surprises there and its going to be hugely physical. I hope we can retain some possession and get our back 3 and North some decent ball in some space.

[normanski]

Anyone offering odds for "Farrell's shoulder to North's head, North unconscious, but not replaced; no sanction for Farrell"?

I know you said it in jest but no rugby fan would want that to be the case.

Looking forward to the game. The Ireland game was pivotal for Pivac and his future and he sort of came through OK and is building a side; this game is pivotal for EJ’s future because all he seems to be doing is building a dysfunctional heavyweight team.

Wales at this moment appear to be the better balanced and creative side.

Game on!

[Numbers]

Have we almost got a consensus?

If Halfpenny is not fit/does not play, then Liam at full back and the wings pick themselves. It probably also means Biggar starts for experience and kicking, although Sheedy's kicking is usually good, better than two weeks ago.

No problem at scrum half.

So our only reservations are over JD2 at 12. I agree with the doubts expressed by Son of Mathonwy, Sandydragon and Wallpaperman.

.

Team’s out and is as forecast in WoL.

I hope playing JD2 isn’t a risk too far with both Williams and Watkin available and in form. Halaholo seems a good fit on the bench but how he would perform over sixty minutes if someone is injured very early in the game is open to debate. Let’s hope the conditioning team have been working with him to bring him up to international speed.

We really have to target the Ford/Farrell channels to slow their game down and disrupt their possession and kicking options - we have a backrow to do just that. Navidi especially will want to lay down an early marker.

Picking Fatty George instead of LCD is a mistake which may come back to haunt EJ. The same can be said of Daly who looks like he’s gone off the boil!

Not really, he played 47 minutes against Scotland.

I have no concerns about John Davies at 12, I would probably gone with Halaholo if Sheedy was at 10 but I'm excited to see what those two can do at the business end of the game.

The side looks strong and it's great to see Navidi back with the industrious Botham waiting in the wings.

[Which Tyler]

I know you said it in jest but no rugby fan would want that to be the case.

Oh I absolutely don't want it to happen, it just has this feeling of inevitable pending doom - like Brexit or an England (and Wales) batting collapse

[Digby]

Anyone offering odds for "Farrell's shoulder to North's head, North unconscious, but not replaced; no sanction for Farrell"?

I know you said it in jest but no rugby fan would want that to be the case.

Looking forward to the game. The Ireland game was pivotal for Pivac and his future and he sort of came through OK and is building a side; this game is pivotal for EJ’s future because all he seems to be doing is building a dysfunctional heavyweight team.

Wales at this moment appear to be the better balanced and creative side.

Game on!

I was assuming you'd respond to Farrell's thuggery by elbowing into the conversation with some Liam Williams chat.

Though why you think Wales look more creative I don't get. Both sides look insipid in attack. England did try a little bit last time but only against Italy, if England try again against Wales that actually would be a positive (unless they lose and just give up on attack again). But Wales, they've barely done anything against 14 men, twice. The two wins is perhaps a useful chance to push on again after a poor series of results but I've seen more creativity from a corpse

[Sandydragon]

Anyone offering odds for "Farrell's shoulder to North's head, North unconscious, but not replaced; no sanction for Farrell"?

I know you said it in jest but no rugby fan would want that to be the case.

Looking forward to the game. The Ireland game was pivotal for Pivac and his future and he sort of came through OK and is building a side; this game is pivotal for EJ’s future because all he seems to be doing is building a dysfunctional heavyweight team.

Wales at this moment appear to be the better balanced and creative side.

Game on!

I was assuming you'd respond to Farrell's thuggery by elbowing into the conversation with some Liam Williams chat.

Though why you think Wales look more creative I don't get. Both sides look insipid in attack. England did try a little bit last time but only against Italy, if England try again against Wales that actually would be a positive (unless they lose and just give up on attack again). But Wales, they've barely done anything against 14 men, twice. The two wins is perhaps a useful chance to push on again after a poor series of results but I've seen more creativity from a corpse

We scored 4 tries against Scotland, 2 of which came when Scotland were fully manned. We have a habit of finishing pretty much every chance we create.

Our issue is that we spend long periods without the ball which is somewhat concerning.Whilst we aren't setting the world on fire, neither are we as lacking in creativity as England where is just get big men running hard and wait for and overlap.

[Digby]

I know you said it in jest but no rugby fan would want that to be the case.

Looking forward to the game. The Ireland game was pivotal for Pivac and his future and he sort of came through OK and is building a side; this game is pivotal for EJ’s future because all he seems to be doing is building a dysfunctional heavyweight team.

Wales at this moment appear to be the better balanced and creative side.

Game on!

I was assuming you'd respond to Farrell's thuggery by elbowing into the conversation with some Liam Williams chat.

Though why you think Wales look more creative I don't get. Both sides look insipid in attack. England did try a little bit last time but only against Italy, if England try again against Wales that actually would be a positive (unless they lose and just give up on attack again). But Wales, they've barely done anything against 14 men, twice. The two wins is perhaps a useful chance to push on again after a poor series of results but I've seen more creativity from a corpse

We scored 4 tries against Scotland, 2 of which came when Scotland were fully manned. We have a habit of finishing pretty much every chance we create.

Our issue is that we spend long periods without the ball which is somewhat concerning.Whilst we aren't setting the world on fire, neither are we as lacking in creativity as England where is just get big men running hard and wait for and overlap.

Both those tries against 15 came off lineouts from memory, and England could claim they've scored some great tries off lineouts under Eddie, none of which would suggest to me England've got much in the way of an attack so I'd apply the same thinking to Wales. And I'm sure at least one of those tries they only played once they had a penalty advantage.

Both sides in the normal way have little to fall back on other than kicking it away, and both cite there aren't any better options in test rugby because of the pressure, they might be right but it does still leave them with little in the way of attack

[Sandydragon]

I was assuming you'd respond to Farrell's thuggery by elbowing into the conversation with some Liam Williams chat.

Though why you think Wales look more creative I don't get. Both sides look insipid in attack. England did try a little bit last time but only against Italy, if England try again against Wales that actually would be a positive (unless they lose and just give up on attack again). But Wales, they've barely done anything against 14 men, twice. The two wins is perhaps a useful chance to push on again after a poor series of results but I've seen more creativity from a corpse

We scored 4 tries against Scotland, 2 of which came when Scotland were fully manned. We have a habit of finishing pretty much every chance we create.

Our issue is that we spend long periods without the ball which is somewhat concerning.Whilst we aren't setting the world on fire, neither are we as lacking in creativity as England where is just get big men running hard and wait for and overlap.

Both those tries against 15 came off lineouts from memory, and England could claim they've scored some great tries off lineouts under Eddie, none of which would suggest to me England've got much in the way of an attack so I'd apply the same thinking to Wales. And I'm sure at least one of those tries they only played once they had a penalty advantage.

Both sides in the normal way have little to fall back on other than kicking it away, and both cite there aren't any better options in test rugby because of the pressure, they might be right but it does still leave them with little in the way of attack

I agree that we kick far too much, sadly that is a problem with many of the top teams.

[Digby]

We scored 4 tries against Scotland, 2 of which came when Scotland were fully manned. We have a habit of finishing pretty much every chance we create.

Our issue is that we spend long periods without the ball which is somewhat concerning.Whilst we aren't setting the world on fire, neither are we as lacking in creativity as England where is just get big men running hard and wait for and overlap.

Both those tries against 15 came off lineouts from memory, and England could claim they've scored some great tries off lineouts under Eddie, none of which would suggest to me England've got much in the way of an attack so I'd apply the same thinking to Wales. And I'm sure at least one of those tries they only played once they had a penalty advantage.

Both sides in the normal way have little to fall back on other than kicking it away, and both cite there aren't any better options in test rugby because of the pressure, they might be right but it does still leave them with little in the way of attack

I agree that we kick far too much, sadly that is a problem with many of the top teams.

And your lot kick badly too. Especially if Davies is at 9 to exasperate. harsh on Davies too 'cause it looks like he's not bad at a running game and then he's constantly asked to execute what would seem to be his first ever kick in rugby over and over

[MrK]

Im seeing on the English board, that thay are trying to talk themselves into being underdogs because they arent playing well, then talking themselves out of it by saying this Welsh team have been way over hyped (where !?) and that across the board they have better players except maybe Adams and Williams and that they'll dominate the Lions. So all is normal in the world again...does this mean COVID is over?

[Sandydragon]

Im seeing on the English board, that thay are trying to talk themselves into being underdogs because they arent playing well, then talking themselves out of it by saying this Welsh team have been way over hyped (where !?) and that across the board they have better players except maybe Adams and Williams and that they'll dominate the Lions. So all is normal in the world again...does this mean COVID is over?

It's just confusion. Normally before any match the English media has blown the team up out of all proportion, now they aren't so sure. This game is genuinely unpredictable in many ways since neither side is really on fire (far from it). I'm happy with the fact that we have scored 6 tries against top class opposition to none for the English (not counting Italy in that judgement) so we are executing our chances much better. The issue is more about getting the ball and retaining it for me, in the right part of the pitch we are quite capable of scoring.

This will be a massive game for our pack. Win or get parity up front and I hugely four our chances. If we get mashed in the forward then we are praying for a miracle and it will be a long afternoon of defending line out drives and big men running off the English halfbacks.

I'm not sure that anyone is overhyping this Welsh team, but we are a bit more confident after 2 wins compared to the direness of our Autumn campaign.

[Zhivago]

Anyone offering odds for "Farrell's shoulder to North's head, North unconscious, but not replaced; no sanction for Farrell"?

I know you said it in jest but no rugby fan would want that to be the case.

Looking forward to the game. The Ireland game was pivotal for Pivac and his future and he sort of came through OK and is building a side; this game is pivotal for EJ’s future because all he seems to be doing is building a dysfunctional heavyweight team.

Wales at this moment appear to be the better balanced and creative side.

Game on!

I was assuming you'd respond to Farrell's thuggery by elbowing into the conversation with some Liam Williams chat.

Though why you think Wales look more creative I don't get. Both sides look insipid in attack. England did try a little bit last time but only against Italy, if England try again against Wales that actually would be a positive (unless they lose and just give up on attack again). But Wales, they've barely done anything against 14 men, twice. The two wins is perhaps a useful chance to push on again after a poor series of results but I've seen more creativity from a corpse

Average 4 points per visit to the 22. That's a pretty clinical rate. France was about 2.5 against Ireland, and Scotland, England, and Ireland are less than 2 per visit. We just need better possession and territory.

[Hooky]

Anyone offering odds for "Farrell's shoulder to North's head, North unconscious, but not replaced; no sanction for Farrell"?

I know you said it in jest but no rugby fan would want that to be the case.

Looking forward to the game. The Ireland game was pivotal for Pivac and his future and he sort of came through OK and is building a side; this game is pivotal for EJ’s future because all he seems to be doing is building a dysfunctional heavyweight team.

Wales at this moment appear to be the better balanced and creative side.

Game on!

I was assuming you'd respond to Farrell's thuggery by elbowing into the conversation with some Liam Williams chat.

Though why you think Wales look more creative I don't get. Both sides look insipid in attack. England did try a little bit last time but only against Italy, if England try again against Wales that actually would be a positive (unless they lose and just give up on attack again). But Wales, they've barely done anything against 14 men, twice. The two wins is perhaps a useful chance to push on again after a poor series of results but I've seen more creativity from a corpse

I think you're confusing creativity with posession.

[Digby]

I know you said it in jest but no rugby fan would want that to be the case.

Looking forward to the game. The Ireland game was pivotal for Pivac and his future and he sort of came through OK and is building a side; this game is pivotal for EJ’s future because all he seems to be doing is building a dysfunctional heavyweight team.

Wales at this moment appear to be the better balanced and creative side.

Game on!

I was assuming you'd respond to Farrell's thuggery by elbowing into the conversation with some Liam Williams chat.

Though why you think Wales look more creative I don't get. Both sides look insipid in attack. England did try a little bit last time but only against Italy, if England try again against Wales that actually would be a positive (unless they lose and just give up on attack again). But Wales, they've barely done anything against 14 men, twice. The two wins is perhaps a useful chance to push on again after a poor series of results but I've seen more creativity from a corpse

I think you're confusing creativity with posession.

If you're kicking away ball not wanting to get caught in possession, and really only play off a set piece when you've got the territory you want, and perhaps even then only play with a penalty advantage that's not my idea of being creative. I'd perhaps term that clinical, but that doesn't come with the ring of creativity

[francoisfou]

Can’t say I’m expecting an enjoyable match, more like a slugfest with each team trying to outmuscle each other. Also, we’re bound to see a lot of « tactical kicking » to gain territory, so I think the winner may be the team who counterattacks the better - and that’s anyone’s guess! Prediction? A 15-15 boring draw.

[morepork]

Please don't kick it for 80 minutes. Have a dig. The comp has disintegrated into a public health mess anyway.

[Sourdust]

If you're kicking away ball not wanting to get caught in possession, and really only play off a set piece when you've got the territory you want, and perhaps even then only play with a penalty advantage that's not my idea of being creative. I'd perhaps term that clinical, but that doesn't come with the ring of creativity

If we want to see backs moves without penalty advantage secured, then we have to stop penalizing attack. I'm not at all sure how. Make not releasing / sealing off etc. free-kick offenses in the opponent's half?

[Digby]

If you're kicking away ball not wanting to get caught in possession, and really only play off a set piece when you've got the territory you want, and perhaps even then only play with a penalty advantage that's not my idea of being creative. I'd perhaps term that clinical, but that doesn't come with the ring of creativity

If we want to see backs moves without penalty advantage secured, then we have to stop penalizing attack. I'm not at all sure how. Make not releasing / sealing off etc. free-kick offenses in the opponent's half?

As ever I'd like them to enforce the laws as they are, you can only play at the ruck if you're bound/legal at the ruck, and actually enforce offside. Give the players no leeway whatsoever and see what happens.

Though even now it is possible to play if you're accurate. Japan were great fun to watch at the last couple of WCs even if that too is highly scripted in advance, and Australia and NZ will still play, one of those with rather more success than the other but they'll both still play. And we've seen the odd round in the 6N when teams need lots of points to contest the title and then what do you know they suddenly remember how to try and play.

[normanski]

Can’t say I’m expecting an enjoyable match, more like a slugfest with each team trying to outmuscle each other. Also, we’re bound to see a lot of « tactical kicking » to gain territory, so I think the winner may be the team who counterattacks the better - and that’s anyone’s guess! Prediction? A 15-15 boring draw.

I think you’re in for a treat after the first 25 minutes slug fest. There will be some purposeful kicking and Pivac’s counter attacking play will come to the fore as the game wears on.

I made my prediction last Saturday - 27-18 to Wales. I hope I’m right!

[francoisfou]

Can’t say I’m expecting an enjoyable match, more like a slugfest with each team trying to outmuscle each other. Also, we’re bound to see a lot of « tactical kicking » to gain territory, so I think the winner may be the team who counterattacks the better - and that’s anyone’s guess! Prediction? A 15-15 boring draw.

I think you’re in for a treat after the first 25 minutes slug fest. There will be some purposeful kicking and Pivac’s counter attacking play will come to the fore as the game wears on.

I made my prediction last Saturday - 27-18 to Wales. I hope I’m right!

Dream on, Norm!..... but then again, you’re probably right!!