Ireland vs England - Sat 4.45pm

[p/d]

No Ntamack next week then …

Aye. Ramos to 10?

I don’t think Wales were thad bad……… unfortunately France were far from their best.

England will have both on toast, caught out by our silky passing and …. Leave it with me

[Which Tyler]

Yup, Wales played much closer to the best they could, than France did.
Which is frankly scary

[Danno]

Gatland is ******

[Which Tyler]

Gatland is ******

When does he get promoted out of harms way? Straight away? After losing to Italy? After the 6N is done?
When does he then appoint Howley to continue his legacy?

[Danno]

Gatland is ******

When does he get promoted out of harms way? Straight away? After losing to Italy? After the 6N is done?
When does he then appoint Howley to continue his legacy?

Who knows, but he can't carry on much longer after 13 losses and the first nilling in 27 years. Never thought I'd feel sorry for Wales, but here we are

[Scrumhead]

I know what you mean. Welsh friends assumed I’d be revelling in this, but I’m not at all. A rivalry needs to be competitive to be fun. That said, they always raise their game for us and I’m sure we’ll comply in dropping our levels to theirs.

[Oakboy]

Yup, Wales played much closer to the best they could, than France did.
Which is frankly scary

Exactly.

I don't give our starting back row much chance against France's. Aldritt is special - probably the 2nd name on the team-sheet after Dupont. It would be interesting to know how Tom Willis fared against Aldritt in their French club clashes. I have only seen highlight clips of TW carrying superbly (to significant acclaim from the French media).

On the subject of backrowers, how could Reffell not be a starter for Wales? He showed why when he came on.

[FKAS]

Yup, Wales played much closer to the best they could, than France did.
Which is frankly scary

Exactly.

I don't give our starting back row much chance against France's. Aldritt is special - probably the 2nd name on the team-sheet after Dupont. It would be interesting to know how Tom Willis fared against Aldritt in their French club clashes. I have only seen highlight clips of TW carrying superbly (to significant acclaim from the French media).

On the subject of backrowers, how could Reffell not be a starter for Wales? He showed why when he came on.

I thought France did look a bit loose with Roumet in the second row, missing Flament and Woki was a blow. Their pack wasn't quite clicking and there were knock ons and players looking for offloads the support runners weren't in position for. Had they clicked it could have been another Toulouse Vs Tigers experience. Then again you look at the backline and no Danty, Fickou or Penaud either. Some big names to come back in.

Reffell is one of the best defensive flankers going. You want a guy who'll make tackles, compete for the ball and get back on his feet and back into the line to do so every phase and he's your guy. Attacking wise he can be a bit average though. Jac Morgan has a more rounded game and I assume Gatland wanted more physicality both sides of the ball at 6 and 8 so decided against the dual openside combo. That being said I thought the Welsh pack wasn't too bad, the Welsh backs were abysmal though. Can't remember a Welsh side having so little attacking flair. Not good for the game, I want to see a good Welsh team go down not a bad one.

To p/d's earlier question. It'll be either Ramos or Jalibert at 10 next weekend. You lose the seemingly telepathic link with Dupont that Ntamack has but both are quality options at 10, albeit we know Ramos isn't a fan of tackling.

[francoisfou]

To p/d's earlier question. It'll be either Ramos or Jalibert at 10 next weekend. You lose the seemingly telepathic link with Dupont that Ntamack has but both are quality options at 10, albeit we know Ramos isn't a fan of tackling.

Yes, it'll be one or t'other.
Midi Olympique have suggested Ramos to 10, Bielle-Biarrey to 15 with Jalibert on the bench, but whatever selection is made, there'll only be one result.

[jngf]

Especially for Mikey Brown Saint Batholomue: “I’m going to start Curry, Earl, Curry in the backrow to face the Irish” Assistant replies “That would be brave Minister!”

[Banquo]

knock on right under dicksons nose? also double move?

[Banquo]

italy being shredded down the right anyway

[FKAS]

knock on right under dicksons nose? also double move?

You're going to find it a long game if you're expecting Dickson to be good.

[Banquo]

knock on right under dicksons nose? also double move?

You're going to find it a long game if you're expecting Dickson to be good.

yeah he reffed one of our preseason games and was dire.
Shame Italy have just dropped off after a comeback

[p/d]

Is Murley going to be for England what Graham is for Scotland?

Like Slade is our Jones ..well, both have nice hair

[Mr Mwenda]

knock on right under dicksons nose? also double move?

You're going to find it a long game if you're expecting Dickson to be good.

yeah he reffed one of our preseason games and was dire.
Shame Italy have just dropped off after a comeback

Ar, a real shame, italy're not far off at all. They deserve a bp.

[Banquo]

comedy moment from dickson

better composure in 22 from Italy in last 10 mins and different game

[Which Tyler]

Ahhhh dammit.
Do I really have to listen to Eddie Jones?

[p/d]

Ahhhh dammit.
Do I really have to listen to Eddie Jones?

Just how cold is it Eddie!!!!

And Wilco doing his Paddington bear look

[FKAS]

Is Murley going to be for England what Graham is for Scotland?

Like Slade is our Jones ..well, both have nice hair

Don't get my fecking hopes up.

Maro looks pumped for the anthem as captain. Hopefully that's a good sign and not a sign he's going to get sent off after about 5 mins.

[Mellsblue]

Blood? Where’s the blood?!?!?!

[FKAS]

Fuck. Murley overruns Steward. That was on with Ireland down a man.

Smith playing some nice phases there. Didn't see that in the Autumn, hopefully a good sign he's got a game plan he's confident in.

[Mellsblue]

Centre combo from heaven.

[FKAS]

Centre combo from heaven.

We've had Ireland on the back foot from minute one. So far this is bloody impressive.

[Stom]

Caden! Of course.

And going to tip my hat. Both centers doing good work. Maybe it was the system that didn’t suit Laurence, as he looked awful for until now