The Rugby Thread

[mpickard2087]

Also I just wanted to say that sky sports rugby coverage is awful. I never normally watch it. Compared to BT sport it feels so out of date. Stuart Barnes just talks complete nonsense.

I cant help but complain about him every game SKY have. It's fair enough to have his opinions, but he goes into the commentary box with an already constructed narrative and just fits that in regardless of what is actually happening. And somehow been allowed to get away with it for like 20 years now.

 

[teok]

I didn't even think about watching this because I thought it was a foregone conclusion. Crazy.

 

[teok]

 

[E17yid]

Australia Fiji and Georgia is a tricky group for us. Fiji have knocked us out of a WC before so not looking forward to that one.

 

[E17yid]

I see Cheika isn’t too happy with that Farrel tackle, understandably.

Jones is rightfully using the @Arnoldtoo defence of “it wasn’t given” but you’d like to think Farrel will be under a microscope in the 6N. Jones says he wishes he could play Ireland tomorrow. Must say I agree.

 

[E17yid]

We got any Irish ITK? What’s Schmidt doing? Staying or going?

 

[Japhet]

Key thing is that England have made great strides with the forward pack as a collective and rediscovered some intensity and better work at stuff like the breakdown. Performances have been a bit patchy, there's improvement needed in attack and defence, but if the pack is competing it gives you a chance and ultimately were one point from a clean sweep this Autumn.

Best bit has been seeing several players show they are in the mix for selection going forward, and making a positive out of the injury situation.

One big step forward IMO has been Jones finally identifying that we need a proper scavenging open side flanker rather than 2 6s or a converted lock. We now have Underhill, Curry and Wilson all very capable at that role and all very good at the breakdown. Underhill didn't stand out v Australia which reminded me of my old rugby coach from way back. I played at 7 quite a bit and he used to say that if he hadn't seen me all game he was happy because it meant that I had been at the bottom of every ruck and breakdown.

Another huge step forward has been the dynamic running and handling skills of Kyle Sinckler over Dan Cole. When we get Ellis Genge back that will be some front row.

 

[E17yid]

One big step forward IMO has been Jones finally identifying that we need a proper scavenging open side flanker. We now have Underhill, Curry and Wilson all very capable at that role and all very good at the breakdown. Underhill didn't stand out v Australia which reminded me of my old rugby coach from way back. I played at 7 quite a bit and he used to say that if he hadn't seen me all game he was happy because it meant that I had been at the bottom of every ruck and breakdown.

I think this is changing now though. Open sides need to be good ball players, have good hands, feet and do all the usual stuff st the breakdown that is expected of a 7.

However, it’s blindside flanker that is really changing. Your average 6 is a lot quicker now and is not just expected to be a tackling machine. Look at Squire for NZ. A lot more dynamic. Shit, even Gatland has played Tipuric at 6 and he’s the best 7 in the world.

 

[E17yid]

That’s not a dig at underhill by the way you know I rate him. I do think he’s a 6, though. At he could meet the criteria of a new age 6 better imo.

 

[Japhet]

I think this is changing now though. Open sides need to be good ball players, have good hands, feet and do all the usual stuff st the breakdown that is expected of a 7.

However, it’s blindside flanker that is really changing. Your average 6 is a lot quicker now and is not just expected to be a tackling machine. Look at Squire for NZ. A lot more dynamic. Shit, even Gatland has played Tipuric at 6 and he’s the best 7 in the world.

Jones has previously been happy to play without a real open side which I think has been a weakness. Robshaw was simply not quick enough and Itoje or Lawes are not breakdown specialists whereas Curry, Underhill, Wilson are. In my opinion you still need a 6 who is a big ball carrier and also decent in the lineout which is where I think Michael Rhodes would be a decent choice. He's similar to Shields in many ways, as is Dave Ewers. We're really spoilt for choice in the back row now.

 

[teok]

Jack Willis was the form 6 in the prem before his injury.

Also I get why every one rated shields now. He wasn't in the best form for wasps this season but he is a quality player. Wilson is basically a 6 as well shoe horned in at 8.

 

[cabinfever]

We got any Irish ITK? What’s Schmidt doing? Staying or going?

Word is that he's going!

 

[E17yid]

Word is that he's going!

I don’t think you’ll suffer to much. Not to diminish the amazing job he’s done as he’s one of the best (probably the best coach) in the world but what he’s built will last after he’s gone. Great young players coming through. Will be interesting to see who you get to replace him though.

Will also be interesting to see if NZ appoint him as their next coach.

 

[teok]

It will be interesting too see where faz senior goes in his next job as well.

 

[teok]

It will be interesting too see where faz senior goes in his next job as well.

Next ire coach apparently.

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/43003.php#.W_u3EOj7SM8

 

[Japhet]

I don’t think you’ll suffer to much. Not to diminish the amazing job he’s done as he’s one of the best (probably the best coach) in the world but what he’s built will last after he’s gone. Great young players coming through. Will be interesting to see who you get to replace him though.

Will also be interesting to see if NZ appoint him as their next coach.

I'd love them to go for Mark McCall - primarily because I'm sick to death of Saracens.

 

[E17yid]

BBC users England team to play Tonga for the WC opener. Personally I would’ve played Hill, Back and Dallaiglo in the back row. I reckon they can still do a job for you.

M. Vunipola George Sinkler
Itoje Lawes
Wilson Underhill
B. Vunipola

Youngs
Farrell
Cokanasiga
Teo
Tualagi
May
Daly

Think you need more flair in the backs. I’d have Watson in there. Tualagi and Cokanasiga are gambles but there’s a long way to the WC tbf.

 

[E17yid]

Assuming everyone is fit I have absolutely no idea what I’d do in the back row for Wales. Well, that’s a lie I’d have Tips at 7 and Faletau at 8 but not sure whether i’d go with Shingler, Navidi, Shingler, Moriarty or Lydiate at 6. Probably Navidi with Moriarty on the bench. No
Idea what I’d do at 10 yet either. Or 15 or 11. Or who I’d partner alongside Alun Wyn. Never had this problem before. Wales’ starting 15 has always been pretty nailed on.

 

[teok]

 

[Arnoldtoo]

Australia Fiji and Georgia is a tricky group for us. Fiji have knocked us out of a WC before so not looking forward to that one.

What a load of absolute tosh!