The Rugby Thread

[UncleBuck]

So Jones has gone, not surprising but they can’t heap it all on him as they’ve been pitiful for the last couple of years.
What on earth has happened to Aussie rugby?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67254778

 

[UncleBuck]

This makes for interesting reading and really does paint an extremely bleak outlook.
Thing is it’s not dissimilar to over here with the cuts from the RFU to championship and grass roots clubs really being felt now.
This season alone my eldest has seen three other local age group teams fold because they can’t put teams out.

Australian rugby has reached its lowest point. How did it get here?

Pundits had suggested a strong World Cup performance was vital for the health of the game. The horror result in France will put even more pressure on the sport to reform to stay relevant.

theconversation.com

 

[talkshowhost86]

I see Owen Farrell has ruled himself out of the Six Nations to focus on his mental health and his family.

Firstly, that is a good opportunity for England to rebuild the team around a new fly-half/centre partnership. Hope we take it.

Secondly, and most importantly, hope he's okay and this break helps him. More Elite sportsmen should do it when needed.

 

[UncleBuck]

He’s come in for a lot of flak the last couple of seasons so I can’t really blame him.
Ten years at the top of this game is more than most would ever dream of, let alone actually accomplish.

 

[talkshowhost86]

Glad to see Borthwick was at the Stoop last night.

Smith v Ford was a bit one-sided.

 

[UncleBuck]

Mental game in the championship, how on earth have Scottish done Ealing?! Championship is all over the place this season!

 

[Japhet]

At last Northampton have managed to put one over on Saracens at their place. Got the makings of a very good team now who are top notch attacking but showed they can be resilient in defence too.

 

[teok]

Dementia at 39. Just brutal.

Ex-Wales lock Coombs reveals dementia diagnosis

Former Wales forward Andrew Coombs has been diagnosed with dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[talkshowhost86]

Another worldie of a performance from Smith in a massive win for Quins last night.

Good to see him stepping up in the big games at the moment.

 

[midoshairband]

I don't follow domestic rugby, I'm on of those fans that tunes in to internationals only.

but what on earth is this rule where you can't play for england if you don't play in England? i notice Arundell is now unavailable as he's signed for a french side. is that not just self harm by england? how many players are we missing out on, or is not really an issue?

 

[aliyid]

Damm technology

 

[tommo84]

At last Northampton have managed to put one over on Saracens at their place. Got the makings of a very good team now who are top notch attacking but showed they can be resilient in defence too.

Another cracking win today after two impressive victories in Europe. Dowson’s coaching and the recruitment of Lee Radford to sort out the defensive approach has turned them into a proper team and players like Furbank have taken a leap forwards this season.

 

[talkshowhost86]

Another cracking win today after two impressive victories in Europe. Dowson’s coaching and the recruitment of Lee Radford to sort out the defensive approach has turned them into a proper team and players like Furbank have taken a leap forwards this season.

Looking really strong so far and deservedly top.

5 or 6 teams can win the league this year but Saints look the most solid so far.

My Quins meanwhile continue to be massively erratic but another good win today...eventually

 

[Dunc2610]

Looking really strong so far and deservedly top.

5 or 6 teams can win the league this year but Saints look the most solid so far.

My Quins meanwhile continue to be massively erratic but another good win today...eventually

Smith was awesome, as was Beard and Care, Nick David impresses me too! Tbh, when not being erratic, we could beat anyone! So many good players, even off the bench. Don't know why more don't get an England lookin!

 

[talkshowhost86]

Smith was awesome, as was Beard and Care, Nick David impresses me too! Tbh, when not being erratic, we could beat anyone! So many good players, even off the bench. Don't know why more don't get an England lookin!

The way Quins play seems to be diametrically opposite to how England want to play.

England want to be Saracens basically.

 

[Dunc2610]

The way Quins play seems to be diametrically opposite to how England want to play.

England want to be Saracens basically.

Turgid meat heads?

 

[talkshowhost86]

Turgid meet heads?

Indeed

 

[tommo84]

What a comeback by Northampton at Exeter. 26-0 down and winning 42-36. Sensational stuff.

 

[Japhet]

What a comeback by Northampton at Exeter. 26-0 down and winning 42-36. Sensational stuff.

Incredible turn around. Almost lost it near the end but grabbed a very late winner. Dowson is doing a great job.

 

[teok]

How a "normal" person would get on in a top level rugby match. He broke 3 ribs.