I also think Mako is an impact sub but not a starting loose head. Marler saps energy out of opponents which is crucial in the first half and Mako is a proper handful when the game gets more open. We've been slow out of the blocks all through the tournament and I think this is one of the reasons.
5 million vs 53 million. we're over achievers. 2nd in the world too. we'll take that.
Fair points. Marler keeps doing daft things though that's killing his international career. Mako looks a bit tired and stale to me, and I think he hasn't been helped this tournament in that he's basically been the only carrier we've had in most of the games (bar a massively unfit Hughes) and so is easier to shut him down. I don't think it was a coincidence today that he had Sinckler sharing the load and so looked a bit better - I felt both carried well today and played well in the loose. Scrum though is obviously a concern.
Its mako's first season as a ball carrying forward from the start of each game, hes really turned it round and he wil get better.
Well done Ireland, but its clear from all the other scores today and how shit each side has been that the only game any of them are up for is against England. (and that includes the refs).
England beat Wales. Were Wales not bothered about the rest?
True. It must mean Wales are awful given recent results E17!
Commiserations!
In reality, as more than a few have alluded to here, momentum and form are massive in the six nations. In terms of ability, you can throw a blanket over England, Wales and Ireland imo, with Scotland in the mix too. If France can finally build a base, they’ll be involved in the discussion as well.
Behind New Zealand, despite what that mong Matt Dawson has apparently said today*, it’s really quite close between the next 6/7 sides. Fine margins
*Matt Dawson announced that Ireland are now the best team in the world and he could never have envisioned New Zealand beating that England team at Twickehnam today
Im coming to the conclusion that aside from Farrell, Daly, Vunipola and perhaps Itoje England have been worked out and carry no fear for the opposition. I keep being told that we have great depth but then i watch today’s performance (and the back-row for instance) and wonder what im missing. The SA tour will be interesting in particular if we dont start to gel again as a team.
Im coming to the conclusion that aside from Farrell, Daly, Vunipola and perhaps Itoje England have been worked out and carry no fear for the opposition. I keep being told that we have great depth but then i watch today’s performance (and the back-row for instance) and wonder what im missing. The SA tour will be interesting in particular if we dont start to gel again as a team.
doesnt appear so from the way they have played.England beat Wales. Were Wales not bothered about the rest?
doesnt appear so from the way they have played.
Taking nothing away from Ireland, who fully deserved the GS, but watching the game yesterday, with the relentless grinding of successive phases taking them downfield yard by yard, was I the only one thinking that it was just a little bit boring?
I know England - and others, but England especially - have employed the same tactics to great effect, but I found myself wanting just a bit more adventure from the best Northern hemisphere team.
Unfair?
Such a fucking myth peddled by the English. Can’t have watched Ireland Wales or Ireland Scotland in particular.Its mako's first season as a ball carrying forward from the start of each game, hes really turned it round and he wil get better.
Well done Ireland, but its clear from all the other scores today and how shit each side has been that the only game any of them are up for is against England. (and that includes the refs).