The Rugby Union Thread

koneguitarist

Score line probably flatters NZ a bit, but probably a true reflection on both teams.

digitalscream

koneguitarist said:

Score line probably flatters NZ a bit, but probably a true reflection on both teams.

That's their strength, though - a team that can be behind with 18 minutes to go and then put 3 tries over is all but unbeatable.

Jalapeno

Wales were warriors todaty, but 20 mins to go they were mentally and physically drained.  ABs were puffing a lot in first half, Wales the second. Great game to watch until it fizzled out with 10mins to go.

lloyd

The truth is that they're just a better team than us, it's like Wales v Italy, Wales should win every time, and basically we do as do they.

We make key errors in important moments-missed lineout in their 22, Warburton passing to wing in the 39th minute rather than keeping hold of it, some poor kick fielding etc and then they punish you.

Wales 1-23 would have to play their best game ever and catch NZ on an off day-perhaps like today, to get a win in NZ, much like Italy need to against us-they will scare you sometimes, score some nice tries but ultimately with 15 to go you begin to dominate, win the battle of the gain line etc due to their mammoth effort then you put a couple tries on and win te game.

Still, really enjoyed that, best we can hope for currently and we played some attacking rugby, which makes for more enjoyable fare than the last few seasons.

NZ are superb to watch and losing (again) like that there is no shame in it.

lloyd

Ok let's see how the Orcs (England) get on, think you've a chance. Would like to see you win one test this series, two would be unbearable...

kjdowd

We've turned the Aussies over a couple of times already, which is encouraging. Bit of aimless kicking, though.

kjdowd

Bloody hell. This is looking ominous. Aussies look like scoring every time they get the ball.

lloyd

Aussies looking good, England need to get a bit of ball and calm things down a bit.

lloyd

Fuck, poor tackling from England there.

lloyd

Hello!

lloyd

Great scoreline for England at half time.

lloyd

Australia imploding, England exploding.

kjdowd

Can't believe it. Half way through the first half it looked like we were done. Great comeback from England.

lloyd

Aus will give up now, not sure of Coles angle on the scrum if I'm honest and getting a lot of momentum from the scrum but fantastic stuff from England to exploit Oz weakness. YC from it too.

lloyd

Haskell has been immense today tbf, 7 points in it with 10 to go. Should be a great finish.

lloyd

Wow what a game, pleased for England and the NH. Seemed daft to not go for corner by the Aussies but hindsight is 20/20. Great performance by England.

lloyd

Can't listen to the sky commentary wanking on about young lions, 2003 etc though!

lloyd

North looking like he's out of the tour, will be a huge miss for the team and gutting for him.

eSully

Fretwired

Enjoyed that ... Aussies were explosive in the first 20 minutes but games are won in the last 20 minutes .. great finish and good discipline from England. Bring on next week.