The Rugby Union Thread

sev112

Scotland you mean ?

sev112

Or Italy ?

hywelg

Let's hope results are based on the quality of the anthems then Wales will walk it. Ireland's is dire , it really is, it even has that classic indicator of a poor song , a key change. 

My father passed away a fortnight ago and this is the first time.in decades when I won't be able to commiserate with him after another loss by Wales or rejoice a win.

VimFuego

well, that's made France's job that much easier. 

ewal

This game's illustrating what I've been thinking about unknown post world cup form. France just haven't got going.

BluesLover

I suspect strong words at half time!

digitalscream

Well, that was a total "meh" of a game. On the bright side, it really didn't give the impression that either side would be dominating the tournament, which will hopefully make the rest of it more interesting

sev112

Ireland are very very good at holding onto the ball on the ground for ages, it is really making the difference.  France put the ball back straight away and the Irish flankers step in straight away.  Ireland go down with ball, lay on top of it, hold it for a bit longer and the keep hold of it when laying it back.  The6 have got it off to a tee

they are tackling as a team phenomenally well

Shame they can’t do it when it matters

bertie

bertie said:

allez le bleus

ravaler son orgueil

fretmeister

Shame about the result.

I was hoping for a draw. Why ruin 1 country's dream of a grand slam when I could ruin 2?

pigface

hywelg said:

Let's hope results are based on the quality of the anthems then Wales will walk it. Ireland's is dire , it really is, it even has that classic indicator of a poor song , a key change. 

I like the Italian anthem the best, with the French one a close second.

I noticed that at least one of the England team sang 'God save the Queen' prior to the Italy game. Not sure who is was as I didn't recognise him.

Fingers657

Ireland did really good against France yesterday.
Hope Wales can do the same against Scotland later in Cardiff.

TJT1979

Italy fired up, as many expected. Holes in Eng defence. 

digitalscream

Well, Italy have properly shown up....

VimFuego

Eng showing a little more cohesion at the break, but Italy are playing some really nice rugby. Whether they can keep that up for another 40 is always the issue with them.

TJT1979

Eng pretty mediocre in general. I'd like to have seen Fin Smith get more game-time, as Ford wasn't creating anything of note. Hats off to Italy who I thought looked good on the whole. 

digitalscream

TJT1979 said:

Eng pretty mediocre in general. I'd like to have seen Fin Smith get more game-time, as Ford wasn't creating anything of note. Hats off to Italy who I thought looked good on the whole. 

I thought it was a massive improvement from England in terms of playing style - they actually showed some ambition and a desire to get to the try line, which is something we haven't seen in a few years.

Enjoyed watching that a lot more than Ireland-France last night. And...if Italy can sort out the mistakes, Wales and Scotland should be pretty worried.

fretmeister

Pretty dull game.

No fire from Ford. Dingwall largely anonymous. Freeman was very good.

Daly was an idiot. He's done that before and didn't get away with it then either.

hywelg

Here's the table so far based on the opening match national anthems

1.  Wales

2.  France

3.  Italy

4. Scotland

5.  England

6,  Ireland

bertie

fretmeister said:

Pretty dull game.

No fire from Ford. Dingwall largely anonymous. Freeman was very good, as was Steward   and Root was superb
 

FTFY

As its at Twickers................... I wonder of Finn will start next week................  also Barrington-Smythe or what ever his name is