Rugby thread (6 Nations, Heineken Cup etc)

[kensei]

Really hoping Uncle Joe has one last bag of tricks up his sleeve. 

 

Not certain it'll matter, though. Ireland's gameplan is built on a precision that injuries, form and aging have stripped from us. It'll be black magic to out it together again in time. 

 

I expect we'll peak again circa 2022.

[Matt Defis]

On 22/08/2019 at 17:20, merman said:

So the RFU changed the law, play cannot be restarted quickly until temporary replacements are fully on the field.

 

The world rugby board did that, the RFU is just Englands rugby board and have no control over the rules. 

[Matt Defis]

Interesting to see what happens today with so many changes, lots of people will be playing for their place in the world cup squad.

[the_debaser]

Ireland pummelling Wales here. Maybe the arse kicking last week was exactly what they needed. 

[Matt Defis]

Huge difference since Patchell came on for Wales. 

[Matt Defis]

Was hoping for better but I knew it could go either way with Wales fielding their 2nd string side. Wales were absolutely dominated for the first 60 minutes then when Patchell came on they woke up and controlled the last 20 minutes, I still thought they might rob Ireland at the end there. 

 

Congrats Ireland, you needed that one. 

[Sidewaysbob]

the second string side didn't instill confidence.  England might reach the final yet based on what i've seen of everyone else so far..

 

But yeah, New Zealand will win it all again

[phresh]

While it's a relatively enjoyable time to be an England fan i'm not all that confident as I still think there is a pretty inconsistent streak in the team, at their very best (which is hopefully still to come) they could batter anyone, but at their worst they can concede easily and players lose their heads. All the best teams (in any sport) have a very high 'minimum' performance level and I think England are some way off of that. I'd say that Wales have a very high minimum performance level.

 

On the other hand you only have to get it right for a few games and Eddie Jones has got a shed load of experience in that regard (compared to England's last two world cups with rookies).

[merman]

Surprised that Devon Toner missed out for Ireland

[Matt Defis]

Tight game but Wales looking the more in control right now. 

[Matt Defis]

Fair play to Ireland turning all that pressure into points. 

 

All Ireland this second half, Wales better switch on. 

[Matt Defis]

Congrats Ireland, not a good look for us going into the world cup, expected more from the last 4 games. 

[Purin]

You want to win these games, but in the end they are meaningless. Yes I'm only saying this cos we lost. 

[merman]

Wot no World Cup thread?

[milko]

just start one!

[Matt Defis]

Got it in on work, no wifi though 

[Festoon]

Yeeeeeeesh.

"Are we sure this is ok?"

"Yeah, it's fine - stick it up on the net"

"Might the Japanese not find it a bit......"

"Pshaw! We took out the big titty anime girls - what more do you want?"

 

 

[Stig]

[Matt Defis]

Holy fuck was that an advert promoting the KKK and their colonial future?

 

What the actual fuck.

[Adrock]

What the fuck are ITV doing with their coverage?

 

They're all standing in a mock Japanese house so they're all in their socks and for some reason a rugby ball is being passed about between the suited pundits.

[JohnC]

6 minutes ago, Adrock said:

What the fuck are ITV doing

A question which suits many contexts.

[Gotters]

I have nothing against the Hakka or NZ doing it before a game, but if it's some war cry or declaration of battle the opposing team should be allowed to stare it right down in their faces, or choose to totally ignore it and walk off behind their own posts.

 

I recall England strain it right down years ago - is it actually banned to stare it down in their faces now or just a convention ?

[PK]

It must be nice to be completely invulnerable like De Klerk and be able to throw yourself at thundering horse's legs 

[Sidewaysbob]

Well on the basis of that game alone, New Zealand are going to walk this and they're going to beat South africa in the final. The bastards. 

[Matt Defis]

Wales did it about 10 years ago, walked right up to them and refused to break apart. 

[Matt Defis]

Anybody else think there might be some illness in the Scottish camp, they all looked out of it at 30 minutes and multiple players have been throwing up on the pitch. 

[Sidewaysbob]

They did seems particularly rubbish I'm afraid. 

[lolly]

Ireland weren't that fantastic at all and still won more comfortably than expected.All the pundits were going for a 5- 7 point game but Scotland barely got going .Under/over training explain why Scotland were out on their feet early doors?

 

On those performances I don't think either team will be causing anyone  big any sleepless nights.

[McFly]

Something is rotten in Denmark thats for sure. The spark of energy thats been with Scotland, regardless of result, seems absent. I think over training, leading to illness and burnout is a likely culprit. They started well enough for 5mins then a pass went out and that was it. Game over, man

[merman]

Uruguay shocked Fiji, and Italy ran all over Canada.

 

Seven tries for England against the Yankees, with US flanker John Quill getting a red card for a cheap shot on Owen Farrell.

Annoying that we let them score in overtime though.