Rugby Union - Page 64

**mizlaplan** · February 23rd, 2018, 04:57 PM

All the best for tonight's game teaktop (with apologies to this threads Italy fans).
I've never liked Six Nations games being played on any day but Saturday.
I suppose the modern game has to chase the TV money but I honestly wouldn't mind if some of the games overlapped on Saturday.
Rant over, 4:00 pm tomorrow in the pub

**rupertramjet** · February 23rd, 2018, 05:19 PM

Warren Gatlands 100th test, quite an achievement I think!
Too close to call here, if Wales play to their abilities, a great game in prospect, if not then easy for Ireland. The Calcutta cup match, I think it will be a belter, as a neutral I am looking forward to it, if the techie can work his stuff again, I hope France take the chance to link up and play some great Rugby tonight, la chambre est pres! We get FR2!!

**DB83** · February 24th, 2018, 06:07 PM

Round 3:

France/Italy: Sorry but a flattering result for Les Bleus over the men on blue (on the night). So many French mistakes. Even forgetting the basics (kicking out on the full from a ball going back for instance)

Ireland/Wales: Never usually fails to put on a spectacle. Result slightly flattering for Ireland when Wales went for broke at the end. Sometimes it works. Usually to goes pair-shaped.

Scotland/England. Who was expecting that ? The real Scotland turns up even with an appearance from HRH Princess Anne

Fully expect the bars around Edinburgh and elsewhere to run dry tonight. And fully deserved too.

**teaktop** · February 24th, 2018, 06:34 PM

Scotland its their weekend hats off ,unbelievable display Im shocked and delighted what a competitive Six Nations, its the best Sporting Tournament ,end off

**rupertramjet** · February 24th, 2018, 06:44 PM

There were moments of French magic on Friday night,occasional glimpses of pure 'Les Blues', but as stated too many unforced errors, and it will be interesting to see what happens next! Well I have to ask the simple question on most Welsh lips, where was the bloody team for sixty minutes? Replay of the England game, all the ability, must to late! Ireland were clinical when they had the chance, but I do not think the All Blicks will be quacking in their boots with any off it so far!

England were crap, off the pace and slow to react, incapable of reading the referee, a vital skill at this level, and useless at the breakdown, I have felt for a long while that they flatter to deceive! Scotland were nearest the done deal I have seen them for many a year, clinical and committed, interesting!

Scotland probably took spirit from the fact that a very old mate of mine, into his fifties at least, debuted today for Orkney RFC, at hooker!!! Good one Barney!

**mizlaplan** · February 25th, 2018, 12:10 AM

England looked stuck in neutral throughout the match.
Every time the engine got revved......cancelled out by playing against an opponent who knew what a clutch is and when to change gear.
Any other of the Six Nations I'd congratulate on a job well done.
But the sooner Scotland gains independence and concentrates it's energies on celtic sports like shinty, the better.
Then we can get rid of them and welcome Georgia or Rumania to the 6 Nations fold.
Miz (not even a little bit bitter

)

**footstep** · February 25th, 2018, 09:11 AM

Jacques Brunel reaction :

"A victory, finally, what satisfies you most in this success on Italy? What satisfies me is the victory but especially the commitment, the determination and the will in this match. It was not easy, especially in the first half. We have been approximate near the goal lines. We just missed it because there was so much will that we confused speed and precipitation. New players were called after the Edinburgh incidents, what does this match change on the composition of the future group? We must remember that the situation forced us to work in a complicated way, that is to say only on the day of Tuesday. Moreover, the pressure around this meeting and our desire to break the deadlock while creating a coherent group put us in the complexity. And I am satisfied, despite the imperfections, to have created a team with dynamism and without fear of embarking on this challenge. What will become of excluded players after Scotland? I said it this week. These players are not banned. But they will be discarded the time that those who replaced them will satisfy us. "Mathieu (Bastareaud) met the expectations we had about him" Mathieu Bastareaud managed a remarkable return. Mathieu was on the first list we gave, unfortunately he was suspended. We know his profile and his qualities. They are singular and we thought from the beginning that it would be useful to the team. Tonight, he met the expectations we had about him. Are you reassured before facing England, your next opponent? The positive point is that I hope that we have regained confidence through this service, its result and the cohesion we found in a short time. So there is also a lot of lack that would be detrimental to the English if we do not fills them, but it would be great to create as many situations against England and, if so, I hope that the we will learn from this meeting.

**footstep** · February 25th, 2018, 09:14 AM

Great Scotland yesterday.
Pleasant match, a tough battle between both teams.
Ireland deserves his first place, maybe the most mature of all European teams (?).

**DB83** · February 25th, 2018, 01:23 PM

Not following rugby that closely I did wonder come the French coach where I saw that moustache before

But if anyone should know the relative weaknesses of the Italian team then he should. Might take some more time to appreciate the relative weaknesses of his present charge.

Conor O'Shea has, probably, drawn the short straw here. Easily has the talent but not a squad to match it. Parisse is the one world-class player. Yet I doubt he will be there next year.

So what then of Italy. Expect even more discussion of a relegation issue.

But talking of coaches then Gatland will not be around past the next World cup and neither will Eddie Jones. Whilst Rob Howler (a deliberate smelling pistake) appears to be groomed for that role, England do appear to be stagnant here.

But there are stlll two weekends in the current tournee to go. Accepting all 'donations' if you do not want any more DB poetry

PS: Slipped in to the news over the weekend that Shane Williams has done a Ben 'Rocky' Stokes and has been charged with affray over an incident in central Cardiff last year.

Shane, my idol, how could you ?

**40plus** · February 26th, 2018, 12:06 PM

Finally sobered up enough to post a comment!

I thought the France v Italy game lacked oomph. Not sure if the location or the timing had anything to do with it but throughout I had the impression that France would win by being the least worst rather than the best. To be fair, both sides are a work in progress, but here were far too many basic errors in that game.

Wales seemed to grab defeat from the jaws of victory, which is quite something given they only played for 20 minutes at the end. It was a shame for the neutrals because it ought to be one of the best fixtures. Can't help but feel Ireland are doing just enough at the moment and have plenty left in the tank. Very sad to read of Jamie Heaslip's retirement. He was truly world class.

The Calcutta Cup was a belter. Not just because we won for once but because it was proper Six Nations stuff. It would be nice if the headlines said Scotland did well rather than England did badly, but then again I was far too drunk to read them properly.

Regards

40+

February 23rd, 2018, 04:57 PM	#631
mizlaplan Good show! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Marches Posts: 2,526 Thanks: 102,981 Thanked 31,897 Times in 2,528 Posts	All the best for tonight's game teaktop (with apologies to this threads Italy fans). I've never liked Six Nations games being played on any day but Saturday. I suppose the modern game has to chase the TV money but I honestly wouldn't mind if some of the games overlapped on Saturday. Rant over, 4:00 pm tomorrow in the pub __________________ motley crew though they were, they were all happily united in the roisterous, bawdy camaraderie of lust.

February 24th, 2018, 06:34 PM	#634
teaktop Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 7,057 Thanks: 54,282 Thanked 117,194 Times in 7,076 Posts	Scotland its their weekend hats off ,unbelievable display Im shocked and delighted what a competitive Six Nations, its the best Sporting Tournament ,end off __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

February 25th, 2018, 12:10 AM	#636
mizlaplan Good show! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Marches Posts: 2,526 Thanks: 102,981 Thanked 31,897 Times in 2,528 Posts	England looked stuck in neutral throughout the match. Every time the engine got revved......cancelled out by playing against an opponent who knew what a clutch is and when to change gear. Any other of the Six Nations I'd congratulate on a job well done. But the sooner Scotland gains independence and concentrates it's energies on celtic sports like shinty, the better. Then we can get rid of them and welcome Georgia or Rumania to the 6 Nations fold. Miz (not even a little bit bitter ) __________________ motley crew though they were, they were all happily united in the roisterous, bawdy camaraderie of lust.

February 26th, 2018, 12:06 PM	#640
40plus Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Offshore Posts: 2,937 Thanks: 18,451 Thanked 35,174 Times in 2,849 Posts	Finally sobered up enough to post a comment! I thought the France v Italy game lacked oomph. Not sure if the location or the timing had anything to do with it but throughout I had the impression that France would win by being the least worst rather than the best. To be fair, both sides are a work in progress, but here were far too many basic errors in that game. Wales seemed to grab defeat from the jaws of victory, which is quite something given they only played for 20 minutes at the end. It was a shame for the neutrals because it ought to be one of the best fixtures. Can't help but feel Ireland are doing just enough at the moment and have plenty left in the tank. Very sad to read of Jamie Heaslip's retirement. He was truly world class. The Calcutta Cup was a belter. Not just because we won for once but because it was proper Six Nations stuff. It would be nice if the headlines said Scotland did well rather than England did badly, but then again I was far too drunk to read them properly. Regards 40+ __________________ Touchy, feely.............with Cherry Healey (once she's got rid of that god-awful nose ring).

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February 23rd, 2018, 05:19 PM	#632
rupertramjet R.I.P. Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Cloud cuckoo land Posts: 4,300 Thanks: 26,852 Thanked 54,117 Times in 4,288 Posts	Warren Gatlands 100th test, quite an achievement I think! Too close to call here, if Wales play to their abilities, a great game in prospect, if not then easy for Ireland. The Calcutta cup match, I think it will be a belter, as a neutral I am looking forward to it, if the techie can work his stuff again, I hope France take the chance to link up and play some great Rugby tonight, la chambre est pres! We get FR2!!

February 24th, 2018, 06:07 PM	#633
DB83 Vintage Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,472 Thanks: 1,948 Thanked 12,018 Times in 1,458 Posts	Round 3: France/Italy: Sorry but a flattering result for Les Bleus over the men on blue (on the night). So many French mistakes. Even forgetting the basics (kicking out on the full from a ball going back for instance) Ireland/Wales: Never usually fails to put on a spectacle. Result slightly flattering for Ireland when Wales went for broke at the end. Sometimes it works. Usually to goes pair-shaped. Scotland/England. Who was expecting that ? The real Scotland turns up even with an appearance from HRH Princess Anne Fully expect the bars around Edinburgh and elsewhere to run dry tonight. And fully deserved too.

February 24th, 2018, 06:44 PM	#635
rupertramjet R.I.P. Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Cloud cuckoo land Posts: 4,300 Thanks: 26,852 Thanked 54,117 Times in 4,288 Posts	There were moments of French magic on Friday night,occasional glimpses of pure 'Les Blues', but as stated too many unforced errors, and it will be interesting to see what happens next! Well I have to ask the simple question on most Welsh lips, where was the bloody team for sixty minutes? Replay of the England game, all the ability, must to late! Ireland were clinical when they had the chance, but I do not think the All Blicks will be quacking in their boots with any off it so far! England were crap, off the pace and slow to react, incapable of reading the referee, a vital skill at this level, and useless at the breakdown, I have felt for a long while that they flatter to deceive! Scotland were nearest the done deal I have seen them for many a year, clinical and committed, interesting! Scotland probably took spirit from the fact that a very old mate of mine, into his fifties at least, debuted today for Orkney RFC, at hooker!!! Good one Barney!

February 25th, 2018, 09:11 AM	#637
footstep Lost luggages? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: France Posts: 7,268 Thanks: 92,097 Thanked 86,759 Times in 7,170 Posts	Jacques Brunel reaction : "A victory, finally, what satisfies you most in this success on Italy? What satisfies me is the victory but especially the commitment, the determination and the will in this match. It was not easy, especially in the first half. We have been approximate near the goal lines. We just missed it because there was so much will that we confused speed and precipitation. New players were called after the Edinburgh incidents, what does this match change on the composition of the future group? We must remember that the situation forced us to work in a complicated way, that is to say only on the day of Tuesday. Moreover, the pressure around this meeting and our desire to break the deadlock while creating a coherent group put us in the complexity. And I am satisfied, despite the imperfections, to have created a team with dynamism and without fear of embarking on this challenge. What will become of excluded players after Scotland? I said it this week. These players are not banned. But they will be discarded the time that those who replaced them will satisfy us. "Mathieu (Bastareaud) met the expectations we had about him" Mathieu Bastareaud managed a remarkable return. Mathieu was on the first list we gave, unfortunately he was suspended. We know his profile and his qualities. They are singular and we thought from the beginning that it would be useful to the team. Tonight, he met the expectations we had about him. Are you reassured before facing England, your next opponent? The positive point is that I hope that we have regained confidence through this service, its result and the cohesion we found in a short time. So there is also a lot of lack that would be detrimental to the English if we do not fills them, but it would be great to create as many situations against England and, if so, I hope that the we will learn from this meeting.

February 25th, 2018, 09:14 AM	#638
footstep Lost luggages? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: France Posts: 7,268 Thanks: 92,097 Thanked 86,759 Times in 7,170 Posts	Great Scotland yesterday. Pleasant match, a tough battle between both teams. Ireland deserves his first place, maybe the most mature of all European teams (?).

February 25th, 2018, 01:23 PM	#639
DB83 Vintage Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,472 Thanks: 1,948 Thanked 12,018 Times in 1,458 Posts	Not following rugby that closely I did wonder come the French coach where I saw that moustache before But if anyone should know the relative weaknesses of the Italian team then he should. Might take some more time to appreciate the relative weaknesses of his present charge. Conor O'Shea has, probably, drawn the short straw here. Easily has the talent but not a squad to match it. Parisse is the one world-class player. Yet I doubt he will be there next year. So what then of Italy. Expect even more discussion of a relegation issue. But talking of coaches then Gatland will not be around past the next World cup and neither will Eddie Jones. Whilst Rob Howler (a deliberate smelling pistake) appears to be groomed for that role, England do appear to be stagnant here. But there are stlll two weekends in the current tournee to go. Accepting all 'donations' if you do not want any more DB poetry PS: Slipped in to the news over the weekend that Shane Williams has done a Ben 'Rocky' Stokes and has been charged with affray over an incident in central Cardiff last year. Shane, my idol, how could you ?