Chris Ashton

[darkstar]

What a hero, 6 tries in 2 test matches. First English player to score 4 times in a match since 1914. Had an absolutely cracking game, the lines he runs show how good his rugby mind is. Northampton were missing him big time today.

Despite all that, all people seem to be talking about are his dives!

I think it's good for the game.

 

[krushavik]

I must admit they are very spectacular but he's only got to land wrong and thats him out of the 6 nations. Is it worth it.

 

[Aperitif]

What a hero, 6 tries in 2 test matches. First English player to score 4 times in a match since 1914. Had an absolutely cracking game, the lines he runs show how good his rugby mind is. Northampton were missing him big time today.

Despite all that, all people seem to be talking about are his dives!

I think it's good for the game.

No. And no. Played well of course, and all tries have to be scored whatever the strength of the opposition, but it sets a silly example to younger players - who are easily influenced I suspect...Similar to the footballers who score and then slide on both knees (on beautiful, flat, manicured turf). Not sour grapes - just see it as a missed opportunity to set a sensible example. 'Hero'? OK - it's an expression. I wish him / them every success.

Ooops - quote probs.

 

[mangaman]

No. And no. Played well of course, and all tries have to be scored whatever the strength of the opposition, but it sets a silly example to younger players - who are easily influenced I suspect...Similar to the footballers who score and then slide on both knees (on beautiful, flat, manicured turf). Not sour grapes - just see it as a missed opportunity to set a sensible example. 'Hero'? OK - it's an expression. I wish him / them every success.

Ooops - quote probs.

I agree.

Darkstar is always banging on about how rugby players are "real men" and football is full of prima donnas who fall over at the drop of a hat.

This Wigan Rugby League player (sorry - I forgot he changed to an inferior sport for more money) Rugby Union player - is just being a stupid, posing idiot.

Everone is waiting for him to drop the ball during one of his idiotic dives.

 

[Hugo15]

Ashton is a great finisher and his support running is excellent, helped by his pace to get on the shoulder of the guy that has made the break. Despite his swallow dives he actually comes across a down to earth guy who realises that he still has a fair bit of work to do in the other aspects of the game.

 

[mangaman]

Ashton is a great finisher and his support running is excellent, helped by his pace to get on the shoulder of the guy that has made the break. Despite his swallow dives he actually comes across a down to earth guy who realises that he still has a fair bit of work to do in the other aspects of the game.

In other words he's a rugby league player who's trying to change to a different sport

 

[dellzeqq]

there's no arguing - he's a bit special. Nine tries in nine games makes Cueto's recent run look a bit silly. Ashton is bringing something different to England, and he's almost certainly going to make the record for tries scored in a 6 Nations championship his own. If the Scots can get three tries against France (in Paris!) who'd bet against Ashton getting another three?

I think the swallow dive is a bit naff though. If he fluffs it against France he'll have a bit to answer for.

 

[Keith Oates]

Ashton is doing a good job and whether he dives over the line or not I hope he continues scoring. I also think that the team are doing a good job so far this season and hope they can continue winning and get the Grand Slam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[darkstar]

I agree.

Darkstar is always banging on about how rugby players are "real men" and football is full of prima donnas who fall over at the drop of a hat.

This Wigan Rugby League player (sorry - I forgot he changed to an inferior sport for more money) Rugby Union player - is just being a stupid, posing idiot.

Everone is waiting for him to drop the ball during one of his idiotic dives.

Please provide one example of me saying that about footballers? I've always stuck up for football on here, when the usuals have been going on. I have never used the term "real men", not sure where you got that quote from, but it sound obscured and embarrassing.

As for Union being an 'inferior' sport, thats called an opinion fella, I happen to enjoy watching and playing both, neither is better than the other.

Seems like the issue angers you though, maybe try chilling out and not worrying about an 'inferior sport'?

 

[darkstar]

No. And no. Played well of course, and all tries have to be scored whatever the strength of the opposition, but it sets a silly example to younger players - who are easily influenced I suspect...Similar to the footballers who score and then slide on both knees (on beautiful, flat, manicured turf). Not sour grapes - just see it as a missed opportunity to set a sensible example. 'Hero'? OK - it's an expression. I wish him / them every success.

Ooops - quote probs.

Bad example to kids? When I was growing up I looked upon players like Ben Cohen who was famous for his dives for inspiration and drive. These are the guys who get kids into the sport. It just shows a bit of flair.

I didn't mean hero in the sense you took it, it's not as if he's fought in a war. It's just a phrase I use a lot.

 

[Aperitif]

As I said - it's an expression. And, in my opinion, Ashton is riding for a fall...not withstanding the pure speed and positional talent, allied with exceptional strength. Five points in a tight game is a high percentage to squander. And yes, I know the rosin on players hands helps grip, and the balls are grippy as grippy things but...
Somehow, as dellzeqq alludes to, there maybe a slightly different aroma floating under the nostrils of the Twickenham immediacy and beyond, should the trademark buffoonery make the difference between trampled roses and crushed garlic...
However, there are fourteen others on Mr Ashton's side who do their bit and teams good to watch should be congratulated...it's refreshing.

 

[mangaman]

As for Union being an 'inferior' sport, thats called an opinion fella, I happen to enjoy watching and playing both, neither is better than the other.

Seems like the issue angers you though, maybe try chilling out and not worrying about an 'inferior sport'?

Not at all, kiddo. I couldn't be less angry (as I don't really care). I'm just responding to a post on a cycling forum.

I'm enough of a sports fan to be aware of the issues - even if I find Rugby a boring sport, stiffled by artificial and arbitarily applied laws - 2 refs seem to be allowed a completely different interpretation of the offside rule or the scrum (especially Union).

Except whenever a great League player (like Jason Robinson / Ashton) play union, the RU crowd always seem amazed at how much better they are.

His speed / strength / positional ability are all League traits. I'd respect him more if he stuck to the game he was raised playing and didn't appear so arrogent.

I refer you to Aperitif's post about his buffoonery - it put's it better than me at this time in the morning.

 

[meenaghman]

England played well and Ashton took his chances well..but Italy were woefull..that said they're probably in with a shout against both wales and scotland. There are two teams that can afford injury in the six nations..England and France..thats always going to be an advantage. England have good lineout. Good scrum. Good outhalves and a good back three..the italians didnt offeruch yesterday but you can only beat what's in front of you. All I want from Ireland is an improvement..maybe a chance of them getting a win but we're missing a decent front row..2nd row is OK but oconnell not fit yet. Back row very similar players..need ferris for balance. Oleary not on great form. Sexton ok. possibly missing a full back and bowe comes in off hid wing like Ashton does from time to time.
As for Ashtons dives..well its a bit of show and to be honest I font think he's going to drop the ball..me I hate the music played when tries are scored more..if I wanted to watch ice hockey id go see Belfast giants

 

[yello]

you can only beat what's in front of you

I like that... a nice way to put it. Italy were truly awful yesterday. It disguised England's mistakes in the 1st 30 minutes. Against a stronger side, England could have been made to pay. But, in fairness, they tightened up and made the game well and truly theirs. Italy looked far better against Ireland last week.


I haven't made my mind up about Wales yet. I wouldn't be ruling them out at this early stage, they've got a few positional issues to address but haven't quite clicked as I know they can. Whereas Scotland look done and dusted. Italy to beat the Scots methinks.

Today's going to be an interesting game. Ireland were very poor (for them) against Italy, and I am aware the tide is on the turn for them and they haven't the strength of previous years (I predict a low period coming for them) BUT I'd don't think they're gone yet. One never quite knows with the French, they struggle with consistency, and Ireland could put last week behind them and win today.

I think this could be a closer 6 Nations than before, and I think there are a few matches yet that could go either way. I don't think it's all down to England v France as the decider.

The Ashton dive? Whatever. But I'd be surprised if Johnson didn't have (or hasn't had) a word about making sure that ball goes down properly.

 

[martint235]

As I said - it's an expression. And, in my opinion, Ashton is riding for a fall...not withstanding the pure speed and positional talent, allied with exceptional strength. Five points in a tight game is a high percentage to squander. And yes, I know the rosin on players hands helps grip, and the balls are grippy as grippy things but...
Somehow, as dellzeqq alludes to, there maybe a slightly different aroma floating under the nostrils of the Twickenham immediacy and beyond, should the trademark buffoonery make the difference between trampled roses and crushed garlic...
However, there are fourteen others on Mr Ashton's side who do their bit and teams good to watch should be congratulated...it's refreshing.

Well put Martin. I can imagine the talk Ashton gets from Johnston at the moment about his dive, imagine the talk if France win by 2 points after Ashton has dropped the ball in a dive cos the French winger has managed to get to his legs.

He is outstanding and it is fun to see a bit of flair but make it a try first! Then you can do a little American football dance if you wish....