Six Nations Rugby 2015

[psmiffy]

The Irish game was dull until the last ten minutes wasn't it: Intense but dull.

I enjoyed both games – The first more than the second – England scored 6 tries – did however, concede 3 against an Italian team that played with grande spirito – the other match seemed to follow the pattern of the Ireland Italy match last weekend – a lot more intensity but neither side not able to break through the others lines with Ireland seemingly content to take the penalties. The final flurry by the French showed the benefit of keeping the ball in hand and stretching the opposition – too little too late.

Looking forward to this afternoons game – hoping that the Scots will bring some intent together with their improved energy to the party otherwise they will get run over by the Welsh – losing by two tries or thereabouts will be a good results for the Scots

 

[LarryDuff]

Shambolic display of refereeing by Glen Jackson. Should be his first and last in the 6 nations.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Wales had all the possession but Scotland had far more chances to win that game.

Some poor in-play decisions by Scotland and some awful refereeing.

 

[psmiffy]

Well played Scotland

 

[psmiffy]

Well played Scotland

 

[Aperitif]

Wales had all the possession but Scotland had far more chances to win that game.

Some poor in-play decisions by Scotland and some awful refereeing.

Agree with that!
Seems that this week was a bit of a let-down...given the potential offerings. England out muscled Italy eventually, but didn't 'out think' them, as the Italian backs worked yet another try in the closing stages. Ireland and France was exactly as expected! (Ireland have beaten the West Indies just now - at the cricket World Cup) France fumbled too much possession - slack rugby. The match seemed so desperate.
Scotland played attractive rugby and the side were not helped by some mistakes from Glen Jackson, although I liked the way he just let the scrums continue, where another ref would just blow the whistle and pretend he knew what was happening! It will all click one day!
Whoever referees the Ireland v England match will need to get to uncontested scrums/yellow card land pretty quickly. It's easy to visualise a dull old game! What price three drawn matches?

 

[thom]

The next round of matches looks the pick of the 5 weekends:
Scotland vs Italy, France vs Wales, Ireland vs England.
All pretty even contests.

I expect the final standings to be England, Ireland, Wales, France, Scotland, Italy.
It's a long way to go but if that happens, England will have won playing the second & third placed teams away from home. I wonder how often that happens.

 

[AndyRM]

'Some mistakes' and 'awful' don't even come close to describing that performance from Jackson. Seriously, what the f*ck was he playing at? No consistency, bizarre decisions, undermined his own authority, ended it early... Total joke. He shouldn't be allowed near an international rugby fixture again.

I thought that Laidlaw was going to batter him at one point, and I don't think anyone could have blamed him.

 

[subaqua]

Well played Scotland

Yeah they didn't lose , more failed to win. And as a Welshman Wales didn't win , they just didn't lose. Terrible terrible match, and the refereeing was dire for that level of competition .

Wales have not got a chance against Ireland or France based on last 2 weeks performance, and even against Italy looks doubtful. I feel like I did in the early 80s when we remembered having a dominant team and losing lots.

 

[thom]

I thought that Laidlaw was going to batter him at one point

I know deep fried food is big in Scots cuisine but I never knew there were deep fat friers large enough for that type of human consumption.

 

[AndyRM]

I know deep fried food is big in Scots cuisine but I never knew there were deep fat friers large enough for that type of human consumption.

 

[Wafer]

I thought Scotland were robbed. The yellow card for Russell was ridiculous. Apparently not only are you not allowed to compete in the air now, but you're not allowed to let the opposition willingly jump into you.... The only slight balance was Davies getting a yellow not long after. Personally though, if they're going to talk about things like 'duty of care', Biggar is the one that should've gotten yellow for jumping at Russell.

I was on the verge of tweeting a list of expletives about Wales' cynical play.

Hogg looks very impressive at the moment, really hoping Scotland continue to improve and become real competitors.

 

[Crackle]

Scotland lose in 'poor game choice' shocker. In the words of a famous Welshman, it's not unusual. That Italy game is going to be real close. I've backed Ireland for it all but they'll need to play better against England. I suspect an ugly game for that.

 

[Cubist]

Scotland lose in 'poor game choice' shocker. In the words of a famous Welshman, it's not unusual. That Italy game is going to be real close. I've backed Ireland for it all but they'll need to play better against England. I suspect an ugly game for that.

And as O'Connell so succinctly put it, that will be on a completely different level. Can't wait!

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

England U20s beat Scotland U20s this evening 26-11
England Women currently leading Scotland Women 20-6 at HT