The rugby

[Dorset Boy]

Steward feels like a one trick pony and Steyn was better at that trick today.

The trick that Steward alledgedly has, he doesn't actually have - he rarely wins a contestable high ball.

 

[AndyRM]

Thanks for keeping it warm my English chums!

 

[Pblakeney]

I was amazed Russell didn’t get on the shortlist but I’d have given it to Darby though. Steyn was very good too though.

It felt like more than an 11 point game. Considering England were down to 14 for 20 minutes the score feels fairly respectable. Scotland probably had their worst part of the game during the 20 minute red though, they went off the boil a bit.

It wasn't 20 minutes though, it was 30 when you include the original Yellow.
Fair to say that Scotland can beat England when it is 15 v 14 for 37.5% of the match.

 

[Blazing Saddles]

The trick that Steward alledgedly has, he doesn't actually have - he rarely wins a contestable high ball.

And anyone with half a side set can beat him. Including forwards.
He’s like a cement bollard.

 

[Blazing Saddles]

It wasn't 20 minutes though, it was 30 when you include the original Yellow.
Fair to say that Scotland can beat England when it is 15 v 14 for 37.5% of the match.

The difference between the two teams, aside that numerical advantage, was the Scottish backs. England lost their most dangerous attacking weapon to that red card. However, the backs in blue were far more dynamic and made most of the decisive breaks.

England missed several key players in this department.

 

[Rusty Nails]

It wasn't 20 minutes though, it was 30 when you include the original Yellow.
Fair to say that Scotland can beat England when it is 15 v 14 for 37.5% of the match.

England have won only three of the last ten matches between these teams.

I think it's fair to say Scotland can beat England without such an advantage.

 

[AndyRM]

England have won only three of the last ten matches between these teams.

I think it's fair to say Scotland can beat England without such an advantage.

You and your facts...

 

[Dorset Boy]

England have won only three of the last ten matches between these teams.

I think it's fair to say Scotland can beat England without such an advantage.

For Scotland, it is just a shame that their record against Ireland and france in the same period is dire.
Why can they raise their game against England but be awful against Italy and regularly poor against France and Ireland?

 

[Rusty Nails]

For Scotland, it is just a shame that their record against Ireland and france in the same period is dire.
Why can they raise their game against England but be awful against Italy and regularly poor against France and Ireland?

Scotland have limited rugby player resources compared to England. It's easier to motivate yourself if you're the underdog against a bigger, local rival.

Plus they hate them.

 

[Pross]

It wasn't 20 minutes though, it was 30 when you include the original Yellow.
Fair to say that Scotland can beat England when it is 15 v 14 for 37.5% of the match.

Yeah, I meant to type 30 but must have had 20 minute red card in my head whilst typing. If you want to go down that route though England got the vast majority of their points against Wales when they were down to 13 or 14 (and Wales only scored when England were a man short).

 

[Pblakeney]

England have won only three of the last ten matches between these teams.

I think it's fair to say Scotland can beat England without such an advantage.

Fair point, well made.
Nobody forecast today's match after last weeks matches with the possible exception of Johnny Wilkinson (? possibly another pundit) who said immediately after the Italy match that Scotland would do exactly what they did today.

 

[DaveReading]

For Scotland, it is just a shame that their record against Ireland and france in the same period is dire.
Why can they raise their game against England but be awful against Italy and regularly poor against France and Ireland?

ABE

 

[geocycle]

The difference between the two teams, aside that numerical advantage, was the Scottish backs. England lost their most dangerous attacking weapon to that red card. However, the backs in blue were far more dynamic and made most of the decisive breaks.

England missed several key players in this department.

Yes, the back line was really found out. Ford made some poor choices, Dingwall looked ordinary and Freeman showed why he isn’t a starting centre. I’m not a fan of Steward who is too slow off the mark. The choice of Fin Smith on the bench was odd, I prefer him at 10 to Marcus but he offers much less as a finisher.

 

[Pross]

FFS why am I watching this? I was in a good mood after my longest run in 6 months and this shambles ruins it in 90 seconds.

 

[Dorset Boy]

Well it didn't take long, and now Wales are huffing and puffing and getting driven backwards