The rugby

[AndyRM]

Apart from the big green elephant in the room

Fair enough. Personally, I don't think Ireland are much to be honest.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Fair enough. Personally, I don't think Ireland are much to be honest.

Yeah. They're pretty rubbish aren't they?

 

[AndyRM]

Yeah. They're pretty rubbish aren't they?

I've not said that they are.

 

[Rusty Nails]

Fair enough. Personally, I don't think Ireland are much to be honest.

What brings you to that opinion?

Their results in recent years have been very good, including against SH teams, and not for nothing are they ranked World No. 1.

As a Wales supporter it hurts me to say they have improved immensely from the days when they were primarily a spoiling team to now when they are an attacking team.

 

[matticus]

So, Scotland red card:
How come noone noticed that 8blue hit White's head with HIS shoulder before the other fella smashed into him??
Anyway, both reds seemed correct calls (and process) 👍

Bad luck Scotland - a good show!

 

[AndyRM]

What brings you to that opinion?

Their results in recent years have been very good, including against SH teams, and not for nothing are they ranked World No. 1.

As a Wales supporter it hurts me to say they have improved immensely from the days when they were primarily a spoiling team to now when they are an attacking team.

I suppose it's what you wrote at the end there. I struggle to get past their historically cynical style of play.

Personal prejudice I guess.

 

[T4tomo]

So, Scotland red card:
How come noone noticed that 8blue hit White's head with HIS shoulder before the other fella smashed into him??
Anyway, both reds seemed correct calls (and process) 👍

Bad luck Scotland - a good show!

8 had his arm low and was attempting to wrap it into a tackle, 5 led with shoulder and made no attempt to tackle.

tough on scotland (the result, not the red card), with a bit more precision and less sloppiness they should have won that.

the next set of games are hard to call.

Maybe 3 home wins.

 

[geocycle]

Yes, bring on the next round! Ireland look great, France can be great, Scotland are a tad ahead of the rest. But England at home v France could be interesting, France favourites. I think Italy could beat Wales.

England looked stodgy and anxious against Wales but if Farrel had got the kicks they would have won by 20 points, probably more as they could have brought the attack minded bench on earlier. They need to take a leaf out of the cricketers and not fear defeat so much.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Here are my predictions. Guaranteed, I tell ya:
ITA-WAL - Italy. They need to win this. Too many plucky losses.
ENG-FRA - France. But who knows. I think England are improving, but that could just be my bias.
SCO-IRL Ireland. Not giving Scotland much chance, but they are at home so I could be wrong.
SCO-ITA - Scotland. Heart says Italy as I've fallen in love with them a bit in this champ. Could be an exciting match.
FRA-WAL France. France all the way
IRL-ENG Ireland. Ireland all the way

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I would love Italy to win one - they deserve it


but not against Wales - only England are allowed to beat Wales!!!

 

[Chap sur le velo]

the next set of games are hard to call.

Maybe 3 home wins.

I think the opposite is more likely...

This year has been unusual for the high no of away results. At the end of the season, results away from home may be the best guide to who might perform at the World Cup.
However Italy AND Scotland really need to win these matches if they are to get anything out of 6 nations.

And it does seem to me like the French have lost some of last years panache. Maybe a wobble now is better than in 6 months time, but they wouldn't be the first French team to unravel when the pressure steps up. The expectations at home for the World Cup are already huge...

We'll know more about England's progress after the next two games. To win one would be progress. Both? Can't see it, but then being wrong is why we keep watching?

 

[matticus]

8 had his arm low and was attempting to wrap it into a tackle, 5 led with shoulder and made no attempt to tackle.

Yeah, totally agree that 5's was much more serious.

I'm just saying that 8 should have been penalised for striking the ball-carrier's head; with mitigation as you have stated (certainly not a Red card, no idea whether a yellow, or just a penalty).

 

[Chap sur le velo]

A lucky bounce off a kick and a lucky bounce off a pass and all the half time pundits can talk about is credit for the finishes!
Was neutral but now its come on Italy (who should be given credit for having a go when it appears the fates are against them!)

 

[Chap sur le velo]

Game on!

 

[Grant Fondo]

Italy gave it good go again. Been a pleasure to watch this year. Played Wales!