Any Rugby fans here?

[Switchblade]

After all the superbowl threads:

Anyone following the 6 Nations tournament?

(And will union fans from the tri nations please try not to point and laugh too loudly )

Never mind who wins (Wales, obviously), I’m wondering which manager will have to fall on his sword after this is over. The Bergamasco (sp?) at scrum half incident, England playing their worst rugby for years ever (and as a welsh fan I’ve seen more than my share of poor playing) and several loud calls for the resignation of the Scottish manager could see some changes.

Personally I pity MJ, he needs more time and a lack of choice doesn’t help.
Though I can’t see any excuse for the Italy manager. That choice was temporary insanity. I thought I was watching a comedy, not a rugby game.

 

[Phaezen]

6 Nations, I have heard of this.....

Fortunately, down below the equator, we have the Super 14 and Tri-Nations to look forward to....

 

[Switchblade]

6 Nations, I have heard of this.....

Fortunately, down below the equator, we have the Super 14 and Tri-Nations to look forward to....

Next time boyo, next time

This message was brought to you by the campaign for blind optimism. Not affiliated with the lions tour or WRU in any way.

 

[Phaezen]

Next time boyo, next time

This message was brought to you by the campaign for blind optimism. Not affiliated with the lions tour or WRU in any way.

Speaking of blind optimism. Let us discuss the English cricket team. 51 all out? seriously? the shaaammmmeeeee

 

[Switchblade]

Speaking of blind optimism. Let us discuss the English cricket team. 51 all out? seriously? the shaaammmmeeeee

Cricket? What's cricket?

Lets put it this way, come saturday when England play Wales it won't be England I'm cheering on.

 

[Dioltach]

An English rugby fan here. Still optimistic after 5 years of mostly disappointments.

Actually, I'm more upbeat after the Italy game last weekend than I was before. Sure Italy made some bad mistakes, but it still takes a half-decent team to take the opportunities. And for too long I've been watching England not take them. Sadly, though, they did what they've been doing for a long time, even during the 2001-2003 era: for about 20 minutes in the second half they collectively go missing.

I haven't watched Ireland v France yet -- got it on the DVD recorder to watch when I have a little less work to deal with -- and I didn't see Wales v Scotland. From what I read, Ireland look good, with Brian O'Driscoll on fire again, and Wales were solid. But Wales have some key injury doubts now, which may work in England's favour come Saturday, and maybe Tindall will be fit again for England. All things considered, I expect that match to be much less of a done deal for Wales than many people seem to think.

How did France play against Ireland? Because let's face it, they're usually the wild cards of any Six Nations.

 

[Switchblade]

Only 5 years of disappointment. Heh, I’ve got you beat there. Try supporting Wales. At least under Gatland Wales seem to be reliable. I can finally watch matches without indigestion tablets on hand. 2005 and 2008 have not made me forget the intervening years.

England took every opportunity they were given and scored. They didn’t seem to make their own opportunities though and never looked that dangerous. I never thought a 5 try win could look so unconvincing. A few years ago if Italy were playing like that England would have but 50+ points on them. Still, welsh line out like it is I’m sure there will be opportunities for England come Saturday.

Ire vs Fr was the most entertaining game of the weekend. Neither were exactly on top form but the game was flowing and Ireland seemed to give the best performance of the weekend. BOD showed what he can do with some nice play and both sides were putting together some entertaining phases. Well worth watching.

The French looked dangerous in attack though a little flaky in defence at times. Who knows what they’ll play like next week.

Unfortunately “20 minutes in the second half they collectively go missing.” sums up the welsh team nicely as well.

I never write England off, or underestimate the Welsh ability to stop playing at half time (or 58 minutes as the case may be). However with few exceptions the English team seem lacklustre. Injury wise though I’m not too concerned. There is enough depth that the loss of Henson and Jones didn’t hit hard, in fact they may not get back in the team. Shane being out would be a pain, esp. as Mark “Bambi” Jones can fall over quite well without needing to be tackled. Not an endearing trait in a winger. The only person that seems irreplaceable at the moment is Martyn Williams.

Not the walk over that some of my friends think it will be but I’m rather confident that Wales will put about 5 - 8 points on England. Unless Gatland has a nervous breakdown, does a Mallet and plays Gough at scrumhalf or something equally daft.