Re: Rugby Union
 

Sounds like it's been a hell of a game and well done to a young England team for running a great side very, very close indeed. Far better than I'd hope for I must admit but I reckon Lancaster is building something very very special.

No full match report yet:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/rugby-union/26883105

Re: Rugby Union
 

Yes it was only a try late on that beat us so it looks very encouraging for the future.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Tell you what Den, that result will focus the minds of a few of the first choice players who weren't available for selection for one reason or another.

When Lancaster took over from Johnson I must admit I was underwhelmed but I've been eating humble pie ever since. I like the way he goes about his business without any fuss and think he's finally exorcised the last remnants of that self destructive attitude (and ill-disciplined behaviour) which some of the top players had sadly fallen into.

Looking forward to the RWC back on home soil. :)

Match report here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27746459

Re: Rugby Union
 

As a Welsh man I have to concede that England, despite key player loss, looked awesome.

They looked in control, and were by no means fearless on the big tackles.

Having said that, that last minute try is a classic southern hemisphere move that proves yet again that NZ are ahead by a country mile in the bragging stakes.

Was a little disappointed with Nigel Owen though, thought he could have relied more on the panel of referees around him for some of the penalty decisions - not his best match to date.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Another close result, just 1 point in it this time and that after the AB's would have been smarting from last week.

I was expecting a heavy defeat this time out but once again the lads played some great flowing rugby and scored 3 tries, the last 2 coming late in the game when other teams might have given up. There were mistakes and missed opportunities of course but to have run NZ so close at home and away in recent years I reckon the future's looking quite bright.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27844114

Re: Rugby Union
 

Oh dear...

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/28073290

Re: Rugby Union
 

No wonder our great Scottish friends have gone into hiding.:D

Re: Rugby Union
 

Probably those who watch rugby, don't follow the traditional english way of losing ie "boo hoo, we lost, we are still the greatest, watch us win the next [insert world cup, 20-20 etc]" :D

It always gives me great amusement

Re: Rugby Union
 

Unexpected but nice nevertheless.:D

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31137059

Re: Rugby Union
 

Let's not get carried away, it's only Wales...

Re: Rugby Union
 

l am certainly not getting carried away but this banished the memory of a certain 30-3 mauling here two years ago.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Well, nice to see an England win. However, I cannot stand this stupid tactic of relying on penalties only. As always, supporting the underdog so Italy is my team.

I reckon if Italy put as much effort into rugby as they do football, they would probably win the tournament at some point in the future.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Shows how far we've dropped when we lose to a team Luke England at home.

Re: Rugby Union
 

The tie is now 56-58 to England, with 12 draws. That looks like a pretty even match to me. Over the long term, "a team like England" is exactly what Wales is. :shrug:

Re: Rugby Union
 

Sadly penalties are a important part of the modern game Mark.

By the way Italy have no chance of winning a tournament.