Re: Rugby Union
 

What I did like about yesterdays after match comments were that whenever any England player or pundit was asked about the 'disallowed try' the response was along the lines of, "well its what the referee gives that counts....you just need to get on with it..... lets ot talk about that for the next 40 years" etc etc. Can you imagine if something similar had happened in a football final.

Also as for the game not being close, I thought the game was not over till the last 10 minutes or so, when south africa were kicking the ball away whenever they could. South Africa really had to work for that win, decisions ran for them which on another day would have gone against them, and well done England for making it a good watchable final!

Re: Rugby Union
 

We (Wales) play them next month................now where can we get 8 monster forwards from, apart from across the border??

We'll be lucky to get nil against the Boks even if one third of last night's team turn up. I doubt we would give them a half decent game atm. Harsh but true with Wales, another false dawn from the Grand Slam. Victor Matfield was immense for them last night and a rarity a forward with a brain. Thouroughly deserved his MoM award with that boy Steyn not far behind.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Whatever happens, it won't be pretty :(

Re: Rugby Union
 

Well done to Wales, but what happened England ?:shrug:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7223910.stm

Re: Rugby Union
 

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory once again.

Re: Rugby Union
 

I honestly had no idea this would happen :D

I was all ready to moan about Warren needing another year to sort our team out, but beating the Saesneg at Twickers??

Re: Rugby Union
 

First time in 20 years, apparently - what can I say, only one team wanted to win it in the second half, from what I saw - congratulations to the Welsh team for having the heart to not give up after going into half time ten points down ...

Re: Rugby Union
 

Amazing last 20 minutes of the second half, totally turned the match around. I enjoyed watching it far more than the earlier shambles, though the Ireland team have gelled together more than I had thought they would. There are so many unspoken about issues and people not getting on since the world cup.

As for Warrren, he has proven his abilities over and over again. Imho the success that Ireland were enjoying 2ish years ago was not down to Eddie but to all the groundwork that Warren had put in.

Anyways, I'm starting to rant and go on and on about rugby, not that I am obsessed so I'll shh for a while. :)

Re: Rugby Union
 

No, please! Unleash the fury, my celtic compatriot!

Re: Rugby Union
 

Please don't get carried away, one victory does not a Grand Slam make and the first half showed all the old problems are still there. Gatland knows he still has a lot of work to do and being a Kiwi will have his feet firmly on the ground. As he said giant killers atm next week will be another test. See how the Jocks do against France tomorrow before we start crowing because we could end up with a large amount of egg all over our faces.

Being an Osprey fan I was not convinced about picking that number in the team and until Gatland bought on Shanklin Jenkins and Popham the Parker/Henson combo looked about as reliable as a bank account with Northern Rock. One hell of a comeback though.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Yeah but you can't deny that beating the Saesneg in their own backyard will be a massive psychological boost if used wisely.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Well it will make the other teams sit up but when they watch the game they'll see England lost it rather than we won it. England blew a 13 point lead and should have had that game wrapped up by half time. One or 2 cool heads were needed and that's the surprising thing about today's game with JonnyW running things it shows how much they missed the likes of Corry Robinson et all. Beware the Scots!!!

Re: Rugby Union
 

Lots of daft passes and fumbles - it was like watching 4th team Sunday rugby in the 2nd half (on the England side).

Re: Rugby Union
 

tbh, as an English person who could have a claim to Welsh descent, I think that is unfair, I was supporting England during this game & I thought the Welsh team turned out to be the one with the desire & passion to win. The implication that it was a game that England lost, rather than one that Wales won is, in my opinion, an insult to the effort the Welsh team put in during the second half???

Re: Rugby Union
 

England's style of play under Ashton is shocking. Grand Slam is gone. England lack desire and fight.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Well if England had taken their chances first half they would have been out of sight and Wales would have been looking at a 50 point stuffing. Strettle was a prime example where he had Sackey tearing up on his outside and he chose to go inside and kick. Can't afford to do that in international rugby these days. As far as insulting the Welsh team it's called reality sit back and look at the game again and see the difference 2nd half. The Welsh seemed to have self belief 2nd half got a bit more ball and added to some abysmal decision making by England pulled the game around. The expression "bossing the game" did not come to mind about the Welsh team. Read Gatland's comment on the bbc this morning here http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugb...sh/7224562.stm Problem with us Welsh is we're world beaters after one game and that's our Achilles heel. We start talking about another golden era and then we go and lose to Italy or Outer Mongolia. This is where Gatland and Shaun Edwards earn their coin by keeping the Welsh team's feet on the ground. The Scotland vs France game is going to be interesting today as Scotland might spring a few surprises. Can't understand how they didn't start with Chris Paterson still Nicki Walker is another Osprey...............we're everywhere these days.

Re: Rugby Union
 

I hear you - it wouldn't surprise me if we get stuffed in each game now. This is what I meant by using the psychology of beating England wisely. But knowing Henson and co, they'll suddenly regard themselves as the new JPR Williams, Gareth Edwards etc. The problem in the past is there have been too much of an "as long as we beat the English we don't care" - well stuff that, why not "as long as we win the 6 Nations we don't care"?

Re: Rugby Union
 

The other thing I like about Gatland is he went and gave advice to the Ospreys about the rolling maul just before the Gloucester game. What a difference it made shut out their pack in the 2nd half. Have to disagree with you Russ on the Henson and co thing there's believing and belief. It's nice to see Chavin get back doing what he does best playing rugby not being a celebrity husband. I have spoken to someone who has been in his company and the impression that is public is totally wrong.

We have new boys on the block now like Hook who can take some of the limelight away from Henson. All Henson has needed is game time if he can stay injury free the AW Jones injury just before the end yesterday looked nasty.

Re: Rugby Union
 

At least we can be treated to some proper Rugby action later in the year when Australia host the World Cup of the more skilful, more faster, more physical, more entaining code of Rugby.

Re: Rugby Union
 

I agree :tu:

Re: Rugby Union
 

How on earth did we manage that? I was honestly expecting the scots to stuff us in to next week.

Anyway, I smell a Grand Slam now :D

Re: Rugby Union
 

England!

What the hell was that?????

Re: Rugby Union
 

Rearrange these words in to a well known phrase or saying

Your count chickens before hatched Don't are they

Re: Rugby Union
 

Get in!! :D

Re: Rugby Union
 

That was a tremendously entertaining game :tu:

I didn't think Italy actually played that badly, apart from when they tired in the second half, but Wales were brilliant :cool:

Re: Rugby Union
 

Looking forward to the England match.

Re: Rugby Union
 

If France play like they did last night against Wales they'll rip us apart. What a player that scrum half is only 19 and can play at 10 as well....................show off. England have done us a favour but we've got 2 really tough games next up. Gatland's on a revenge mission in Ireland

Re: Rugby Union
 

You have to love the BBC Sports News site this morning.

"England Outmuscle France in Paris"
"Wales 47 - 8 Italy "
"Ireland 34 - 13 Scotland"

So the two best scoring games get just that, the scores......but England get the eye catching headline, why?

Re: Rugby Union
 

Because 'England' is the only country in the UK, the rest of us are just also-rans (also-rans who beat them at home)...I've been highlighting the pro-England bias in the media for years. It'll never change of course.

Re: Rugby Union
 

They aren't the headlines on the BBC website for me :confused: Maybe they changed

Maybe it's because it was the last game on Saturday to be played ;)

Re: Rugby Union
 

Yes it has changed now.

Re: Rugby Union
 

I believe the appropriate expression is 'W00t' :D :D

Re: Rugby Union
 

Cardiff will be electric next week!!

Re: Rugby Union
 

Grreat game in Croke Park....even better game in Murryfield, if you weren't Englsih :)

Re: Rugby Union
 

Great result yesterday but Mike Phillips and Martin Williams wants their heads read after their yellow cards. Any other side, meaning southern hemisphere would have ripped us apart with only 14 men. They were both worth a yellow card for sheer stupidity

The French wouldn't have been so benevolent in the circumstances just one more thing is it me or are we a good side in amongst some pretty average sides

Re: Rugby Union
 

I'd say that Wales are just about above average.

What we have are the three other home nations with the same managers, trying, but not appearing to have a plan or the players to implement them.

Ireland have just lost their lucky charm in O'Driscal. England...well what can you say. They did good against France - more on that later - but they have players in there that just don't seem to get ball. That winger...Viasomethingorother, I thought he could tank his way through the outer defences? Paul Sacky has been the man, you need another like him. Wilkinson, what a superb points tally, considering his injuries. Something though is missing, he's just ot popping. England still have a fierce front five, but is there room to experiment?

Scotland, have been below par, but they did show some guts yesterday. The old Scottish - English rivalry always makes for a good game, and can add fire to the belly. Hadden must be in fear for his job though, I wouldn't want to be in his shoes. I feel sorry for them as well, with only two teams in the Magners league, it can't be easy picking talent from them, and from Scottish players playing in southern border clubs.

France. Worrying. Great pool of talent, and a new manager. He will have been given time to pull things together, and has a strong talent pool to dip his toe into. Wales can beat them on their current form and take the Grand Slam. France will be runner ups unless their is an upset when they play Italy today. Loosing to England is never good, especially at home, but that team needs to experiment quickly.

Italy - Question, why aren't Argentina replacing them in the six nations? :)

Re: Rugby Union
 

I think we're way above average.

Not great by any means but 'good'. I have to say I'm surprised at how Gatland has changed things and I'm sure as soon as the players get more used to him we'll have a return to the glory days of the late 70s.

Re: Rugby Union
 

I think we need to forget the 70's and carve out a new era in the 21st century.

The games are harder, the players physical power is much defined these days with all the modern body training methods.

What Wales need is a future plan, not a history lesson. :)

Re: Rugby Union
 

I think the loss of Corry Dallaligo et all has been one of the factors with England . You cannot afford to lose players of that quality and expect to carry on the same way. Wales beat France ..........mmm don't know about that one and it's not false modesty either. France looked really good with ball in hand against England they were just out muscled by a better pack

If Wales kick it loose like they did against Ireland France will cut us apart

Re: Rugby Union
 

Did anyone else thing the picture quality was really bad. Was it available in HD? It may be the retransmission by Setanta over here in the US. Who knows what the weak link was.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setanta..._North_America
But to know what the systems in bars here look like when showing the HD broadcasts of NFL, NHL, NBA games etc and see this pixelated approximation of Rugby and pay $20 for the privilage well...

But I did watch the England Scotland game sitting next to Sean Connery

Re: Rugby Union
 

SMHarman you name dropper you did he say "You're a ***** for shore eyes Moneypenny." I'd have asked for my $20 back for the England game. Interesting selection by Gatland for Saturday with the boy Hook back in.

Re: Rugby Union
 

3D but not HD!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7286852.stm

Re: Rugby Union
 

Come on boyos!!!

Not sure we can win this, France are looking very strong. But come on anyway :D

Re: Rugby Union
 

Well done Wales - a very good performance tonight and throughout the competition :clap:

Re: Rugby Union
 

Congrats, Wales (from a Scot living in England).

Excellent game, and cracking last 10 minutes.

Re: Rugby Union
 

w00t :spin:

Re: Rugby Union
 

Nice one Wales. My blood pressure is through the roof with that match.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Re: Rugby Union
 

great win! dont tell me wales was lucky

Re: Rugby Union
 

A fine win and Mark Jones' break would have been the icing on the cake but it was poetic justice that the player of the championship Martin Williams finished it in style. Still not sure if we are a good side yet because the next test is South Africa in the summer. We 'll see how far we've come after those games. Discipline still an issue dull high tackle by Henson could have cost us the game again.

Re: Rugby Union
 

The scrum won against the head near the end summed it all up for me, only one team really wanted to win today, well done Wales :tu:

Re: Rugby Union
 

See Shaun Edwards is saying his contract with Wales is nearly completed let's get him in a room and get his signature now before England get him as Brian Ashton's assistant. It could lead to him being England coach after the summer trip to New Zealand

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugb...sh/7298927.stm

Re: Rugby Union
 

Absolutely, his no-nonsense approach has been the breath of fresh air that the Wales team have needed. He has stuck a finger up towards "player-power", and said its my way or Eff Off.

That kind of management is needed if Wales are ever to become a force in International Rugby. This grand slam is a good starting point, it can all fall to pieces if the WRU fail to keep Edwards alongside Gatland.

Re: Rugby Union
 

And with the WRU's shining record in having the inability to organise a drink up in a brewery, it's touch and go as to whether he'll stay or not.

Re: Rugby Union
 

The RFU cash cow that is turning England into laughing stock of rugby



http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011...ugby-world-cup




Rebel clubs move to force Martyn Thomas to step down at RFU



http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011...tyn-thomas-rfu

Re: Rugby Union
 

Independent review into Rugby Football Union structure




http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugb...n/15275517.stm

Re: Rugby Union
 

Let's hope it starts and finishes with the old duffers at HQ.

Re: Rugby Union
 

l will second that.:tu:

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugb...n/15693399.stm




l think this sends a message to other players that its important that you show the right conduct when you are involved with the England squad.

Re: Rugby Union
 

There was news earlier in the week that Joel Tomkins has switched codes and joined Saracens from Wigan.

He's not as good as his brother Sam, who has commited to Wigan for at least 3 more years, but he will be in the England side within the next couple of years imo.

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011...ay-premiership


Again at the end of the day the main driver is money l am afraid.

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rug...d-manager.html

l think he had to go after the debacle of the world cup.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Martin Johnson quits as England team manager


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugb...n/15756480.stm

Re: Rugby Union
 

Perhaps they should give the job to Rob Andrew as he seems to want to control English Rugby :dozey:

Re: Rugby Union
 

To be perfectly honest l have never been enamoured with Rob Andrew as a player or in his current position.:(

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011...martin-johnson

If England are ever to return to the top then they need to reappoint Sir Clive Woodward to the job or else they are set to languish in the second division of nations for the forseeable future.

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011...-leaked-report

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugb...n/15860703.stm

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugb...n/16182962.stm

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugb...n/16274504.stm

Have a happy international retirement.:clap:

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugb...n/16491793.stm

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16824070

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16861332

Six Nations Result

France 30-12 Italy

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16863670

Six Nations Result

Scotland 6-13 England


Great win by England.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Only on the scoreboard Den. I thought both teams lacked finishing skills and England turned over far too much ball in their 22.

The young Scottish number 8 looks like one for the future.

Stats aside, I guess it's only the scoreboard that matters and hopefully the quality of the rugby will improve as the competition progresses.

Re: Rugby Union
 

Yes l agree there is a long way to go for England as we try to rebuild after the disastrous World cup.

Re: Rugby Union
 

I think the World cup found a lot of teams wanting. My team (the Springboks) now have a new coach too, so we will have to wait for the tri-nations to test what we will bring to the table this season.

Your England coach interviewed very well in the pre match. I think he might be what England have been needing for a while now. Bring the love of the game back into the England team. Next few matches will test that theory I guess.

And yes, I'm South African, though been in Scotland for the past 14 years.

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16882998

Six Nations Score

Ireland 21-23 Wales

Re: Rugby Union
 

:D :D

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16898415

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16898415

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16962216

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16971190

Six Nations Score

Italy 15-19 England

Re: Rugby Union
 

Incroyable!!!..... Sacre Bleu!!!.....

The France v. Ireland international at the Stade de France has been called off just minutes before the packed crowd were due to welcome the teams onto the pitch. From what I've heard, it's not even as though there was any last minute, change for the worse in weather conditions either.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16969821

There was I thinking this sort of weather related chaos only happened in the UK..... :D

================================================== =======

Another gritty win for England from what little I've seen of it. As I expected, Owen Farrell hasn't let the side down and is fast proving to be as calm, calculated and metronomic in his kicking as a certain Jonny.... Here's hoping he's even more successful and enjoys an international career that isn't blighted by injury.

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16967771

Six Nations Score

Wales 27-13 Scotland

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012...led?CMP=twt_gu

Re: Rugby Union
 

I'm expecting tomorrow's papers to devote 7 pages to England and how they could have done it better...

Re: Rugby Union
 

Well you know what the media are like Russ but l was quite impressed with England's performance given the age and inexperience of the squad but fair play and congratulations to Wales for securing the Triple Crown and l look forward to our next meeting with them.:)

Re: Rugby Union
 

And how that try should have been given... ;)

Re: Rugby Union
 

Great victory by England against France in Paris winning 24-22.:D

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17332275

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16439582

Very sad to hear of a great rugby legend passing away.

RIP Mervyn

Re: Rugby Union
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-u...00#TWEET105936

Congratulations to Wales on winning the Grand Slam.:clap:

Re: Rugby Union
 

We did it for Merv!! :D

Re: Rugby Union
 

I echo all of that. I've lost my voice now :D

I'm hoping Sexton will be superbly spot-kicking for Ireland again... but I'll be routing for England :)

Re: Rugby Union
 

Yes it would be nice for England to finish the six nations with a another win after our great victory in Paris.

Re: Rugby Union
 

They did it because they have been *amn solid - but I understand your sentiment completely :)

Re: Rugby Union
 

South Africa overpower a game England to win the first Test of the three-match series 22-17 in Durban.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18370363

Re: Rugby Union
 

After 2 close games they could have won - what a result for England!!!!

England 38 - New Zealand 21

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20534229

First match I've seen this year as I don't have Sky but today I managed to see the whole game at my brother's house.

England were very much in control in the first half but, as expected, NZ came back strong in the second half and scored 2 quick tries (the first after a dubious penalty call against Owen Farrell) and it looked like deja vu... The floodgates would open for sure... Same old, same old... Well they did but it was all England who ran the world champions ragged even with only 14 men at the end. The really nice things for me were a) making and converting the chances, b) terrific defence and c) calm nerves after a really tricky spell which saw them lose 14 points in 10 mins.

All in all an excellent performance which every single one of those players will remember forever!

:clap: :clap: :clap:

Re: Rugby Union
 

England pulled off one of the great victories in their history as they destroyed world champions New Zealand at a rejoicing Twickenham.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20534229

Happy days are here again.:cleader::cleader:

Re: Rugby Union
 

Just watched it on BBC3, a well deserved win in a match no one gave the team a hope in