What would happen IF England lost to Italy?

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What would happen IF England lost to Italy?

IMO it wouldn’t be the worst result in the rugby world, and here’s why.

Italy are now a very well organised team not like they used to be in their 1st few seasons in the 6 nations when they beat Scotland and Wales.

Italy in Rome is a very different animal compared to when they play away, the Italians are a very proud and passionate nation and this shows when they step onto a rugby pitch, what they lack in ability they make up for in determination.

The Italians use a different ball compared to the other home nations (Mitre) as the RWC showed some players are very particular about their balls, and with good reason.

Most of them play their rugby in France which as we all know is a tough league when compared to the likes of the Rabo.

I’m not making ready made excuses for England if we were to lose to the Italians, but we should be aware that the new/inexperianced England squad face a very tough task to put the Italians away in Rome, so don’t be surprised if we lose to them for the 1st time in our proud and distinguished history.

I hope whatever happens that we stick by this team as once a few key players are back I think we have a very solid base for the next few years.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:

miteyironpaw wrote:Italy are ranked 12th. We are technically fifth, but as I've said before, on form we should be 3rd at least, if it weren't for the silly rule of doubling RWC points we would be there.

Eh?

How deluded is this guy?

Italy will beat England, but not this weekend.

damngoodOvalball wrote:

eirebilly wrote:Its The Grey Ghost, i am certain of it HERSH

The greyghost is far better than that, another league. Islanders was a pathetic effort, dim witted even.

And there was me thinking this was a forum about rugby? Obviously damngoodOvalball would be more suited to a loose women forum...
I'm here to talk about rugby, not bitch...

Grey Ghost makes a fair point, there is a separate thread for banter

If it were GG you think would've avoided the "Should Wayne Barnes be given the electric chair" discussion?

ISLANDER is clearly HERSH. The give aways are the broken caps lock and the lack of actual knowledge about rugby.

But to answer the point, if I write the England team list next to that of Wales, Scotland, Ireland and France then look across each row, I might on the odd occasion select a non English player on individual merit (largely on experience rather than raw talent I must add); but for over all team balance, you have to go with England as a whole every time.

We have the best tight five as witnessed in our set piece domination. We're building the most balanced back row in world rugby, undoubtably have the finest half back and pivot pairing and the relationship and balance of the power and unparalleled line breaking ability of Tuilagi and the pace, power and raw finishing ability of Ashton and Foden has no rival in the modern game, back to the start of the professional era. There are many detractors of course, but how can you argue with stats showing we are consistently the most prolific try scorers? and reigning 6N champions.

Currently we're filling in the gaps left by a generation of world class players who have now peaked and retired with dignity at the top of their game; with players of such ominous potential that I won't be surprised if NZ live out their threat to not bother showing up in 2015 to defend their crown.

We changed the way rugby was played in 2002/03 and I can't help but feel we're about to do it again. A new fast lethal style of strike implemented by Foden, Ashton, Tuilagi, anchored by the most complete set piece in the world.
The more I look at the team, the less I see a weakness!

I fear for Italy this weekend, I really do. When we dish out another hiding to back up last years rout, I wonder whether the question will start to be asked about Italy's suitability to be in the tournament at all?

ISLANDER wrote:

damngoodOvalball wrote:

eirebilly wrote:Its The Grey Ghost, i am certain of it HERSH

The greyghost is far better than that, another league. Islanders was a pathetic effort, dim witted even.

And there was me thinking this was a forum about rugby? Obviously damngoodOvalball would be more suited to a loose women forum...
I'm here to talk about rugby, not bitch...

.....and tired cliches. Just a few posts back you generalize an entire group of fans, clearly without having read the other posts. Perhaps you would feel more at home in the extreme plaid Cymru chat room?

miteyironpaw wrote:We changed the way rugby was played in 2002/03 and I can't help but feel we're about to do it again. A new fast lethal style of strike implemented by Foden, Ashton, Tuilagi, anchored by the most complete set piece in the world.
The more I look at the team, the less I see a weakness!

I fear for Italy this weekend, I really do. When we dish out another hiding to back up last years rout, I wonder whether the question will start to be asked about Italy's suitability to be in the tournament at all?

And you accuse Islander of being a WUM?

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:

miteyironpaw wrote:We changed the way rugby was played in 2002/03 and I can't help but feel we're about to do it again. A new fast lethal style of strike implemented by Foden, Ashton, Tuilagi, anchored by the most complete set piece in the world.
The more I look at the team, the less I see a weakness!

I fear for Italy this weekend, I really do. When we dish out another hiding to back up last years rout, I wonder whether the question will start to be asked about Italy's suitability to be in the tournament at all?

And you accuse Islander of being a WUM?

I don't know who Grey Ghost is, or Hersh?
Miteyironpaw, I think your wearing rose tinted glasses my friend. England are 6N current champions, and rightly so. They were the best performing team of last year's 6N, but not this year. France are clearly favourite's, with Lièvremont gone, and Philippe Saint-André giving stability, they are a class act.
Foden is world class, Tuilagi has shown glimpses of what he can do but hasn't had the International exposure, but Ashton is over rated by the English media, his all round game is inconsistent. The same as the Welsh over rate Hook and Henson!! Yes, they've had a couple of good games, but World class they are not. I would even pick Strettle over Asthon, for his over all game. If England are the force that people speak of, why did only ONE English team go through to the quarter finals of the Heiniken cup?

I don't think you'll find many welsh fans overating Hook or Henson - I also disagree with the eulogising of this french team as if all of a sudden its going to click under PSD - They were poor in many departments against Italy and there 2-3 very soft trys.

RubyGuby wrote:I don't think you'll find many welsh fans overating Hook or Henson - I also disagree with the eulogising of this french team as if all of a sudden its going to click under PSD - They were poor in many departments against Italy and there 2-3 very soft trys.

Henson is a 'Has Been', conjured up by the Osprey Mail, sorry, I mean the Western Mail, he'll never be the class act as he use to be, which is a shame because he is a genuinely a nice lad, but his non-rugby media exposure has gone to his head a little. Hook can change a game coming off the bench for sure, but lacked clinical distribution and goal kicking in the World Cup, the lad takes one step forward and two steps back. As for this French team, they can't be to bad, after all they played poorly in the World Cup and got to the Final?

They also lost to Italy and Tonga and struggled against a 14 man welsh team - We'll have to wait until the end of the 6 nations until we see if the new coach is really having any impact - I just don't buy the assumption that seems to be everywhere that they are suddenly unbeatable 'cos they have a new coach.

France are by no means unbeatable Ruby. Italy really put them under some pressure and if their defence was better on the day then who knows?

Alot of Irish fans arent giving Ireland much hope but i honestly feel somewhat confident. I still feel that France will win due to home ground advantage but i would not be in the least suprised if Ireland turned up an won...

ISLANDER wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:I don't think you'll find many welsh fans overating Hook or Henson - I also disagree with the eulogising of this french team as if all of a sudden its going to click under PSD - They were poor in many departments against Italy and there 2-3 very soft trys.

As for this French team, they can't be to bad, after all they played poorly in the World Cup and got to the Final?

So did England at the RWC in 2007. Wales failed to get out of their group in 2007 only to follow it up with a Grand Slam in the next 6N. There is no doubt that France have some awesome players but then again, they usually do. The new coach is one from one, has survived the potential banana skin that is Italy in Rome. But France have a dodgy record against often inferior looking England teams, and wales and Ireland are looking pretty solid so let's how they get on in the coming games before declaring them the best. England pumped Italy last year, thrashed them before being whipped by an underperforming Ireland side. That's the beauty of the 6N

damngoodOvalball wrote:

ISLANDER wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:I don't think you'll find many welsh fans overating Hook or Henson - I also disagree with the eulogising of this french team as if all of a sudden its going to click under PSD - They were poor in many departments against Italy and there 2-3 very soft trys.

As for this French team, they can't be to bad, after all they played poorly in the World Cup and got to the Final?

So did England at the RWC in 2007. Wales failed to get out of their group in 2007 only to follow it up with a Grand Slam in the next 6N. There is no doubt that France have some awesome players but then again, they usually do. The new coach is one from one, has survived the potential banana skin that is Italy in Rome. But France have a dodgy record against often inferior looking England teams, and wales and Ireland are looking pretty solid so let's how they get on in the coming games before declaring them the best. England pumped Italy last year, thrashed them before being whipped by an underperforming Ireland side. That's the beauty of the 6N

Pretty sure they played in Paris. Last year Italy beat France in Rome

Italy will be playing in their new stadium this weekend, nerves may be a factor.

I still think that this is Italy's best chance to beat England but i feel that England will just have too much for them.

Yeah my mistake Billy. Still a deceptively difficult game first up. I do think that psa will be a good coach for France. He couldnt be much worse than ML. But France have always been susceptible to embarrassing slip ups. In fact you could say that they are more wasteful of talent than england. How much of that is the coaches fault or is it something to do with the psyche of the French players?

Cant argue with that damngood, France certainly are a funny side. What scares me is that Ireland are starting to emmulate them in going from looking ordinary to looking sublime.....

Irelands performance in the last 6N being a great example of their ordinary to sublime tendencies. It still gives me nightmares! I was confident of the GS last year. Not enough to have a celebratory t shirt pre made, but as confident as I had been of beating Ireland since 2003, only for the Irish to rip us a new one.

I guess the same could be said of England - destroy oz one week, get ripped apart by an understrength SA the next.

What would happen if England lost to Italy?

The very bowels of hell would open. Darkness would cover the earth. Lava would spew from every pore in the earths crust. Demons, zombies, devils, and Members of the European Parliament would take over the world.

Actually, we would see some very pretty ladies dancing in the streets of Rome. Italia, Italia, Italia.

Damn rugby, does my head in. Never know what to expect

It was Ireland's performance against England in last year's tournament that caused me to worry so much about the match last Sunday.

What will happen when England lose to Italy?

Hopefully less posts like this will grace the forum.

miteyironpaw wrote:
But to answer the point, if I write the England team list next to that of Wales, Scotland, Ireland and France then look across each row, I might on the odd occasion select a non English player on individual merit (largely on experience rather than raw talent I must add); but for over all team balance, you have to go with England as a whole every time.

We have the best tight five as witnessed in our set piece domination. We're building the most balanced back row in world rugby, undoubtably have the finest half back and pivot pairing and the relationship and balance of the power and unparalleled line breaking ability of Tuilagi and the pace, power and raw finishing ability of Ashton and Foden has no rival in the modern game, back to the start of the professional era. There are many detractors of course, but how can you argue with stats showing we are consistently the most prolific try scorers? and reigning 6N champions.

Currently we're filling in the gaps left by a generation of world class players who have now peaked and retired with dignity at the top of their game; with players of such ominous potential that I won't be surprised if NZ live out their threat to not bother showing up in 2015 to defend their crown.

We changed the way rugby was played in 2002/03 and I can't help but feel we're about to do it again. A new fast lethal style of strike implemented by Foden, Ashton, Tuilagi, anchored by the most complete set piece in the world.
The more I look at the team, the less I see a weakness!

I fear for Italy this weekend, I really do. When we dish out another hiding to back up last years rout, I wonder whether the question will start to be asked about Italy's suitability to be in the tournament at all?

My conclusion after reading that is that you are actually delusional and possibly a tweaker...!

Wow...! What a post

I'm a bit concerned that ISLANDER has disappeared?

Oh your back Maesteg!

doctor_grey wrote:What would happen if England lost to Italy?

The very bowels of hell would open. Darkness would cover the earth. Lava would spew from every pore in the earths crust. Demons, zombies, devils, and Members of the European Parliament would take over the world.

Actually, we would see some very pretty ladies dancing in the streets of Rome. Italia, Italia, Italia.

I was in Italy when they last won the Football World Cup. They were very happy and had street parties and we were all invited to join in (which as 17 year olds ina foreign country we did). It was very surreal but awesome and if the unlikely does happen and we do lose I suggest every Englishperson in Rome to join the street parties as I'm sure the Italians will be gracious winners

luckless_pedestrian wrote:It was Ireland's performance against England in last year's tournament that caused me to worry so much about the match last Sunday.

how are they gonna get up for the first game against wales in the same way as to stop england getting a gs!

your rivallry isnt quite there as of yet

I'd be gutted, embarrassed and disappointed if we lost to Itlay. Then after a few hours and a nice curry, I'd be pragmatic and say 'Well its our turn spose', 'Caretaker coach, new players etc'. Nevermind..

It'll be hell on here thats for sure

miteyironpaw wrote:But to answer the point, if I write the England team list next to that of Wales, Scotland, Ireland and France then look across each row, I might on the odd occasion select a non English player on individual merit (largely on experience rather than raw talent I must add); but for over all team balance, you have to go with England as a whole every time.

1. We have the best tight five as witnessed in our set piece domination. We're 2. building the most balanced back row in world rugby, undoubtably 3.have the finest half back and pivot pairing and the relationship and balance of the power and 4. unparalleled line breaking ability of Tuilagi and the pace, power and 5. raw finishing ability of Ashton and Foden has no rival in the modern game, back to the start of the professional era. There are many detractors of course, but how can you argue with stats showing we are consistently the most prolific try scorers? and reigning 6N champions.

Currently we're filling in the gaps left by a generation of world class players who have now peaked and retired with dignity at the top of their game; with players of such ominous potential that 6. I won't be surprised if NZ live out their threat to not bother showing up in 2015 to defend their crown.

We changed the way rugby was played in 2002/03 and I can't help but feel we're about to do it again. A new fast lethal style of strike implemented by Foden, Ashton, Tuilagi, 7. anchored by the most complete set piece in the world. The more I look at the team, the less I see a weakness!

I fear for Italy this weekend, I really do. When we dish out another hiding to back up last years rout, I wonder whether the question will start to be asked about Italy's suitability to be in the tournament at all?

1. You might want to relook at your line out and maul success rate though.
2. I needn't look further than Wales to disagree on that point.
3. You must be thinking of Dawson and Wilkinson
4. What about SBW, Dagg, Beale, Ioane, North but to mention a few.
5. Wow.
6. Yeah, they must be shaking in their boots.
7. Refer to one.

This is either a WUM, or you are a little deluded my friend.

I think if England lost to Italy it would be good for world rugby. It would finally show that Italy have arrived and it would be a huge boost to the game in Italy.

That said, I'll be cheering on England.

That was quite an extraordinary read Biltong, it has to be a WUM and not a very good one might I add (where's the humour?).

What about HERSH getting his excuses in early for losing to Italy though. To think he degenerates the Rabo whilst he is at it. I wonder how Bath went when they last played a Rabo team in Europe?

It just occurred to me that if Ireland beat France, Scotland beat Wales and Italy beat England then every team will have 2 points! How many times has that ever happened?

Morgannwg wrote:What about HERSH getting his excuses in early for losing to Italy though. To think he degenerates the Rabo whilst he is at it. I wonder how Bath went when they last played a Rabo team in Europe?

But we all decided here on 606v2 that the Rabo wasn't a serious league!

Morgannwg wrote:That was quite an extraordinary read Biltong, it has to be a WUM and not a very good one might I add (where's the humour?).

I don't know mate, I leaning towards delusional

If England lose to Italy i expect plenty of lines being spun that they beat France last year and France were world cup finalists!

England are a young team!

England is a pretty raw team!

It's all about building for the future!

We don't want to peak until the world cup!

Blah blah blah!!!

If England win it will be because they are brave,edgy, exciting,clinical.

Not matter what the result rugby will be the loser just like England v Scotland last week.

Mark my words, VTTG, Biltongbek the only excuse pedalling going on will be the other participants in the 6N (and bleating from the Pacific) about how Italy are "not worthy" opponents and how "we" (collectively) would have beaten them by more. The splash must be looking forward to extending his 6N try scoring record! I can barely wait to see your uncomfortable posts come Monday. Mark my words.

$iteyironpaw, there is a vast difference between confidence and arrogance.

Now personally I have no issue with confidence, but stating one's team is nigh on perfect when the facts suggest otherwise is not only arrogant but also biased and opens one's statement of such opinion as fact up for criticism and ridicule.

I doubt you'll see the most biased NZ supporter that confident, and based on their record, they might actually make statements like that

As luck would have it, England play NZ later this year Biltongbek, so we'll get to see who is right, as England build towards a home RWC victory, equalling NZ's record.

Expansive England.

Come back monday and rake through my comments because i couldn't give a F!
if England win or lose, all i want is Wales to win.

Just reading Ross Fords comments on how Scotland are coming to out play at rugby so they want the roof closed just makes me even more excited.

Alex_Germany wrote:I think if England lost to Italy it would be good for world rugby. It would finally show that Italy have arrived and it would be a huge boost to the game in Italy.

That said, I'll be cheering on England.

Welcome,Alex.
It would not surprise most Rugby fans ans would send Fleet Street into a bit of a frenzy.It could happen and that is the joy of the 6N's.Not sure which country has least players of origin but I reckon it will be close on both counts.

gota love the bitter celts, remind me of grizzly minature dogs!

I think I'd have either a wry smile, smirk or grin.

England won't lose though, they've had a game and time together and have a big enough set piece to get plenty of possession. Can't see why floods not there though, crazy.

mystiroakey wrote:gota love the bitter celts, remind me of grizzly minature dogs!

mystiroakey,

Hi, you sound like a jolly and technologically knowledgeable fellow, how do you put someone 'on-ignore' on this board?

Since 2000 Italy has won 35 tests...amongst them...
5 against Scotland
3 against Fiji
2 against Wales Tonga and Arg
1 each against Samoa and France

With the 3 previous wins against Ireland they've beaten the lot..

I'd say they are well overdue...

To beat the All Blacks? Probably not quite there mate

Seriously though, good luck to them against Wales, Scotland and Ireland. If they beat us I may cry a little

If Italy beat England.... I would and and

as an impartial viewer, I just hope it's a close game.

Bitter celts eh... That old chestnut being dragged out.

What i can gather (from my own personal views on the Italy England match) from the majority of "bitter celts" is.

1/ Most believe that This is Italy's best chance to beat England
2/ Most that think this is Italy's best chance also feel that England will be too strong.
3/ Alot dont really care because they only care about their own team

Now i dont see any bitterness in those comments at all. What i see is that people are generally interested in the game of rugby and want to share their views of all the games but by all means, label us all "Bitter celts".

Sure you will get the odd silly posters from all countries having a dig but that does not mean that all can be tarred with the same brush.

I thought that this Forum was an open place to discuss rugby and have differing opinions? Why the need to label everyone, that is not English, for having an opinion that may not match your own as "bitter celts" is beyond me.

You may criticise "other teams" as long as you don't criticise other teams.

It really annoys me biltong. As you know i am a fan of Englands cricket team so fail to see how i can be considered 'anti English' or a 'Bitter celt' for simply having an opinion on the rugby...

The 6N, although a great tournement, really brings out the worst in people unfortunately.

eirebilly wrote:It really annoys me biltong. As you know i am a fan of Englands cricket team so fail to see how i can be considered 'anti English' or a 'Bitter celt' for simply having an opinion on the rugby...

The 6N, although a great tournement, really brings out the worst in people unfortunately.

you'll never get away from that unfortunately. I have found especially during the world cup how people become over protective from all nations, they believe they are never wrong and get hyper sensitive when you give your honest opinion. As a neutral spectator during this last week I have seen some comments and opinions that borders on either, hilarious, ridiculous, arrogant, ignorant, biased, disrespectful and then of course the personal attacks.

But hey, beyond that there are those that can debate with sense and produce valid arguments even if sometimes a little biased.