The Official *England to Grand Slam Glory 2013* Thread

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

“It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required.”
Winston Churchill

In just over 4 weeks, Stuart Lancaster's England will start their quest for Grand Slam glory. It has to be said that this is England's best chance since 2003 for a Grand Slam. Really, for the Northern Hemisphere's biggest Rugby nation not to have clinched a Grand Slam for 10 years is a poor return. That will surely change on the 16th March.

“My tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best.”
Winston Churchill

This amount of optimism stems from a hugely encouraging 2012 for the English rugby team. 4 wins out of 5 in last year's Six Nations with a fairly new team, then a character-building tour to South Africa, running South Africa and Australia close at the home of Rugby, before ending the year by beating the World Champions and running in 3 tries against them. 2013 will be the year that it all comes together for England.

"The English have an extraordinary ability for flying into a great calm."
Alexander Woollcott

2013 for England will start with a game home to Scotland. Unless there's a downpour, Scotland have little hope. Expect England to rack up 25+ points and a multitude of tries against inferior opposition.

"Let not England forget her precedence of teaching nations how to live."
John Milton

Then, away to Ireland. Often, the Irish are seen as a bogey team for England but let's be rational. England are better in every department as they proved in 2012. I'll be looking for a very very good result from England in this game.

"You must hate a Frenchman as you do the devil."
Lord Nelson

The third game will be the biggest of the lot. Home to the French at Twickenham. Beaten by England in Paris in 2012, France will be beaten by England in London in 2013. No mistake though, this game will be the toughest challenge that England will face in the 2013 Six Nations. I expect England to just about edge out the French.

"We few. We happy few. We band of brothers."
William Shakespeare

On the 10th March, England will be on the home straight. Home to Italy, mere cannon fodder against the mighty mighty England. 4 wins out of 4, Grand Slam in sight.

"Ever the faith endures, England, my England."
W.E. Henley

The crowning glory will be against England's little brother, Wales. No doubt they'll be up for this game, they love a game against their bigger brother and the chance to upset the odds. What is it Wales, 7 losses out of 7 since last year's Grand Slam? After a tough 20 minutes, England's superiority and class will show. Grand Slam clinched.

“You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.”
Winston Churchill

[nathan]

My observations on England:

-Forwards outstanding, backs average.
-Englands forwards were exceptional at the breakdown.
-Englands backs play like they are playing rugby league, bash bash bash. Very little creativity.
-With Farrell kicking well England are very good at keeping scoreboard ticking by fishing for pens at setpiece and at the breakdown.
Wasnt impressed by Brown, 12 3s looked good though.
-England have the two best 9's in the 6N.
-Robshaw is growing into his role

How to beat England:

-Be ultra competitive at the breakdown, Scotland were not, They chose to defend out wide instead. Ireland will be distroyed if they do this.
-Effective choke tackling. Should be easy v England cause of their direct style in the backs.
-Pressure Farrell. He has an old head on his shoulders but Sexton is a ferocious tackler and needs to let him know things are different at Landsdowne.
-Beat the sh1t out of them. This might sound crass and is most certainly easier said than done but, manic agression is generally how Ireland triumph over England.
-Be crafty. This England team will unquestionably come to Dublin with some sneeky tricks up their slieves. It is going to be a battle of wits as much as anything else.

There will be at least 5 tries in this match.

Lol, what utter tosh. You need to open your eyes mate.

[Guest]

Some of the comments on this thread make for great entertainment. Such confidence, and right after Italy beating France
Roll on Ireland v England..

[Morgannwg]

England have so many options up their sleeve particularly on the bench that even a reserve set of players can beat teams like Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

Are you planning on entering the WUM Of The Six Nations Competition 2013?

You're starting well. Good entry.

What a dumb armchair fan that only watches the odd international game. England's reserve team can't even beat Scotland A.

[GunsGerms]

My observations on England:

-Forwards outstanding, backs average.
-Englands forwards were exceptional at the breakdown.
-Englands backs play like they are playing rugby league, bash bash bash. Very little creativity.
-With Farrell kicking well England are very good at keeping scoreboard ticking by fishing for pens at setpiece and at the breakdown.
Wasnt impressed by Brown, 12 3s looked good though.
-England have the two best 9's in the 6N.
-Robshaw is growing into his role

How to beat England:

-Be ultra competitive at the breakdown, Scotland were not, They chose to defend out wide instead. Ireland will be distroyed if they do this.
-Effective choke tackling. Should be easy v England cause of their direct style in the backs.
-Pressure Farrell. He has an old head on his shoulders but Sexton is a ferocious tackler and needs to let him know things are different at Landsdowne.
-Beat the sh1t out of them. This might sound crass and is most certainly easier said than done but, manic agression is generally how Ireland triumph over England.
-Be crafty. This England team will unquestionably come to Dublin with some sneeky tricks up their slieves. It is going to be a battle of wits as much as anything else.

There will be at least 5 tries in this match.

Lol, what utter tosh. You need to open your eyes mate.

Care to expand on that? Maybe Telfer was right, about some fans anyway.

[Brian Moores Twin]

England have so many options up their sleeve particularly on the bench that even a reserve set of players can beat teams like Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

Are you planning on entering the WUM Of The Six Nations Competition 2013?

You're starting well. Good entry.

What a dumb armchair fan that only watches the odd international game. England's reserve team can't even beat Scotland A.

Bitter!

The Saxon game was played in horrendous conditions, Scotland got the early advantage and held out with only 13 on the pitch at one point, deserved winners in any true rugby fans book surely.

[Morgannwg]

England have so many options up their sleeve particularly on the bench that even a reserve set of players can beat teams like Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

Are you planning on entering the WUM Of The Six Nations Competition 2013?

You're starting well. Good entry.

What a dumb armchair fan that only watches the odd international game. England's reserve team can't even beat Scotland A.

Bitter!

The Saxon game was played in horrendous conditions, Scotland got the early advantage and held out with 13 on the pitch at one point, deserved winners in any true rugby fans book surely.

The term bitter is clearly aimed at the wrong person. What am I bitter about exactly? I'm certainly not bitter about England winning and especially as they were my favourites for the tournament before Italy's win today.

Stop ruing the conditions. If it's not the ref it's those damned conditions again. And as for the rest of what you said, yes exactly my point. You've contradicted yourself.

[Brian Moores Twin]

Belittling Scotland A's win just to mock England.

True fans don't need to do that.

[mystiroakey]

Brian gotta be honest- i dont think he belittled anything tbh..

[majesticimperialman]

England have so many options up their sleeve particularly on the bench that even a reserve set of players can beat teams like Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

Are you planning on entering the WUM Of The Six Nations Competition 2013?

You're starting well. Good entry.

What a dumb armchair fan that only watches the odd international game. England's reserve team can't even beat Scotland A.

Yes you are right Morgannwg. Just like the Wales national team cannot beat the Ireland national team, AT HOME IN CARDIFF.

[Morgannwg]

maj, what has the Wales/Ireland fixture got to do with any of this or anything I've said? What does it have to do with England's bid for Grand Slam glory? Somebody claimed that England's reserves could beat Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The reserves, being the Saxons, can't even beat Scotland A. This is a fact that shows your reserves aren't as good as whoever thinks they are that good.

Telfer was right about some of you eh. Shame he didn't add in moronic with the arrogant tag. Telfer's going to be the next PM with thinking like that.

[Brian Moores Twin]

Brian gotta be honest- i dont think he belittled anything tbh..

I hope he wasn't oakey, but I fail to see what he has to gain from knocking armchair rugby fans.

[Morgannwg]

Belittling Scotland A's win just to mock England.

True fans don't need to do that.

There was no belittling from me (which is clear to anyone with brain cells) and there is nothing I can belittle. They've played less rugby than the Saxons and still convincingly beat you in consecutive fixtures.

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

maj, what has the Wales/Ireland fixture got to do with any of this or anything I've said? What does it have to do with England's bid for Grand Slam glory? Somebody claimed that England's reserves could beat Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The reserves, being the Saxons, can't even beat Scotland A. This is a fact that shows your reserves aren't as good as whoever thinks they are that good.

Telfer was right about some of you eh. Shame he didn't add in moronic with the arrogant tag. Telfer's going to be the next PM with thinking like that.

Not if McSalmon gets his way, England will be ruled by the conservatoffs for ever with all "you lot" living in your nationalist communes. Scotland and Wales will elect new zealanders as presidents then whinge when they continue to fail.

We might be arrogant morons, but at least we arent ranked below Italy. Cut loose of the all the chaff who knows what england could acheive? maybe even negotiate a contract with Nike that doesnt involve wearing purple.

[Brian Moores Twin]

What a lovely character you are.

[Morgannwg]

maj, what has the Wales/Ireland fixture got to do with any of this or anything I've said? What does it have to do with England's bid for Grand Slam glory? Somebody claimed that England's reserves could beat Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The reserves, being the Saxons, can't even beat Scotland A. This is a fact that shows your reserves aren't as good as whoever thinks they are that good.

Telfer was right about some of you eh. Shame he didn't add in moronic with the arrogant tag. Telfer's going to be the next PM with thinking like that.

Not if McSalmon gets his way, England will be ruled by the conservatoffs for ever with all "you lot" living in your nationalist communes. Scotland and Wales will elect new zealanders as presidents then whinge when they continue to fail.

We might be arrogant morons, but at least we arent ranked below Italy. Cut loose of the all the chaff who knows what england could acheive? maybe even negotiate a contract with Nike that doesnt involve wearing purple.

No not all of you. There's been realism from the majority of you, even since the NZ win.

BTW I see the serial complainer that can't handle the truth has been crying again. I always knew it was you pswdivvy. Now to get back on topic, yeah England reserves aren't that good. You'd need your best available team to be in with a shout of winning the 6 Nations. Good luck to my adopted second team.

[mystiroakey]

england have a lot of depth... our bench is as strong as our first team..

Clearly the saxons havent shown great form.. But england do have depth.. and alot of competition for places..

[Brian Moores Twin]

Saying people have no brain cells and calling them moronic could be seen as being slightly offensive, I guess some of us will always have the moral high ground over others.

Roll on next weekend, I look forward to chatting and enjoy the company of true rugby fans like the Irish on this site.

[Duty281]

maj, what has the Wales/Ireland fixture got to do with any of this or anything I've said? What does it have to do with England's bid for Grand Slam glory? Somebody claimed that England's reserves could beat Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The reserves, being the Saxons, can't even beat Scotland A. This is a fact that shows your reserves aren't as good as whoever thinks they are that good.

Telfer was right about some of you eh. Shame he didn't add in moronic with the arrogant tag. Telfer's going to be the next PM with thinking like that.

Not if McSalmon gets his way, England will be ruled by the conservatoffs for ever with all "you lot" living in your nationalist communes. Scotland and Wales will elect new zealanders as presidents then whinge when they continue to fail.

We might be arrogant morons, but at least we arent ranked below Italy. Cut loose of the all the chaff who knows what england could acheive? maybe even negotiate a contract with Nike that doesnt involve wearing purple.

Brilliant put down.

[gregortree]

Move along please ..to the special dedicated 'bickering' thread if you want to bicker.

This thread is supposed to be about the rugby and 2013 grand slam glory... so
mainly for England and Ireland fans after this weekend. And Italian fans, although they don't show up much on 606.

[Brian Moores Twin]

Thats also a fair point Gregortree.
I guess some people had better weekends from others.

[gregortree]

Thats also a fair point Gregortree.
I guess some people had better weekends from others.

I had a great weekend in Brighton & London, with a dash to the pub in Clapham in between, to watch the England game, before going to a concert at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Thoroughly knackered now in a good way.

[Jimpy]

maj, what has the Wales/Ireland fixture got to do with any of this or anything I've said? What does it have to do with England's bid for Grand Slam glory? Somebody claimed that England's reserves could beat Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The reserves, being the Saxons, can't even beat Scotland A. This is a fact that shows your reserves aren't as good as whoever thinks they are that good.

Telfer was right about some of you eh. Shame he didn't add in moronic with the arrogant tag. Telfer's going to be the next PM with thinking like that.

Not if McSalmon gets his way, England will be ruled by the conservatoffs for ever with all "you lot" living in your nationalist communes. Scotland and Wales will elect new zealanders as presidents then whinge when they continue to fail.

We might be arrogant morons, but at least we arent ranked below Italy. Cut loose of the all the chaff who knows what england could acheive? maybe even negotiate a contract with Nike that doesnt involve wearing purple.

No not all of you. There's been realism from the majority of you, even since the NZ win.

BTW I see the serial complainer that can't handle the truth has been crying again. I always knew it was you pswdivvy. Now to get back on topic, yeah England reserves aren't that good. You'd need your best available team to be in with a shout of winning the 6 Nations. Good luck to my adopted second team.

Did you enjoy your good pumping at the weekend son? I know I did.

[beshocked]

When talking about England for grandslam glory let's not forget about the ladies!

76-0 vs Scotland women.

That's despite missing 17 of their best players. Scary.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21308065

[Jimpy]

England have so many options up their sleeve particularly on the bench that even a reserve set of players can beat teams like Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

Are you planning on entering the WUM Of The Six Nations Competition 2013?

You're starting well. Good entry.

What a dumb armchair fan that only watches the odd international game. England's reserve team can't even beat Scotland A.

Doesn't really matter when the 1st XV can tonk the Scotland 1st XV though does it?

How did Wales get on?

[Taylorman]

When talking about England for grandslam glory let's not forget about the ladies!

76-0 vs Scotland women.

That's despite missing 17 of their best players. Scary.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21308065

Gosh...second 76 nil score an England womens teams been involved in..scary alright.

[Pal Joey]

Someone mention "76"?

[Taylorman]

not me LB...

[beshocked]

Someone mention "76"?

Don't remind me of the tour from hell!

[Pal Joey]

Your "101" against Italy looks even better now Taylor.

[Morgannwg]

maj, what has the Wales/Ireland fixture got to do with any of this or anything I've said? What does it have to do with England's bid for Grand Slam glory? Somebody claimed that England's reserves could beat Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The reserves, being the Saxons, can't even beat Scotland A. This is a fact that shows your reserves aren't as good as whoever thinks they are that good.

Telfer was right about some of you eh. Shame he didn't add in moronic with the arrogant tag. Telfer's going to be the next PM with thinking like that.

Not if McSalmon gets his way, England will be ruled by the conservatoffs for ever with all "you lot" living in your nationalist communes. Scotland and Wales will elect new zealanders as presidents then whinge when they continue to fail.

We might be arrogant morons, but at least we arent ranked below Italy. Cut loose of the all the chaff who knows what england could acheive? maybe even negotiate a contract with Nike that doesnt involve wearing purple.

No not all of you. There's been realism from the majority of you, even since the NZ win.

BTW I see the serial complainer that can't handle the truth has been crying again. I always knew it was you pswdivvy. Now to get back on topic, yeah England reserves aren't that good. You'd need your best available team to be in with a shout of winning the 6 Nations. Good luck to my adopted second team.

Did you enjoy your good pumping at the weekend son? I know I did.

Pumping? Is that some gimp term for letting one go up where you're from?

[Morgannwg]

England have so many options up their sleeve particularly on the bench that even a reserve set of players can beat teams like Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

Are you planning on entering the WUM Of The Six Nations Competition 2013?

You're starting well. Good entry.

What a dumb armchair fan that only watches the odd international game. England's reserve team can't even beat Scotland A.

Doesn't really matter when the 1st XV can tonk the Scotland 1st XV though does it?

How did Wales get on?

England sure did tonk Scotland. But some arrogant fan made a claim about Englands reserves being able to do the same. I just merely pointed out that they can't. So what's your problem?

There are a few threads discussing Wales I think. Why don't you go and discuss it there. We're discussing England here.

[thebluesmancometh]

Jimpy you let yourself down with those types of comments!

[Morgannwg]

Brian Moores Twin, that's HERSH reincarnate isn't it?

[gregortree]

Brian Moores Twin, that's HERSH reincarnate isn't it?

Dunno Morg. If you are missing him that badly, you can chat with HERSH over on the BBC site, rugby, he sometimes posts on there, in his original uid / name.

[Duty281]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21327566

Tuilagi is fit for Sunday, let English rejoicing commence. The selectors have a headache now, Barritt or Twelvetrees? Admittedly, it's a nice headache to have.

[Brian Moores Twin]

Manu has to start ahead of 36.

[nobbled]

Has to be 36 & Tuilagi for me.
Barritt can come on later if we need to defend a lead.

[Jimpy]

England have so many options up their sleeve particularly on the bench that even a reserve set of players can beat teams like Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

Are you planning on entering the WUM Of The Six Nations Competition 2013?

You're starting well. Good entry.

What a dumb armchair fan that only watches the odd international game. England's reserve team can't even beat Scotland A.

Doesn't really matter when the 1st XV can tonk the Scotland 1st XV though does it?

How did Wales get on?

England sure did tonk Scotland. But some arrogant fan made a claim about Englands reserves being able to do the same. I just merely pointed out that they can't. So what's your problem?

There are a few threads discussing Wales I think. Why don't you go and discuss it there. We're discussing England here.

Oh don't worry about that, i've been on the Welsh threads, as many Welsh were on the English threads prior to the weekend's humiliations. I know it hurts, I know you're all upset, but please, do try to get over it, you've a lot more pain to come.

[Duty281]

So if you're English, I'd recommend having a look at these over the next few days:

Ireland-England 2003, we know how it can be done!
We dominated Ireland just last year
Maybe England are starting to enter a Second Golden Era?

"And England can do this...is moving towards England will do this!"
Miles Harrison

[Morgannwg]

England have so many options up their sleeve particularly on the bench that even a reserve set of players can beat teams like Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

Are you planning on entering the WUM Of The Six Nations Competition 2013?

You're starting well. Good entry.

What a dumb armchair fan that only watches the odd international game. England's reserve team can't even beat Scotland A.

Doesn't really matter when the 1st XV can tonk the Scotland 1st XV though does it?

How did Wales get on?

England sure did tonk Scotland. But some arrogant fan made a claim about Englands reserves being able to do the same. I just merely pointed out that they can't. So what's your problem?

There are a few threads discussing Wales I think. Why don't you go and discuss it there. We're discussing England here.

Oh don't worry about that, i've been on the Welsh threads, as many Welsh were on the English threads prior to the weekend's humiliations. I know it hurts, I know you're all upset, but please, do try to get over it, you've a lot more pain to come.

You're just a complete tool pal. Grow up.

[Pal Joey]

C'mon lads.

Please put the wumming tools back in their proper place in the shed!

[Jimpy]

C'mon lads.

Please put the wumming tools back in their proper place in the shed!

I will, after i've stopped laughing at the unbelievable irony of Morgan's last comment.

[beshocked]

Duty I love your optimism but I do worry about Ireland. They have a decent record against us and seem to up their game against us.

Ireland away is generally the toughest game in the 6 nations for us. If we can get a win I think a GS would definitely be on the cards.

[RuggerRadge2611]

I must say, having seen what England did to Scotland on Saturday the GS is theirs to lose.

Their physicality was insane and their rush defence was ferocious.

[mystiroakey]

As much I think england have to respect Ireland. And possibly even try and play the way we did first half v NZ.

I am also not 100% about france and wales.. I think both are gonna be tough games..


I have BAcked an england gs and i think the price i got at 8/1 was brilliant value.. especially after the NZ win

[nobbled]

Morgannwg - Jimpy - please can you pop over to the bickering thread? It's getting far too reasonable over there.

[Chjw131]

When talking about England for grandslam glory let's not forget about the ladies!

76-0 vs Scotland women.

That's despite missing 17 of their best players. Scary.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21308065

Indeed well done to the ladies and let's not forget the U20's beating a very good Scotland side in Plymouth.

[Jimpy]

It was dissapointing that the Saxons lost at Kingston Park though. Although the weather was poor, the Saxons appeared to have no plan B and their Plan A wasn't suited to the conditions.

[TrailApe]

It was dissapointing that the Saxons lost at Kingston Park though

Disapointing is not quite what I felt.

I was there!

Frostbite and trench foot comes into it somewhere though.

Beer was good - Ruckin' Mole from Wiltshire - good brew lads.

[Duty281]

England Stick with Winning Formula

By the looks of it, still no place in the matchday squad for Foden. And it also doesn't seem like Morgan will be fit for Sunday, surely that will mean Wood at 8 and Haskell in at 6.

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