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

[Glas a du]

He's right you know, Moody. Lancaster has done a great job of reigning in egos, but look at the subtext on Saturday. Petulant nonsense from Farell. Ashton a shaddow of his former self now he's having to be disciplined. This team is on a knife edge. It will do them a big favour to have a bloody nose, as England did a few times artound the turn of the century. It does sound odd though coming from one of their own.

[Barney McGrew did it]

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

If winning a slam is peaking then the team would never be good enough to win the wc. Till they are on a par with the sanzars (1 win 1 draw 4 losses .nope) they arent good enough anyway. wales france ireland ...theyve all already shown that chumps of euroland is only the division 2 title.

[100%beefy]

My wife says i peak too soon but i always give it 100% and i think england shoudl learn from me

[Jimpy]

My wife says i peak too soon but i always give it 100% and i think england shoudl learn from me

You're married?

It just goes to show, there's someone for everyone, and that some people will sleep with anybody...

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

[100%beefy]

My wife says i peak too soon but i always give it 100% and i think england shoudl learn from me

You're married?

It just goes to show, there's someone for everyone, and that some people will sleep with anybody...

even you Jimpy? Are you married?

[Jimpy]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

Only at bed time...

[100%beefy]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

Yes, and you're it, the missing link.

[Jimpy]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

I can't help thinking this Beefy character has been here before, I just can't remember which banned user he reminds me of.

[100%beefy]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

I can't help thinking this Beefy character has been here before, I just can't remember which banned user he reminds me of.

Come on Jimpy answer the question...are you married, is there a Mrs Jimpy at home keeping the enclsoure warm?

p.s. it's very rude to suggest i am fake....100% beefy that is me and you will findus beefy's are all genuine thoroughbreds

[Luckless Pedestrian]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

I can't help thinking this Beefy character has been here before, I just can't remember which banned user he reminds me of.

Come on Jimpy answer the question...are you married, is there a Mrs Jimpy at home keeping the enclsoure warm?

p.s. it's very rude to suggest i am fake....100% beefy that is me and you will findus beefy's are all genuine thoroughbreds

Didn't they recall Findus beefy's because they were weren't genuine at all?

[100%beefy]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

I can't help thinking this Beefy character has been here before, I just can't remember which banned user he reminds me of.

Come on Jimpy answer the question...are you married, is there a Mrs Jimpy at home keeping the enclsoure warm?

p.s. it's very rude to suggest i am fake....100% beefy that is me and you will findus beefy's are all genuine thoroughbreds

Didn't they recall Findus beefy's because they were weren't genuine at all?

That's libellous damned you! my mistake I intended to write you will find us beefy's are all genuine[i][b]

[Luckless Pedestrian]

You were right about the thoroughbreds though.

[100%beefy]

Oh Jimpy...where are you....have you been called in for lunch by the keepers? Regards to Mrs Jimpy.

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

I can't help thinking this Beefy character has been here before, I just can't remember which banned user he reminds me of.

Yourself?

[Jimpy]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

I can't help thinking this Beefy character has been here before, I just can't remember which banned user he reminds me of.

Yourself?

No, this Beefy guy is in a class of one (chromosome).

[BlueNote]

It'll take a very good performance from Wales to stop the Slam. We are well capable of it, though. Having said that, if we lose at Murrayfield, it's hard to see us raising our game enough to win in Cardiff.

[100%beefy]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

I can't help thinking this Beefy character has been here before, I just can't remember which banned user he reminds me of.

Yourself?

No, this Beefy guy is in a class of one (chromosome).

Oh Mrs Jimpy is back! Come on answer the question are you married, is there someone even for you?

[100%beefy]

It'll take a very good performance from Wales to stop the Slam. We are well capable of it, though. Having said that, if we lose at Murrayfield, it's hard to see us raising our game enough to win in Cardiff.

It will be a massive game, Scotland will defend like warrior poets and i expect the Welsh to start Willaims at 9. Our pack will struggle to live with their intensity but i feel if we can get quicker ball we have the backs to put them away. I think it will be a case of who flicnhes first, both sides on huge wave of confidence from recent performances

[mystiroakey]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

I can't help thinking this Beefy character has been here before, I just can't remember which banned user he reminds me of.

Come on Jimpy answer the question...are you married, is there a Mrs Jimpy at home keeping the enclsoure warm?

p.s. it's very rude to suggest i am fake....100% beefy that is me and you will findus beefy's are all genuine thoroughbreds

Didn't they recall Findus beefy's because they were weren't genuine at all?

That's libellous damned you! my mistake I intended to write you will find us beefy's are all genuine[i][b]

was that a genuine mistake or a joke....??

[100%beefy]

View claims he is married too...is there a link?

I can't help thinking this Beefy character has been here before, I just can't remember which banned user he reminds me of.

Come on Jimpy answer the question...are you married, is there a Mrs Jimpy at home keeping the enclsoure warm?

p.s. it's very rude to suggest i am fake....100% beefy that is me and you will findus beefy's are all genuine thoroughbreds

Didn't they recall Findus beefy's because they were weren't genuine at all?

That's libellous damned you! my mistake I intended to write you will find us beefy's are all genuine[i][b]

was that a genuine mistake or a joke....??

oh strokey, its cruel to be nasty to dumb animals...

[mystiroakey]

I liked it either way horsey

[100%beefy]

I liked it either way horsey

good man stroker!!!

[gregortree]

OP REMINDER:
England's Glory, not Welsh homoerotic bed time antics.

Can we get back to the subject and talk about a glorious 2013 grand slam ?
Now then, who's next ?
Ahh yes the Italians. A chance to improve England's somewhat academic point difference. Not that it will matter much, but just something for the boys to to do at Twickers asa warm up for the Grand finale.

[100%beefy]

Will the DVD have extras on it? Dwarf tossing for beginners perhaps? Chris Ashton's Big Splash? TEFL with Manu?

[gregortree]

Will the DVD have extras on it? Dwarf tossing for beginners perhaps? Chris Ashton's Big Splash? TEFL with Manu?

So last year Beefy, cmon mon.
The world rotated a couple of times since then, climb back on and enjoy the ride.
Manu and Splash are now on the 2013 Lions DVD.

[100%beefy]

Will the DVD have extras on it? Dwarf tossing for beginners perhaps? Chris Ashton's Big Splash? TEFL with Manu?

So last year Beefy, cmon mon.
The world rotated a couple of times since then, climb back on and enjoy the ride.
Manu and Splash are now on the 2013 Lions DVD.

they must be busy filming that, The Slam and the RWC vids

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

TEFL with Manu?

Its not funny to laugh at the partially deaf just because they struggle to speak clearly

[100%beefy]

TEFL with Manu?

Its not funny to laugh at the partially deaf just because they struggle to speak clearly

I apologise, wasn't laughing at you PSBW.

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

TEFL with Manu?

Its not funny to laugh at the partially deaf just because they struggle to speak clearly

I apologise, wasn't laughing at you PSBW.

Pardon? (ashamed of myself for that one)

[doctor_grey]

OP REMINDER:
England's Glory, not Welsh homoerotic bed time antics.

Can we get back to the subject and talk about a glorious 2013 grand slam ?
Now then, who's next ?
Ahh yes the Italians. A chance to improve England's somewhat academic point difference. Not that it will matter much, but just something for the boys to to do at Twickers asa warm up for the Grand finale.

I wonder if England will rest anyone for Italy. I would hope not because it is important to keep momentum going.

[100%beefy]

TEFL with Manu?

Its not funny to laugh at the partially deaf just because they struggle to speak clearly

I apologise, wasn't laughing at you PSBW.

Pardon? (ashamed of myself for that one)

Very uncharacteristic o fyou, have a sherbet

[gregortree]

Dr Grey,
I hope SL will ease Morgan back in at 8. I was not impressed with our experimental set piece scrum vs France, albeit in the loose play Wood & Robshaw were v good (no comment on Lawes as a back rower).

Ashton may have a field day vs Italy, but again not overall impressed with him this 6N wouldn't mind him being benched, but not sure who for ? Strettle ?
Wade gets a mention too.

[doctor_grey]

Gregortree,
I would think that if we want to see Wade in an England jersey, the Italy match is the time to see it. Englsnd clearly are a better team with Morgan at 8 and Wood at 6.

Shame the Lawes experiment didn't work. I had thought it was a good idea.

[gregortree]

DrG
I think we may find that SL 'releases to the clubs' as the euphemism puts it:

Lawes - to be replaced by Morgan (Wood back to no6)
Ashton - for Billy36 (Tuilagi out to the wing)

We all read it here first.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

He's released Lawes and Hartley - who might be an item if this photo is anything to go by:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21595808

[sickofwendy]

Looks like a routine from ' blades of glory'

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

DrG
I think we may find that SL 'releases to the clubs' as the euphemism puts it:

Lawes - to be replaced by Morgan (Wood back to no6)
Ashton - for Billy36 (Tuilagi out to the wing)

We all read it here first.

Personally I think they are likely concerned about the state of Tuilagis ear (in which case they def dont want him playing for Tigers and may be concerened it will be a problem come next game..theres a chance he will need surgery and a risk of infection), or interested in trying out him and 36 together in against a team who are unlikely to offer much of an attacking threat through the centers. Also possible Flood may start due to Farrels hamstring, he may see this as an opportunity to give gametime to the Flod/36 combination which is the "plan B if we need tries"
I certainly wouldnt read much into Lancasters comment which seemed more of a throw away quip than a serious suggestion that Tuillagi would play on the wing. Theyve also retained Care, which may suggest that either Youngs has taken a knock or he is going to start a B team midfield.
The idea of a 10 who plays most of his rugby at 13, a 12 who starts just as often at 10 and 13 domestically, a 13 who mostly plays 12 , an 11 whos a 15, a 14 whos a 13 or 12 at a push, and a 15 who started as a 10 as Englands backline (Farrell, 36, Barritt, Brown, Tuillagi, Goode) is up there with picking locks at and flankers at 8. Could happen i guess...but youd have to wonder...

[gregortree]

Peter, interesting points as usual
On this 'positions' theme. SL certainly likes to pick good players in unfamiliar positions. Esp FB/wings and the no6 / no 8 experiment. But I don't think the latter will be repeated.
SL does seem to like to have Brown and Goode in the back 3, ignoring other wingers to allow for Brown. He has also played a fit Foden on the wing. Wish he would replace Ashton who is in bad form in the white shirt. He may be willing vs Italy to risk putting out his 'best' and fit 3/4s albeit out of conventional positions.
Such a risk would be dangerous against against a better than Italy.
I still think we have 'wing' issues, but don't pretend I have a solution.

[doctor_grey]

Wow.
I thought I understood what Lancaster was doing. Now I am confused......

[Chjw131]

It's a shame that both Billy V and Morgan are injured and won't train this week. What we have lacked in two very tough games is the balance of carrying. Whenever England are short on carriers the game loses it's dynamism and we don't look remotely like scoring a try as the balance has gone.

If we take the Ireland and French games into account we didn't look like scoring a try in either from open play. That's not just a result of a) the weather or b) the ferocity with which the breakdown was contested.

Hartley looked passable but nothing more and if Webber puts in a strong performance for the rest of the season he's going to be facing some interesting prospects.

Lawes did not do well but I think the expectation on him was huge and he was too desperate to prove a point. He's looked far better at SR.

For the Italy game i'd like to see 36 come in at 12 and Foden on the wing for Brown who moves to FB. That just has a slightly better balance about it I think and i'd like to see Brown add some running from the back.

[Duty281]

Ashton 'Baffled' by Criticism

Well he shouldn't be. Look at the stats, they don't make favourable reading for him!

[Morgannwg]

Ashton 'Baffled' by Criticism

Well he shouldn't be. Look at the stats, they don't make favourable reading for him!

I posted an article on the matter, and I'm baffled by the responses and accusations.

[TJ1]

Just for fun. It is funny and not intended as a slur. this seemed the most appropriate thread.

[mystiroakey]

wales v england bickering is probally better.

dont worry about it anyway its just a bit of fun

[TJ1]

wales v england bickering is probally better.

dont worry about it anyway its just a bit of fun

Doh!

[GloriousEmpire]

“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

If you find a Nike advertising storyboard stray on a train the correct thing to do is hand it in not regurgitate it here.

[Duty281]

“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

If you find a Nike advertising storyboard stray on a train the correct thing to do is hand it in not regurgitate it here.

Excuse me, Sir?

[Duty281]

Farrell Out, Croft Returns

Great to see Croft come back. Fingers crossed that Farrell will be OK for the Welsh game!

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