The Crunch: Ireland v England Sunday 10th February 2013

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 04 Feb 2013, 1:13 pm

First topic message reminder :

aka L'O'Choc: Irelande v Angleterre Dimanche le 10me Février 2013After going AWOL again yesterday, the French have most likely reduced the 6Ns title to a single game to determine the title.

Such a shame.

Discussion about the game - not about France going walkabout as originally intended.

Teams:

Greater Dublin Representative XXIII

15 - Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster/42)
14 - Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster/2)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster/121)
12 - Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster/72)
11 - Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster/4)
10 - Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster/35)
9 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster/15)
1 - Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster/36)
2 - Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster/63)
3 - Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster/25)
4 - Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht/7)
5 - Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster/24)
6 - Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster/10)
7 - Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster/23)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster/53) Captain

Replacements:

16 - Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster/23)
17 - David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster/3)
18 - Declan Fitzpatrick (Dungannon/Ulster/3)
19 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster/91)
20 - Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster/5)
21 - Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster/48)
22 - Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster/126)
23 - Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster/35)

The Perfidious Albion

15. Alex Goode (Saracens, 7 caps)
14. Chris Ashton (Saracens, 30 caps)
13. Brad Barritt (Saracens, 12 caps)
12. Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby, 1 caps)
11. Mike Brown (Harlequins, 12 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 13 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 29 caps)

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 6 caps)
2. Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 36 caps)
4. Joe Launchbury (London Wasps, 5 caps)
5. Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers, 13 caps)
6. James Haskell (London Wasps, 46 caps)
7. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt, 13 caps)
8. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)

Replacements
16. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints, 43 caps)
17. David Wilson (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)
18. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 5 caps)
19. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 16 caps)
20. Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers, 4 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 38 caps)
22. Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers, 54 caps)
23. Manusamoa Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps)

by Pot Hale Thu 07 Feb 2013, 12:52 am

captain carrantuohil wrote:Beshocked, England actually won the last time the two sides played in Dublin, but your point about England's recent record in Ireland (two wins out of seven this century) is a good one.
.

2011. Ireland 24-8 England

by captain carrantuohil Thu 07 Feb 2013, 12:55 am

2011 (August) Ireland 9-England 20.

But anyway.

by Guest Thu 07 Feb 2013, 1:28 am

captain carrantuohil wrote:2011 (August) Ireland 9-England 20.

But anyway.

Being a tad selective there, methinks Very Happy

Ireland beat England well that March in the Six Nations game. The game you select was a world-cup warm-up, and one that was at the tail end of 3 or 4 defeats during that month, including defeats to France, and Scotland.

Anywho, that was then, this is now. Going to be a tough game I reckon, and hopefully one that has both sets of fans on the edge of their seats throughout.
Can't call it, myself, but if I had too.... England will probably edge it.

Hope not. Hope Ireland hammer ye boxing

, but that's my thinking for now....maybe....

by lostinwales Thu 07 Feb 2013, 1:45 am

captain carrantuohil wrote:2011 (August) Ireland 9-England 20.

But anyway.

I think it means more to the English than it does to the Irish. It means that England can win there.

by **rodders** Thu 07 Feb 2013, 9:08 am

lostinwales wrote:
captain carrantuohil wrote:2011 (August) Ireland 9-England 20.

But anyway.

I think it means more to the English than it does to the Irish. It means that England can win there.

It means something to me....it means we owe the feicers a good shellacking.... boxing

by **rodders** Thu 07 Feb 2013, 9:13 am

Thomond wrote:The core of this English side will have only experienced victory against Ireland, in Lasdowne before the RWC and in Twickenham last year, they will hold no fear of Ireland away.

Yeah Thom, as with Wales and France they have the psychological upper hand now. We probably had that for most of the past decade but its been relinquished now. Dublin will hold no fear whatsoever for these guys....in fact I suspect not only do the believe they will win but do it well.

by doctor_grey Thu 07 Feb 2013, 9:50 am

I'm not so sure I go for this psychological upper hand stuff. I think it overblown, especially in the media. Which then pollutes the rest of us. On both sides, these are thoroughly professional, hard nosed players, and will go balls to the wall for 80 minutes.

England will be confident based upon the most recent result against Ireland plus their last two matches. But Ireland will be confident, too, based on other recent results v. England, plus that first half against Wales, and being at home.

I am hoping Ireland come out against England they way they did against Wales. That would tee off a ripping match. Of course, I am also hoping England finish againt Ireland the way they did in their last two matches.

To the victor..........

by BelfastDickVet Thu 07 Feb 2013, 9:50 am

lostinwales wrote:
captain carrantuohil wrote:2011 (August) Ireland 9-England 20.

But anyway.

I think it means more to the English than it does to the Irish. It means that England can win there.

It means something to me as this was the game where David Wallace picked up that career ending injury.

by Portnoy's Complaint Thu 07 Feb 2013, 12:06 pm

When are the team announcements?

Tomorrow?

by bluestonevedder Thu 07 Feb 2013, 12:08 pm

I know England is tomorrow, 10.15.

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Thu 07 Feb 2013, 1:34 pm

Munchkin wrote:
captain carrantuohil wrote:2011 (August) Ireland 9-England 20.

But anyway.

Being a tad selective there, methinks

Ireland beat England well that March in the Six Nations game. The game you select was a world-cup warm-up, and one that was at the tail end of 3 or 4 defeats during that month, including defeats to France, and Scotland.

Anywho, that was then, this is now. Going to be a tough game I reckon, and hopefully one that has both sets of fans on the edge of their seats throughout.
Can't call it, myself, but if I had too.... England will probably edge it.

Hope not. Hope Ireland hammer ye , but that's my thinking for now....maybe....

I think you'll find it was the person who said that England havent tasted victory there since pre 2003 that was being a tad selective, ie selecting all the games except for the last one where it did ...not to mention applying the expereinces of other players to those who will play in this game.

The majority of this group of England players has never tasted defeat there. The majority though did play in last years 6 nations pooing on Ireland. I CBA to look up how many of the current Ireland team took part in the grandslam kill two years ago ...but Im assuming it was not significantly more than took part in Englands big pre world cup win there or that took part in the Twickers game last year where they got stunk off the park.

In terms of the players lining up this weekend their experiences differ very much from those who took part in the 2005,07,09 and 11 games. What happened recently between the teams hold a much bigger psychological impact than events that happened to other people.

That aside though there is a clear historical precedent that Ireland have a real habit of beating England when playing at home, when they put the carpet in the right place.

by GunsGerms Thu 07 Feb 2013, 1:43 pm

As long as Ireland dont lay out the red carpet for England under their posts I dont care where it goes.

Both teams have tasted defeat. Not sure psychologially which will have the greater toll. The defeat last year was a real setback. Time will tell if this will be a motivating revenge fuelled psychological advantage or a mental barrier.

by Jimpy Thu 07 Feb 2013, 1:49 pm

Well, if any team is likely of upsetting England's apple cart, its Ireland. Especially at home. On the face of it, the two strongest sides this year - which you would hope makes for a thrilling encounter.

The kicking of Farrell and Sexton is crucial to both teams, as I expect Ireland to get pinged incessently at the breakdown trying to choke play and England committing fouls, any fouls, to stop the Irish attack.

by red_stag Thu 07 Feb 2013, 1:55 pm

Im hoping for a good old fashioned homer of a ref!! thumbsup

by GunsGerms Thu 07 Feb 2013, 1:56 pm

Jimpy wrote:Well, if any team is likely of upsetting England's apple cart, its Ireland. Especially at home. On the face of it, the two strongest sides this year - which you would hope makes for a thrilling encounter.

The kicking of Farrell and Sexton is crucial to both teams, as I expect Ireland to get pinged incessently at the breakdown trying to choke play and England committing fouls, any fouls, to stop the Irish attack.

Ireland dont normally get penalised for choke tackles but get penalised and carded a lot at the breakdown. Its a big worry. The reason for this is Ireland tend to defend for large parts of games and referees will generally penalise the defending team or less positive team where a 50/50 situation arises.

Ireland will be better than last year because this time there is something tangable to play for whereas last year it was just pride.

Although it appears that way I think it is too early to describe England and Ireland as the strongest teams.

by GunsGerms Thu 07 Feb 2013, 1:57 pm

[quote="Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler"]

red_stag wrote:Im hoping for a good old fashioned homer of a ref!!

Wha? You mean Nigel Owens?

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Thu 07 Feb 2013, 1:58 pm

red_stag wrote:Im hoping for a good old fashioned homer of a ref!!

Itll be a neutral like the French chap Alain Rolland

by gregortree Thu 07 Feb 2013, 2:13 pm

So long as Hartley isn't carded for nibbling, cake

England should dominate the rucks.

by Feckless Rogue Thu 07 Feb 2013, 3:01 pm

In terms of psychology the thing that weighs most heavily on either sides minds will be last years scrum. Ireland will be deflated very quickly if the scrum goes badly early on. But will be lifted enormously if they get parity or better.

Any new on the fitness of Ross?

by Chjw131 Thu 07 Feb 2013, 4:00 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:In terms of psychology the thing that weighs most heavily on either sides minds will be last years scrum. Ireland will be deflated very quickly if the scrum goes badly early on. But will be lifted enormously if they get parity or better.

Any new on the fitness of Ross?

Agree with this. From an England point of view i'm expecting Rowntree to have worked a lot on the scrum power to a) have the sort or psychological impact you're alluding to and b) try and negate Ireland's use of the choke tackle. Who wants a scrumdown turnover when you're going back at scrum time.

The converse is clearly true and I have a feeling we'll see parity at scrum time with a pen or two to both sides. Hartley will almost certainly start for his scrummaging and extra weight.

by A World Cup and 3 Finals Thu 07 Feb 2013, 4:06 pm

The English scrum doesn't seem to function nearly as effectively without Corbs. Cole seems to play a lot better beside him and Corbs is far more dynamic in the loose than Marler, not that Marler's a bad player but I think the Irish scrum will find parity on Sunday without Corbs.

by Guest Thu 07 Feb 2013, 4:20 pm

[quote="Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler"

"I think you'll find it was the person who said that England havent tasted victory there since pre 2003 that was being a tad selective, ie selecting all the games except for the last one where it did ...not to mention applying the expereinces of other players to those who will play in this game."

The point being that the result of the game lacked meaning. It wasn't a Six Nations game (we hammered England just a few months prior in the Six Nations), and neither was it actually a world cup game.
However, I guess if you can't have the cake (beating Ireland at home in a meaningful match), then it's ok to take the crumbs. Cake, now there's incentive for the fat lads.

"The majority of this group of England players has never tasted defeat there. The majority though did play in last years 6 nations pooing on Ireland. I CBA to look up how many of the current Ireland team took part in the grandslam kill two years ago ...but Im assuming it was not significantly more than took part in Englands big pre world cup win there or that took part in the Twickers game last year where they got stunk off the park.

Ah, so the England team had the trots Very Happy

Pity that didn't have the same effect on England as it did on New Zealand eh.. Can't blame the Irish for avoiding contact really. Yuk.

"In terms of the players lining up this weekend their experiences differ very much from those who took part in the 2005,07,09 and 11 games. What happened recently between the teams hold a much bigger psychological impact than events that happened to other people. "

I would be a bit surprised if England look to that win in Ireland as a psychological boost. As I've said before; that was then, this is now. England are in a good place right now, and have only to look at the more recent win over the All Blacks for all the inspiration, and self-belief, they need. All jokes on the side. It was a great win by a team on the up and up.

"That aside though there is a clear historical precedent that Ireland have a real habit of beating England when playing at home, when they put the carpet in the right place."

Even if it is in the right place England may decide to stand on the wrong side of it Shocked

by Hood83 Thu 07 Feb 2013, 5:55 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:In terms of psychology the thing that weighs most heavily on either sides minds will be last years scrum. Ireland will be deflated very quickly if the scrum goes badly early on. But will be lifted enormously if they get parity or better.

Any new on the fitness of Ross?

Which they will with Ross. As someone else has said, Corbs is a far better all-round player than Marler, and a better scrummager. If you don't have Ross and still gain parity, it's going to sap our confidence. I'd like to see Cole, Youngs and Marler react well to it with a 'Fine, we'll do them in the loose' response, but I'm not confident of that.

by ChequeredJersey Thu 07 Feb 2013, 6:00 pm

Marler could ask Kingston for tips on how to deal with Ross- after all Ross became the scrummager he is today mostly at Quins. I expect if Ross plays there will be parity at the scrum (Ross edging Marler, Cole edging Healey, Best and Hartley fairly equal) but if Ross doesn't, then I don't know much about the THs behind him

by Hood83 Thu 07 Feb 2013, 6:09 pm

Nos na Gaoithe wrote:
Hood83 wrote:
Nos na Gaoithe wrote:

2) In possession: When the moment arrives they need to end those same attacking phases with a far higher proportion of CLEVER kicks through and behind the English last line, so as to at least keep England turning round and thereby forcing their big forwards to run up and down and sideways as much as possible. If they can do that properly, then the sheer physical bulk of the English forwards will start to play against them and will hopefully negate the effectiveness of their own charging game at the fringes of the breakdown.

This is my concern with your thinking. Everyone seems to rush to a default that England has a huge pack. We don't, certainly not compared to others we've put out. Parling, T Youngs, Cole, Marler, Launchbury, Wood and even Robshaw - none of these are bruisers or 'enforcers'. None are massive carriers. Our front five is technical and mobile, and only Haskell and Morgan in our back-row are physically dominating. The rest are swarmers more than battering rams, similar to Ireland i'd say.

I don't really disagree too much on that point Hood. Despite what I wrote, I wasn't trying to say that on a one-to-one basis all the English are bigger heavier monsters that the Irish individually can't match. And I'm not trying to say that this England team can't string together some good flowing rugby in the back line...

My main point is strategic. It's that Ireland have always struggled with the physicality of tournament rugby. It is difficult for Ireland to go toe-to-toe up-front week-in, week-out with the other 'bigger nations'. And when Ireland play well two weeks in a row (as in the late 00's), it tends to have involved a fair butt-load of tactical kicking and a good few nail-biting, low-scoring games. Ireland have never been able to transfer the 'Leinster-style' to the international game [much as us Leinster supporters would have wished for it!].

England , on the other hand, have a long tradition of playing a smothering gainline game that (when it works) physically strangles the life out of some of the strongest and best attacking teams around. This is the superior physicality I'm referring to. Scotland looked fairly swamped by it last week. Fair enough, we're no Scotland. But my worry would be that Ireland might get all riled up and run headlong into that bear-hug, conceding penalty after penalty (and maybe some yellow cards along with them) and then having to chase the game with little left in the tank.

Don't get me wrong. Obviously Ireland need to take the English on physically. And going wide immediately on every phase (or the No. 10 kicking every ball he takes) is obviously not going to work either! But it is a matter of emphasis and it is a matter of where and when they choose to engage the English pack on the pitch. We need some guile and calm from Sexton and a few other heads early on [including BOD who can often be one of the worst offenders for trying too much, too early!]. We need to make the English pant and puff (left-and-right and up-and-down) for a good 20-25 mins of each half rather than simply taking them on in an arm-wrestle up-front and trying to score tries from the first whistle. Then, when it most counts, we can maybe punch some holes in the English blanket defence. And if England are having to chase scores, it will be a completely different game.

I'm hoping for a relatively low scoring game... dominated by penalties for the first long while. With Ireland taking the win with a decisive try in the second half!

You know what, I reckon I agree with all of that Hug

Sadly I think you might get your wish as well, I think you'll win this. I actually think you could win by a decent score as well if you start quickly. My genuine hope is we compete in intensity, out forwards gain parity and that it's close. I don't mind if our accuracy is off, or we're not clinical enough, just that we make good hits, good yards and threaten....no, no, i'd actually really like to win as well Very Happy

Also, i think you made the point about Ireland needing a smart kicking game. I think that's bang on. Brown's positioning could be exposed and I don't think our midfield are quick to turn. Done well I think it could be a big weapon for you.

by Feckless Rogue Thu 07 Feb 2013, 7:44 pm

ChequeredJersey wrote:if Ross doesn't, then I don't know much about the THs behind him

There aren't any. He's the only known Irish tighthead in existence.

by **Notch** Thu 07 Feb 2013, 7:53 pm

Sorry lads- was Ross ever injured?

by ME-109 Thu 07 Feb 2013, 7:58 pm

Notch wrote:Sorry lads- was Ross ever injured?

Don't let the cat out of the bag..of course was injured. It was severe thingamejig or something

by LeinsterFan4life Thu 07 Feb 2013, 8:48 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:
ChequeredJersey wrote:if Ross doesn't, then I don't know much about the THs behind him

There aren't any. He's the only known Irish tighthead in existence.

Andress is doing well at Worchester and Buckley is doing well at Sale. Would have liked to have seen one of them in the wolfhounds game.

by captain carrantuohil Thu 07 Feb 2013, 9:00 pm

Not sure anyone is doing that well at Sale, and you'd be the first Leinster man I've ever heard be nice about Buckley in any case. Ross needs to hold the fort for the next three or four years, far as I can see.

by LeinsterFan4life Thu 07 Feb 2013, 9:19 pm

captain carrantuohil wrote:Not sure anyone is doing that well at Sale, and you'd be the first Leinster man I've ever heard be nice about Buckley in any case. Ross needs to hold the fort for the next three or four years, far as I can see.

Ive only watched a couple of Sale games and Ive been pleasently surprised by Buckley everytime Ive seen him. The reason why I say he is doing well is because there are rumours that Wasps are looking to sign him if Sale get relegated.

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Thu 07 Feb 2013, 9:46 pm

Apparently Marler has shaved off his beard,. Thats how serious this is.

I assume he still has the haircut of a t1t though

by ChequeredJersey Thu 07 Feb 2013, 9:56 pm

To be fair, I think you have to in order to be eligible for Quins now. Only Robshaw is exempt

by ChequeredJersey Thu 07 Feb 2013, 10:06 pm

Which I assume means we have secretly signed Farrell. That's why he could pass last match Whistle

by ChequeredJersey Thu 07 Feb 2013, 11:55 pm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9856412/Six-Nations-2013-England-keep-faith-with-Billy-Twelvetrees-and-Brad-Barritt-against-Ireland-in-Dublin.htm

If this is correct, then the team we expected basically. Wish Brown wasn't on the wing (preferably at FB, if not we'll have him back at Quins). Hartley in as expected. Haskell at 6, Wood at 8 ok.

by ME-109 Fri 08 Feb 2013, 12:06 am

Good news for Ireland if its Twelvetrees and Barritt....

by ChequeredJersey Fri 08 Feb 2013, 12:08 am

Tuilagi will come off the bench

by Gibson Fri 08 Feb 2013, 12:13 am

GunsGerms wrote:Wouldn't it be interesting if it was a draw and Italy beat Scotland. How nuts would that be if Italy were the only team that could do a slam after two weeks.

I would singularly love that to happen. Best situation all round. If you love rugby that is.

But, in truth, Ireland will hammer England on Sunday. It wont even be a contest.

I just cant see England being let into the game. We are a far superior team - with a shoite coach. And have been for 10 years now. It is that time for our one complete 6-N 85 minute performance. The one we used normally reserve for England. Dunno why anymore, but we do. Its the French we need to consistently beat.

Do not adjust your mindset England fans. Just enjoy the guinness

, the gallant loss, and the craic. Its traditional now. Welcome to Dubh Linn.

by ME-109 Fri 08 Feb 2013, 12:14 am

ChequeredJersey wrote:Tuilagi will come off the bench

Ah shure not a bother...good luck to him

by Gibson Fri 08 Feb 2013, 12:17 am

DOD wrote:
ChequeredJersey wrote:Tuilagi will come off the bench

Ah shure not a bother...good luck to him

I hope the bench is nowhere near de Royal Canal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE17rBuve7Y

by ChequeredJersey Fri 08 Feb 2013, 12:22 am

That there's fighting talk, Gibbo. Not sure your team are that much better. Have you down to win but by less than 8. Really hope you don't win. Partially as an England fan but partially as I'm seeing an Irish lady and I'm not sure I could deal with the Poopie I'll get if Ireland win...

by Gibson Fri 08 Feb 2013, 1:04 am

BOD will be the difference. Again.

Bit of 6-N history.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/ireland/9854686/How-Brian-ODriscoll-has-fared-for-Ireland-against-England-six-classic-Six-Nations-clashes.html

by PJHolybloke Fri 08 Feb 2013, 7:15 am

The game's on Sunday.

England win on Sundays.

That is all.

by Hood83 Fri 08 Feb 2013, 7:43 am

Gibson wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:Wouldn't it be interesting if it was a draw and Italy beat Scotland. How nuts would that be if Italy were the only team that could do a slam after two weeks.

I would singularly love that to happen. Best situation all round. If you love rugby that is.

But, in truth, Ireland will hammer England on Sunday. It wont even be a contest.

I just cant see England being let into the game. We are a far superior team - with a shoite coach. And have been for 10 years now. It is that time for our one complete 6-N 85 minute performance. The one we used normally reserve for England. Dunno why anymore, but we do. Its the French we need to consistently beat.

Do not adjust your mindset England fans. Just enjoy the , the gallant loss, and the craic. Its traditional now. Welcome to Dubh Linn.

Ha, basically spot on. Still, you mangle us and we'll batter the French for you. Can't say fairer than that.

by nobbled Fri 08 Feb 2013, 7:43 am

PJHolybloke wrote:The game's on Sunday.

England win on Sundays.

That is all.

Because God loves us!

Which is just as well 'cos everyone else hates us...
rose

by Portnoy's Complaint Fri 08 Feb 2013, 8:50 am

nobbled wrote:
PJHolybloke wrote:The game's on Sunday.

England win on Sundays.

That is all.

Because God loves us!

Which is just as well 'cos everyone else hates us...

I thought God was playing for the Irish nobbled.

Brian Cox and Richard Dawkins will be happy though.

by Geordie Fri 08 Feb 2013, 9:13 am

DOD wrote:Good news for Ireland if its Twelvetrees and Barritt....

Not sure...i thought Twelvetrees looked very impressive on his debut. He tried things...some worked , some didnt quite come off.

And when Tuilagi comes off the bench...
12 Twelvetrees
13 Tuilagi

will be very interesting to watch..

by Jimpy Fri 08 Feb 2013, 9:14 am

DOD wrote:Good news for Ireland if its Twelvetrees and Barritt....

If thats what you think, then you're going to have a shock and a half come match day methinks...

by GunsGerms Fri 08 Feb 2013, 10:08 am

If I was SL I probably would pick 36 and Barrett. It wont matter a massive amount either way but 36 is a good player and probably sharper right now that MT. What a great place for England to be to have an on form 36 to start and bring on MT off the bench.

What impresses/worries me about this England team is SLs control over his team. He has managed to introduce a rare degree of humility for an English team. They are very very disciplined and really are all playing off the same script for the first time in a while.

This humility has even filtered down to the fans as evidenced by Ireland getting the favorites tag. Im definitely not buying it though. I know this England teams will aiming to rip into Ireland and will be very confident of getting a win. I wouldn't be surprised if England hammered Ireland on Sunday such is the focus, discipline and level of smart preparation from SL.

However, Ireland are so hot and cold lately it really does depend what type of Ireland team shows up.

by lostinwales Fri 08 Feb 2013, 10:17 am

thomas the tank engine on the bench - tuilagi instead of strettle and Haskell instead of Morgan

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