Wales v England Official Match Thread

[RubyGuby]

First topic message reminder :

It's 5th v 4th in the World Rankings on Sat. and a real opportunity for 1 of these sides to put another marker down in their development - These games now have even greater significance given that we share the same RWC Pool in 2015 - The fact that Wales have won the last 2 meetings between these old foes will count for nothing - It should be Awesome .

Good luck to both teams and both sets of fans

[Scrumpy]

I forgot to add that I'm so nervous that I'm finding it hard to concentrate here in work as I'm rushing backwards and forward to the toilet, one of the reasons I stopped playing was that I get very nervous before a game.

Tomorrow is going to be a very long day I fear.

[Geordie]

I need another coffee..

[dummy_half]

I think there's a logic to Croft's selection, and that is to improve the pace of the blindside defence, so that our wingers aren't exposed against their larger Welsh opposite numbers.

The other thing Croft does well is be the first man to the breakdown when the ball is moved wider after a couple of phases - we've been overly reliant on Barritt and Tuilagi hitting these rucks and so not had the link to the outside backs.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not convinced by the balance of the back row for our attacking game (need Morgan back), but there is a reason for the selection.

I still expect to be watching the game mostly from behind the sofa though...

[lostinwales]

I think there's a logic to Croft's selection, and that is to improve the pace of the blindside defence, so that our wingers aren't exposed against their larger Welsh opposite numbers.

The other thing Croft does well is be the first man to the breakdown when the ball is moved wider after a couple of phases - we've been overly reliant on Barritt and Tuilagi hitting these rucks and so not had the link to the outside backs.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not convinced by the balance of the back row for our attacking game (need Morgan back), but there is a reason for the selection.

I still expect to be watching the game mostly from behind the sofa though...

I hate hate hate seeing Tuilagi hit rucks. Its not that he cant be effective doing that but it does mean he is not available to do what he does best - run with the bloody ball

[nathan]

I think there's a logic to Croft's selection, and that is to improve the pace of the blindside defence, so that our wingers aren't exposed against their larger Welsh opposite numbers.

The other thing Croft does well is be the first man to the breakdown when the ball is moved wider after a couple of phases - we've been overly reliant on Barritt and Tuilagi hitting these rucks and so not had the link to the outside backs.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not convinced by the balance of the back row for our attacking game (need Morgan back), but there is a reason for the selection.

I still expect to be watching the game mostly from behind the sofa though...

I hate hate hate seeing Tuilagi hit rucks. Its not that he cant be effective doing that but it does mean he is not available to do what he does best - run with the bloody ball

there will be times when needs must, but your right. I'd prefer the forwards to get there. Hopefully with Crofts pace he'll be one of the firsts to get there.

Have to admit, i am a little worried about the break down with Tipuric and Warbs.

[Bathman_in_London]

I actually thought Haskell hasn't done badly, certainly Croft didnt show much in his cameo which said he deserved to start.

I am worried, Wales have to be favourites for this one. In particular:
The front row- Marler hasn't set the world alight and Jones has been looking strong, Cole has been off his game too.

Its been mentioned before, but the back 5 of the pack lacks some grunt I think. Wood is not as good a 8 as 6. Croft will spend the whole game playing out wide with the girls, but on the plus side the welsh tactic is likely to be South African-esque, so having a flanker out there to help bring down the over sized wingers may be good.

Behind the scrum our midfield is still solid and relies on Manu breaking the gain line and the back 3 looks very unthreatening. If Goode cant stop Hogg, how is he going to fair against North?!

[RubyGuby]

I think Faletau as the big ball carrier has a key role to play tomorrow, I think he can exploit the space around the fringes and really get past the gain line - England do not want Croft on the wing or hanging around they need him at the coalface - The team that loses its shape will be the team that will find it difficult and have to scramble in defence - No team wants their strike runners hitting rucks ineffectively and worse still illegally

[nathan]

I actually thought Haskell hasn't done badly, certainly Croft didnt show much in his cameo which said he deserved to start.

I am worried, Wales have to be favourites for this one. In particular:
The front row- Marler hasn't set the world alight and Jones has been looking strong, Cole has been off his game too.

Its been mentioned before, but the back 5 of the pack lacks some grunt I think. Wood is not as good a 8 as 6. Croft will spend the whole game playing out wide with the girls, but on the plus side the welsh tactic is likely to be South African-esque, so having a flanker out there to help bring down the over sized wingers may be good.

Behind the scrum our midfield is still solid and relies on Manu breaking the gain line and the back 3 looks very unthreatening. If Goode cant stop Hogg, how is he going to fair against North?!

be positive bath!!! positive!!!

[maestegmafia]

I think Faletau as the big ball carrier has a key role to play tomorrow, I think he can exploit the space around the fringes and really get past the gain line - England do not want Croft on the wing or hanging around they need him at the coalface - The team that loses its shape will be the team that will find it difficult and have to scramble in defence - No team wants their strike runners hitting rucks ineffectively and worse still illegally

Not around the fringes it was pick and go through the middle that worked well for Italy. Worked well for us vs the Scott's too.

[Bathman_in_London]

I actually thought Haskell hasn't done badly, certainly Croft didnt show much in his cameo which said he deserved to start.

I am worried, Wales have to be favourites for this one. In particular:
The front row- Marler hasn't set the world alight and Jones has been looking strong, Cole has been off his game too.

Its been mentioned before, but the back 5 of the pack lacks some grunt I think. Wood is not as good a 8 as 6. Croft will spend the whole game playing out wide with the girls, but on the plus side the welsh tactic is likely to be South African-esque, so having a flanker out there to help bring down the over sized wingers may be good.

Behind the scrum our midfield is still solid and relies on Manu breaking the gain line and the back 3 looks very unthreatening. If Goode cant stop Hogg, how is he going to fair against North?!

be positive bath!!! positive!!!

Hey this way I will be happy if i'm proved wrong! I just feel this team is coming to suffer a set back at some point...

[lostinwales]

Haskell - was terrific when he came on vs Scotland but to be honest has been fairly quiet since.

[dummy_half]

Haskell - was terrific when he came on vs Scotland but to be honest has been fairly quiet since.

Thought he was excellent off the bench against France as well (admitedly, Lawes had been so bad at 6 that I'd have looked better than him), but hasn't really stood out in his two starts. As with Care, perhaps he benefits from coming on when the opposition are starting to tire.

[mbernz]

I'd rather have Wood at blindside than either Haskell or Croft, but not sure about some of people's comments regarding these two players. A few people have been saying that Croft's defence was dodgy at the weekend with him looking off the pace, well he made 8 tackles and missed none in his 30mins, Haskell made 4 and missed 1 in his 50mins. And regarding Haskell's carrying, he made 2m in 6 carries against Italy and has totalled 18m in 19 carries over his 4 matches. That's the kind of go forward I don't think we'll miss too much, especially as territory, lineouts and discipline will almost certainly be the more key aspects of the game, which are hardly Haskell's strong points.

[Liam]

North vs Ashton will be interesting tomorrow. Wales rarely go wide these days but i'd like to see us go out wide early and have an early contest between Ashton and North. Ashton is bound to be nervous (Like everyone will be) but with him so out of form he's bound to feel the effects slightly more than some.

[beshocked]

mbernz agree with that. It also backs up what I thought -Haskell hasn't been very good.

Ashton also made a try saving tackle too. I actually thought Ashton was alright on the weekend - twice if the ball had been passed to him he probably would have scored.

[maestegmafia]

mbernz agree with that. It also backs up what I thought -Haskell hasn't been very good.

Ashton also made a try saving tackle too. I actually thought Ashton was alright on the weekend - twice if the ball had been passed to him he probably would have scored.

Surely Ashton tops the stats with 8 missed tackles so far this tournament.

He is not alone though, England have missed 50 something already in four games.

[RubyGuby]

The last time Ashton came to the Millenium he was under pressure and he responded in style -

[Liam]

Ruby,

That's my fears this time around. I feel there's allot of emphasis on players from both sides who are under pressure to perform and have a big game. Roberts for Wales and Ashton for England. Roberts has finished his exams now and may be slightly more focused going into this game. Hopefully he can take all that adrenalin that has built up with revision and stress and unleash it on saturday.

Ashton like you said has done it once before at the MS and is no doubt still a quality finisher. But Wales shouldn't even give him the chance to prove his doubters wrong, which is why i'd like to see George have an early run at him and see whether he fancies the challenge or not.

[maestegmafia]

The last time Ashton came to the Millenium he was under pressure and he responded in style -

He's been under pressure for months and still no style. He was lucky to keep the faith of the coaches for the last two games. The man will be feeling a lot of pressure to perform. It will be a great test for him.

[thomh]

I have seen the phrase "England are greater than the sum of their parts" banded around regularly. It is very very true. On paper England do not measure up to many top five teams but they do compete against them and they do beat them.

I'm not sure about this. I think England on paper are a match for all of Wales, France and Ireland, and while the same isn't true of NZ, SA and AUS it's not like we're beating them on a regular basis.

[doctornickolas]

Just had a call from a client.

Do i fancy a day out in Cardiff, free meal, free booze, listen to some ex players speaches and anecdotes, ticket for the game in best seats and more free booze. It would have been rude to say no.

[gregortree]

lucky

[Jimpy]

Just had a call from a client.

Do i fancy a day out in Cardiff, free meal, free booze, listen to some ex players speaches and anecdotes, ticket for the game in best seats and more free booze. It would have been rude to say no.

Ah, the life of a call girl, non stop fun.

[gregortree]

[doctornickolas]

Just had a call from a client.

Do i fancy a day out in Cardiff, free meal, free booze, listen to some ex players speaches and anecdotes, ticket for the game in best seats and more free booze. It would have been rude to say no.

Ah, the life of a call girl, non stop fun.

I said client not punter !!! Anyway where's my pink cowboy hat.

[BigTrevsbigmac]

The last time Ashton came to the Millenium he was under pressure and he responded in style -

He's been under pressure for months and still no style. He was lucky to keep the faith of the coaches for the last two games. The man will be feeling a lot of pressure to perform. It will be a great test for him.

The same could be said of Phillips, Roberts, Warburton etc. during last year when Howley was roundly criticised for failing to change players that performed continually badly. Ashton is the only English starting player that has recently failed to show consistency.

[lostinwales]

Just had a call from a client.

Do i fancy a day out in Cardiff, free meal, free booze, listen to some ex players speaches and anecdotes, ticket for the game in best seats and more free booze. It would have been rude to say no.

Ah, the life of a call girl, non stop fun.

I said client not punter !!! Anyway where's my pink cowboy hat.

Surely the only difference between 'client' and 'punter' is how much they pay?

[doctornickolas]

Just had a call from a client.

Do i fancy a day out in Cardiff, free meal, free booze, listen to some ex players speaches and anecdotes, ticket for the game in best seats and more free booze. It would have been rude to say no.

Ah, the life of a call girl, non stop fun.

I said client not punter !!! Anyway where's my pink cowboy hat.

Surely the only difference between 'client' and 'punter' is how much they pay?

You could be right. Perhaps I should use clientele.

[nathan]

mbernz agree with that. It also backs up what I thought -Haskell hasn't been very good.

Ashton also made a try saving tackle too. I actually thought Ashton was alright on the weekend - twice if the ball had been passed to him he probably would have scored.

Surely Ashton tops the stats with 8 missed tackles so far this tournament.

He is not alone though, England have missed 50 something already in four games.

Wales arnt that far behind, with a 38 missed tackles already in four games. 7 missed tackles for biggar, does beg the question why people havent mentioned his defence being what 1 missed tackle behind ashton.

[Casartelli]

mbernz agree with that. It also backs up what I thought -Haskell hasn't been very good.

Ashton also made a try saving tackle too. I actually thought Ashton was alright on the weekend - twice if the ball had been passed to him he probably would have scored.

Surely Ashton tops the stats with 8 missed tackles so far this tournament.

He is not alone though, England have missed 50 something already in four games.

Wales arnt that far behind, with a 38 missed tackles already in four games. 7 missed tackles for biggar, does beg the question why people havent mentioned his defence being what 1 missed tackle behind ashton.

Jamie Roberts stands right behind him and makes the hits, so people don't notice.

[nathan]

mbernz agree with that. It also backs up what I thought -Haskell hasn't been very good.

Ashton also made a try saving tackle too. I actually thought Ashton was alright on the weekend - twice if the ball had been passed to him he probably would have scored.

Surely Ashton tops the stats with 8 missed tackles so far this tournament.

He is not alone though, England have missed 50 something already in four games.

Wales arnt that far behind, with a 38 missed tackles already in four games. 7 missed tackles for biggar, does beg the question why people havent mentioned his defence being what 1 missed tackle behind ashton.

Jamie Roberts stands right behind him and makes the hits, so people don't notice.

havent noticed that, If Roberts is standing behind then surely that leaves a gap elsewhere.

[RubyGuby]

Biggar kept us in the game with a great tackle in Italy - he's a brave lad

[nathan]

Biggar kept us in the game with a great tackle in Italy - he's a brave lad

Wouldn't be suprised to see Manu aiming for that channel.

[gregortree]

Biggar kept us in the game with a great tackle in Italy - he's a brave lad

Wouldn't be suprised to see Manu & Croft aiming for that channel.

adding Croft

[Casartelli]

Biggar kept us in the game with a great tackle in Italy - he's a brave lad

Wouldn't be suprised to see Manu aiming for that channel.

Roberts sent Bastareaud reeling - he won't have much trouble with little Manu.

Just to squeeze the last drops out of the North (non)story - most people seem to be seeing the funny side. From a news blog;

@gallagherbren: “appreciate that but I haven't heard a single wales fan talk like this. Makes u wonder who george is mxing with!”

@gwladrugby: "people in Nandos Llanelli. He lives in there.”

[mpc28]

mbernz agree with that. It also backs up what I thought -Haskell hasn't been very good.

Ashton also made a try saving tackle too. I actually thought Ashton was alright on the weekend - twice if the ball had been passed to him he probably would have scored.

Surely Ashton tops the stats with 8 missed tackles so far this tournament.

He is not alone though, England have missed 50 something already in four games.

Wales arnt that far behind, with a 38 missed tackles already in four games. 7 missed tackles for biggar, does beg the question why people havent mentioned his defence being what 1 missed tackle behind ashton.

Wales have missed 33 tackles and England have missed 57 that's a pretty big difference.

Biggar has missed 5 tackles not 7, 2 against Ireland, 2 against France and 1 against Italy.

[fa0019]

England have to keep the ball away from Warburton and Tipuric. Off lineouts drives into the flyhalf region will be dangerous for England.

Secondary drives around rucks should be taken with caution also.

At the Stormers we have perfected a very good counter to this.

Every drive has 1 man literally hanging onto the ball carriers jersey so that in contact he is the first man in to secure posession.
It means that tacklers who aims to get up and steal possession will be instantly placed in a ruck (no hands) scenario.

We have played with no real openside for a few seasons now... most bok opensides are European blindsides anyhow. Helps us against AUS and NZ teams who always have specialists opensides.

England took on similar methods when they played NZ last year. They attacked rucks in groups not individuals and that nulified the opposition. If they do the same Wales' defensive strengths will be thoroughly reduced and ENG will get try scoring opportunities.

[nathan]

mbernz agree with that. It also backs up what I thought -Haskell hasn't been very good.

Ashton also made a try saving tackle too. I actually thought Ashton was alright on the weekend - twice if the ball had been passed to him he probably would have scored.

Surely Ashton tops the stats with 8 missed tackles so far this tournament.

He is not alone though, England have missed 50 something already in four games.

Wales arnt that far behind, with a 38 missed tackles already in four games. 7 missed tackles for biggar, does beg the question why people havent mentioned his defence being what 1 missed tackle behind ashton.

Wales have missed 33 tackles and England have missed 57 that's a pretty big difference.

Biggar has missed 5 tackles not 7, 2 against Ireland, 2 against France and 1 against Italy.

Just double checked and your right, it is 5 tackles. Apologies. Not sure where i got the extra 2 from.

The france game wales missed a total of 16 tackles. Do you think that was because France played with a higher intensity or Wales were just having an off day?

[fa0019]

Casartelli

Roberts sent Basteraud reeling? Really

Basteraud had a good game if I recall, ESPN states he broke 5 tackles and made 27metres of 7 carries. Thats quite decent given the flyhalf he played with.

On the other hand he broke only 1 tackle vs. ENG and made only 12metres off 9 carries.

England (and mainly Barritt) wrapped him up far better then Wales.. both from memory and stats. Tuilagi on the other hand had a very strong game vs. the french.

I think Roberts and Davies will have to improve leaps and bounds to contest Barritt and Tuilagi.

[nathan]

Biggar kept us in the game with a great tackle in Italy - he's a brave lad

Wouldn't be suprised to see Manu aiming for that channel.

Roberts sent Bastareaud reeling - he won't have much trouble with little Manu.

Just to squeeze the last drops out of the North (non)story - most people seem to be seeing the funny side. From a news blog;

@gallagherbren: “appreciate that but I haven't heard a single wales fan talk like this. Makes u wonder who george is mxing with!”

@gwladrugby: "people in Nandos Llanelli. He lives in there.”

Manu sent Bastareaud reeling too. I think Manu is quicker than both Bastareaud (I think even Dan Cole is quicker than him lol) and Roberts with a lower centre of gravity.

[Scrumpy]

Roof will be shut.

I'm surprised by that.

[nathan]

Roof will be shut.

I'm surprised by that.

at least it won't be wet, it will be alot easier for the kickers too with no wind.

[fa0019]

VictorU3

They also chose Youngs over Hartley who is the stronger scrummager.

Looks like Lancaster is confident of his pack and his side.

[RubyGuby]

fa0019 - Take this as a compliment but I've always though of you as a cross between Basterau and Medard

[Taffineastbourne]

Just had a call from a client.

Do i fancy a day out in Cardiff, free meal, free booze, listen to some ex players speaches and anecdotes, ticket for the game in best seats and more free booze. It would have been rude to say no.

If Carlsberg did clients........You lucky soandso!

[gregortree]

Roof will be shut.

I'm surprised by that.

at least it won't be wet, it will be alot easier for the kickers too with no wind.

It has been #issing down today here in the West.
If the pitch is protected today, I am hoping the turf will hold up tomorrow.
And that the scrums will not qualify for entry to the South Glamorgan ploughing match finals.

[fa0019]

fa0019 - Take this as a compliment but I've always though of you as a cross between Basterau and Medard

I guess there are worse things in life... like being mistaken for being welsh... the very thought!!!

[RubyGuby]

fa0019 - Take this as a compliment but I've always though of you as a cross between Basterau and Medard

I guess there are worse things in life... like being mistaken for being welsh... the very thought!!!

[Bathman_in_London]

fa0019 - Take this as a compliment but I've always though of you as a cross between Basterau and Medard

Massive with mutton chops?

Or flaky and so annoying he got beaten up by his own mates?!

[fa0019]

fa0019 - Take this as a compliment but I've always though of you as a cross between Basterau and Medard

Massive with mutton chops?

Or flaky and so annoying he got beaten up by his own mates?!

I thought he beat himself up with a coffee table?

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