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

[Bathman_in_London]

I thought that was the story he told to hide the fact one of his team had smacked him but I could well be wrong.

Either way, hopefully that isnt like you!

[fa0019]

not so sure.. I think my vrou would beg to differ... I think she'll testify I'm both stupid at times and annoying enough to get the odd punch to the face.

[lostinwales]

I thought it was he got drunk and fell over. You get the feeling he is sort of erm 'eccentric'

[yappysnap]

Really don't like the look of the England backrow and back three.

Backrow is unbalanced with no big ball carrier to break the gainline in heavy traffic and make those 5m defensive tackles off the back of the scrum. Wood just doesn't have the weight. Croft has a very good skill set but again we're not lacking skills, we're lacking power and weight.


I'd have gone with:
6. Croft
7. Robshaw
8. Easter
20. Wood

Looks a far more rounded backrow with Wood to cover all positions. Easter is in the form of his life and brings everything that we're missing, he shouldn't be phased by being parachuted in as he basically plays the way England want to at Quins anyway.

Oh to dream...

[nathan]

Really don't like the look of the England backrow and back three.

Backrow is unbalanced with no big ball carrier to break the gainline in heavy traffic and make those 5m defensive tackles off the back of the scrum. Wood just doesn't have the weight. Croft has a very good skill set but again we're not lacking skills, we're lacking power and weight.


I'd have gone with:
6. Croft
7. Robshaw
8. Easter
20. Wood

Looks a far more rounded backrow with Wood to cover all positions. Easter is in the form of his life and brings everything that we're missing, he shouldn't be phased by being parachuted in as he basically plays the way England want to at Quins anyway.

Oh to dream...

Easter isn't in the plans going forward, no point in using him now. Would rather a player that will be there in 2015 get the experience of playing in a gram slam decider. Not someone who is worried about the money side of things.

[yappysnap]

I'd like to have the best players in their positions, or at least the right players. I don't think it's done any of the other 14 guys on the pitch any favours having a backrow that can't compete with the opposition. Especially the wingers.

[100%beefy]

I feel sick just thinking about 1700 on sat...

I am looking forward to it. It's a good England team against a reasonably good welsh team with both teams having everything to gain from a good win.

Rugby doesn't get any better outside the RWC

I feel sick thinking about how i am going to feel on sunday morning if we win on saturday + + =

Wouldn't bother getting the alka seltzer in there beefy - save your benefit money for the macdonalds if I were you.

You should change your moniker to A World Cup, 3 finals and countless missed opportunities to win the Grand Slam

[Hound_of_Harrow]

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!!!

I'd check the first and last syllables of the two players mentioned, fa0019.

I can't believe no one spotted that!

Rubes, you're too smart sometimes.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I agree mismatching our wingers vs theirs out wide is a great tactic to break England's gain line and open space for supporting players.

Looking at Fofana's excellent try it was Bastareux coming infield dragging a defence with him and Fofana taking a scissors into space that really exploited England out wide.

Similar to Cuthbert's try vs Italy...!

Englands back three also looked out of position in defence for Masi's try last weekend with a neat chip over the top.

Similar to North's try in Paris earlier on.

What do you reckon Maes? Will Howley unleash North & Cuthbert early?

Or will he play conservative rugby, hoping it opens up later? If he does, will it be enough?

I know it is often misconceived, but Howley isn't playing.

I doubt that much that happens on the pitch will be down to him. Biggar and Phillips are the ones responsible for what happens tactically, where we play the game and to what the outside backs are offered. All Howley and the coaches will do is offer analysis and advice.

What happens on the pitch is down to the players.

That really is a load of rubbish, Maes. Do you genuinely believe that Phillips and Biggar will be responsible for our tactics? Bullocks will they!

[BigTrevsbigmac]

I can see a lot of kicking from both sides looking for the knock ons & then pressing the opposition for mistakes.
No change there then!

[maestegmafia]

Former England coach Sir Clive Woodward: "My heart says England, my head says Wales will probably go in as favourites. But England have nothing to lose now. They have to forget about this Grand Slam stuff and get into the mind-set of scoring tries. They just have to get their head in gear for what will be a colossal game. I can't wait."

Former Wales wing Shane Williams: "I will be happy with a Wales win, whether it is by one point or eight. I think it is going to be very tight. I don't know whether we will get the seven or eight points we need, but I think we will pip them."

Former Scotland captain Andy Nicol: "Wales know that if they play well, they can beat England by more than enough to win the championship. I think it will be a cracking game, very intense and physical. They won't necessarily be throwing the ball around too much but it is going to be brilliant to watch. England have the game to win down in Cardiff but Wales are growing in confidence and have a really potent backline. I think the Welsh pack will want to take on this English one, but I think England could be too strong, just, and sneak it."
Italy captain Sergio Parisse: "Wales in Cardiff is going to be difficult for them but for the whole tournament, I think England deserve to win this Six Nations."

Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson: "My concern is Wales will just be focused on winning the game, and that's all. I think it will be a mountain to climb for England. Even though I would love to see them win, I think Wales' experience might make it a step too far for England."

Former Wales flanker Martyn Williams: "Our boys have been there and done it before, as have the coaches, and will know exactly how to prepare them for this game. They also had an extra day to prepare, which is a huge advantage. I just feel everything is falling in our favour. I think Wales will win, and win the championship as well."

Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies: "Wales got their confidence back with that win in Paris. They didn't become a bad side overnight, just as England didn't with that performance against Italy. They will still come to Cardiff confident. If Wales have the ascendancy with 20 minutes to go, there may come a time when they have to make a tactical decision about the points margin. But first and foremost they just have to go out with the attitude of winning the game. They haven't won for a long time at home but I still think home advantage in this game will favour Wales."

Former England captain Will Carling: "My heart says one thing, but if I am being really honest, I would be surprised if Wales don't win the game. I think this Welsh side has much more experience in them in the Six Nations, and I think that counts for a lot. They are at home, in a great stadium, and that might just give them the edge."

Italy full-back Andrea Masi: "It's going to be a tough game, but I think England are a bit more dangerous than Wales."

Former Wales captain Gwyn Jones: "Our boys have been in this position before with Grand Slam deciders and the semi-final of the World Cup. This England side hasn't been anywhere near this sort of pressure situation before. I think it will be a tight game, but there is nothing to fear for Wales."

Former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson: "I think England will win the Grand Slam. They have the game, and the firepower, to match Wales physically. It has been a long time since Wales won at home and there will be a bit of doubt at the back of their minds. I think England will come with real confidence and try to play at a real pace."

Former England centre Jeremy Guscott: "I am not overly confident after England's performance against Italy. Quite simply I believe Wales will win the match, but England will still win the title.

Former Wales captain Michael Owen: "It is a 50/50 game, but with home advantage and a little bit of extra pedigree, I give Wales a slight advantage. I think it is going to be an amazing physical contest. I am not sure it is going to be a great game of rugby, but it is going to be a great finish to the Six Nations."

[maestegmafia]

I agree mismatching our wingers vs theirs out wide is a great tactic to break England's gain line and open space for supporting players.

Looking at Fofana's excellent try it was Bastareux coming infield dragging a defence with him and Fofana taking a scissors into space that really exploited England out wide.

Similar to Cuthbert's try vs Italy...!

Englands back three also looked out of position in defence for Masi's try last weekend with a neat chip over the top.

Similar to North's try in Paris earlier on.

What do you reckon Maes? Will Howley unleash North & Cuthbert early?

Or will he play conservative rugby, hoping it opens up later? If he does, will it be enough?

I know it is often misconceived, but Howley isn't playing.

I doubt that much that happens on the pitch will be down to him. Biggar and Phillips are the ones responsible for what happens tactically, where we play the game and to what the outside backs are offered. All Howley and the coaches will do is offer analysis and advice.

What happens on the pitch is down to the players.

That really is a load of rubbish, Maes. Do you genuinely believe that Phillips and Biggar will be responsible for our tactics? Bullocks will they!

They will be making the decisions on the pitch yes. How can Howley make decisions, he is in the stands. So no what I am saying is not a load of rubbish LP... Keep your blwdi hair on mate.

[rodders]

WWWWWWAAAAAAAALLLLLLEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!! ....

Only messing English folks.... hope its a belter today...an epic crescendo to a pants 6N... best wishes to both sides

[AlastairW]

WWWWWWAAAAAAAALLLLLLEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!! ....

Only messing English folks.... hope its a belter today...an epic crescendo to a pants 6N... best wishes to both sides

The opening weekend was an absolute cracker; yet it's managed to flush itself down the toilet bowl of negative play and crappy weather.

[gavstar]

agree lp. load of tosh , as i said previously. the players are told what to do, where to do it. all they do is follow the game plan until they are in the positon on the field for the moves, or kicks etc they have been told to do.

if you take on board what maes says that howley is not responsible and biggar and phillips are responsible for the tactics(really!!!!!) then well done 9 and 10 for winning the last 3 games.!!!

[aitchw]

Coaches set the tactics sure enough but 9 and 10 dictate what happens once the ball is free of the set piece, they are decisions taken on the field. If they get it wrong the tactics go to pieces and how often do we complain that a team has no plan B? As the military are realistic enough to realise plans rarely survive first contact with the enemy.

[Hood83]

WWWWWWAAAAAAAALLLLLLEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!! ....

Only messing English folks.... hope its a belter today...an epic crescendo to a pants 6N... best wishes to both sides

The opening weekend was an absolute cracker; yet it's managed to flush itself down the toilet bowl of negative play and crappy weather.

Can i say now, just so it's not seen as sour grapes if they lose, that even if England win the GS i think it's been a rather disappointing 6Ns. Hopefully the final round will be an improvement.

[gavstar]

aitchw, the 9 and 10 dictate from a set of tactics they have been given. and chose what is on. they dont make up their own tactics as maes suggests. as you say, coaches are responsible for tactics, maes even says howley is not responsible !!

the tactics are set, 9/10 chose from them , if they had a different set of tactics they would chose from those.

as posters are saying about 1/2 p, playing as he is told.

[yappysnap]

The pack decides the game, if they get control and give the backs good ball it'll be open.

If they don't then it'll be crap.

[Breadvan]

Box of bo chilling out back. Gonna walk the dogs then watch some footy before all the Welshies turn up at mine to take the p1ss and I start to feel

Have a great day all.......

[yappysnap]

WWWWWWAAAAAAAALLLLLLEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!! ....

Only messing English folks.... hope its a belter today...an epic crescendo to a pants 6N... best wishes to both sides

The opening weekend was an absolute cracker; yet it's managed to flush itself down the toilet bowl of negative play and crappy weather.

Can i say now, just so it's not seen as sour grapes if they lose, that even if England win the GS i think it's been a rather disappointing 6Ns. Hopefully the final round will be an improvement.

I agree, obviously i'll be elated with the G/S but the actual tournament has been a shocking display of skills. Seriously needs a rethink with regards to timing and scoring, bp's?

[A World Cup and 3 Finals]

Box of bo chilling out back. Gonna walk the dogs then watch some footy before all the Welshies turn up at mine to take the p1ss and I start to feel

Have a great day all.......

No need, a great day awaits England. I knew we'd beat the ABs and I have the same feeling today. England by 15. Swing low!

[Duty281]

This Six Nations failed to live up to the exciting first round - not helped by the weather of course! I won't care though, when England win the Grand Slam.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

The pack decides the game, if they get control and give the backs good ball it'll be open.

If they don't then it'll be crap.

The pack and the pitch decides the game, if they get control and give the backs good ball it'll be open.

If the carpet tiles come loose, the game could be crepe.
With the roof on the hwyl will be enormous.

[mystiroakey]

Come on england.

I am going to have had at least 4 pints before this game starts..

Off out down the pub..

Enjoy all!

[Sugarlump]

Oh here we go. Adrenaline kicking in!

[nathan]

Well good luck both teams, hopefully it will be a good match and hope you all enjoy it!!

[nathan]

haha, the wee welsh lad made it on live!

[RuggerBoy]

Butterflies, ferkin' big butterflies and the beer certainly isn't calming them down.
Come on WALESSSSSSSSsssssssss.........

[nathan]

Butterflies, ferkin' big butterflies and the beer certainly isn't calming them down.
Come on WALESSSSSSSSsssssssss.........

feeling the same mate!!

[George Carlin]

Good luck to both teams.

PS - Holy crapola - does JDII have 35 caps? He looks about 9.

[trebellbobaggins]

I'm normally nervous but I think the amount of press suggesting welsh dominance means I've just chilled out. Just hope eng make a game of it.

[nathan]

I'm normally nervous but I think the amount of press suggesting welsh dominance means I've just chilled out. Just hope eng make a game of it.

lol, hate to say it, but the press don't always get it right!

[George Carlin]

Shane has stolen his great grandmother's scarf.

[trebellbobaggins]

I'm normally nervous but I think the amount of press suggesting welsh dominance means I've just chilled out. Just hope eng make a game of it.

lol, hate to say it, but the press don't always get it right!

Indeed. It sort of helps though when they talk up one side so much, lowers expectations and anything is then a bonus.

[nathan]

breakdown = Welsh will win it
lineout = England will win it

[Mad for Chelsea]

anthem time, spine-tingling

[nathan]

ahh i was hoping for that woman to sing the English anthem . let down!!

[Shifty]

Bloody hell this is nerve racking, the fans sounded about 50/50 there, so home ground may not be much of a factor.

[Hood83]

Well Wales have already won on the anthems. Ours sucks.

[EnglishReign]

Great passion at the anthems, from both sides!

[Shifty]

Well Wales have already won on the anthems. Ours sucks.

I thought it sounded good for England.

[nathan]

double knock on missed there!"!!

[Sugarlump]

Good start for both teams

[Looseheaded]

Well Wales have already won on the anthems. Ours sucks.

I thought it sounded good for England.

was a decent performance yeah, but the anthem itself is so uninspiring

[Shifty]

Right cmon Walsh we all know the Welsh scrum is better.

Your a New Zealand and an Aussie so it's a no brainer which team should win.

[trebellbobaggins]

England stuffed up front there.

Very bad sign of where this game is going, Walsh won't hesitate to blow them.

[Shifty]

Yes thankyou, you could see the England scrum starting to go back there.

[nathan]

please dont lt this game be about scrums

[trebellbobaggins]

No corbs means eng are going to have a horrible afternoon in the scrum I fear.

Hmm Wales by ten?

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