France vs Wales

First topic message reminder :

15. Halfpenny, 14. Williams, 13. Davies, 12. Roberts, 11. North, 10. Biggar, 9. Webb, 8. Faletau, 7. Warburton(c), 6. Lydiate, 5. Charteris, 4. AWJ, 3. Lee, 2. Baldwin, 1. Jenkins.
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Gloucester), Paul James (Bath), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Some changes to in the pack to counter the France scrum and lineout drive threat - Baldwin to start is a bold call though. Our bench is better this week, apart from the replacement halfbacks.



France team announced:
Dulin - Huget, Lamerat, Fofana, Guitoune - (o) Lopez, (m) Parra - Le Roux, Chouly, Dusautoir (cap) - Maestri, Taofifenua - Slimani, Guirado, Ben Arous.

Subs: Kayser, Debaty, Atonio, Suta, Goujon, Tillous-Borde, Tales, Bastareaud.

Pretty much exactly the same game of rugby between Wales and France for the last 4 years or so. Both teams are happy to dog it out, play in defense and smash hell into each other. Wales win the game. It's amazing the French are always so willing to get suckered into playing this type of game against us.

MarcusHalberstram wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:Jeez, Risca - have some faith, mun! Of course we can beat Ireland - they looked good for the first half last week, but never looked much like scoring a try. We'll do em in Cardiff - Mark my overly confident several beers down words! Obviously we would like them to play a blinder tomor... Hang on... Obviously we would like them to play a shocker tomorrow - but still win!

Irleand gave looked good for the first half, but never looked like scoring a try.

A bit like Wales have been, apart from today.

Eh..? You mean against England..? Wales scored twice against Scotland, I believe.

Yes that's right.

MarcusHalberstram wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:Jeez, Risca - have some faith, mun! Of course we can beat Ireland - they looked good for the first half last week, but never looked much like scoring a try. We'll do em in Cardiff - Mark my overly confident several beers down words! Obviously we would like them to play a blinder tomor... Hang on... Obviously we would like them to play a shocker tomorrow - but still win!

Irleand gave looked good for the first half, but never looked like scoring a try.

A bit like Wales have been, apart from today.

Eh..? You mean against England..? Wales scored twice against Scotland, I believe.

And we had one disallowed against Scotland, and messed up another opportunity if I remember correctly, so could have scored 4!

But yes, against england didn't look like scoring after the first 15 mins. But then again we were comprehensively outplayed. So no arguments there. We were gash. Much more worrying would be if we'd played really well but not looked like scoring against England.

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:Jeez, Risca - have some faith, mun! Of course we can beat Ireland - they looked good for the first half last week, but never looked much like scoring a try. We'll do em in Cardiff - Mark my overly confident several beers down words! Obviously we would like them to play a blinder tomor... Hang on... Obviously we would like them to play a shocker tomorrow - but still win!

Irleand gave looked good for the first half, but never looked like scoring a try.

A bit like Wales have been, apart from today.

Eh..? You mean against England..? Wales scored twice against Scotland, I believe.

Yes that's right.

I've seen you try to be clever and WUM Welsh and Scottish fans today Madge. It really doesn't suit you acting funny or clever.

Shifty wrote:Pretty much exactly the same game of rugby between Wales and France for the last 4 years or so.  Both teams are happy to dog it out, play in defense and smash hell into each other.  Wales win the game.  It's amazing the French are always so willing to get suckered into playing this type of game against us.  

Did anyone see scrum v classics earlier on BBC 2 wales? France v wales 1999, in France. Two sides throwing the ball about, the French running great lines with Ntmack and Thomas Castaignede all over the park and scoring some good tries, The Quinell boys rampaging, Neil Jenkins slotting the goals. But the main thing was the running rugby. Great to see. Wales won the game after a missed penalty at the end by Castaignede.

So, it's sad to see these two traditionally entertaining nations reduced to boring, stodgy rugby. For Wales, it's given us some success so it's hard to criticise and hark back to the old, exciting but unsuccessful days. But for France this 'new' style has brought little success in recent times. Wouldn't it be great to see them back to their old, famous, 'French flair' selves?

Griff wrote:

Shifty wrote:Pretty much exactly the same game of rugby between Wales and France for the last 4 years or so.  Both teams are happy to dog it out, play in defense and smash hell into each other.  Wales win the game.  It's amazing the French are always so willing to get suckered into playing this type of game against us.  

Did anyone see scrum v classics earlier on BBC 2 wales? France v wales 1999, in France. Two sides throwing the ball about, the French running great lines with Ntmack and Thomas Castaignede all over the park and scoring some good tries, The Quinell boys rampaging, Neil Jenkins slotting the goals. But the main thing was the running rugby. Great to see. Wales won the game after a missed penalty at the end by Castaignede.

So, it's sad to see these two traditionally entertaining nations reduced to boring, stodgy rugby. For Wales, it's given us some success so it's hard to criticise and hark back to the old, exciting but unsuccessful days. But for France this 'new' style has brought little success in recent times. Wouldn't it be great to see them back to their old, famous, 'French flair' selves?

But they just don't have the players to do that anymore. The game has changed, and most of the real flair has gone. You need a platform and then NZ or Aussie backs counterattacking to show any real flair these days.

P.s. Both teams in '99 wore proper baggy jerseys too. Great to see! I had one of them. Much better than today's kits. I'm fairly slim so could get away with a replica top, but I don't want to walk around like I'm off to the gym! Bring back the cotton kits!

wales606 wrote:

Griff wrote:

Shifty wrote:Pretty much exactly the same game of rugby between Wales and France for the last 4 years or so.  Both teams are happy to dog it out, play in defense and smash hell into each other.  Wales win the game.  It's amazing the French are always so willing to get suckered into playing this type of game against us.  

Did anyone see scrum v classics earlier on BBC 2 wales? France v wales 1999, in France. Two sides throwing the ball about, the French running great lines with Ntmack and Thomas Castaignede all over the park and scoring some good tries, The Quinell boys rampaging, Neil Jenkins slotting the goals. But the main thing was the running rugby. Great to see. Wales won the game after a missed penalty at the end by Castaignede.

So, it's sad to see these two traditionally entertaining nations reduced to boring, stodgy rugby. For Wales, it's given us some success so it's hard to criticise and hark back to the old, exciting but unsuccessful days. But for France this 'new' style has brought little success in recent times. Wouldn't it be great to see them back to their old, famous, 'French flair' selves?

But they just don't have the players to do that anymore. The game has changed, and most of the real flair has gone. You need a platform and then NZ or Aussie backs counterattacking to show any real flair these days.

I think they've got them, they just don't seem to pick them or use them right. Get rid of Basteaud would be my starting point. As others have said the attack seems to stop dead with him. it's like having Gethin Jenkins in midfield - that's OK sometimes, but generally there's not enough pace or distribution to take advantage of an attacking position. He did do a nice offload today though. But is that enough?

feckin bummer

Shifty wrote:

BamBam wrote:I don't know much about Baldwin, is he a better thrower than Hibbard?

I wouldn't trust him to throw up and hit the pavement, let alone throw a ball into a line out, he is awful in pressurized line out situations.

Humble pie #1 - don't think we lost a lineout today

aqualung71 wrote:can't see France losing this one

Humble pie#2 oh dear

nathan wrote:Even whilst watching France turn the ball over he's going on about how something's good for the welsh

must hurt you to see us win today eh. Never mind chin up what what.

tatterd wrote:

aqualung71 wrote:can't see France losing this one

Humble pie#2 oh dear

He's Italian though

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:feckin bummer

Glasgow's favourite player got on the scoresheet too.

tatterd wrote:

nathan wrote:Even whilst watching France turn the ball over he's going on about how something's good for the welsh

must hurt you to see us win today eh. Never mind chin up what what.

So because I dislike jiffy I want the Welsh to lose? Think in your quest to be a bell end you've jumped to conclusions there...

Risca Rev wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:Jeez, Risca - have some faith, mun! Of course we can beat Ireland - they looked good for the first half last week, but never looked much like scoring a try. We'll do em in Cardiff - Mark my overly confident several beers down words! Obviously we would like them to play a blinder tomor... Hang on... Obviously we would like them to play a shocker tomorrow - but still win!

Irleand gave looked good for the first half, but never looked like scoring a try.

A bit like Wales have been, apart from today.

Eh..? You mean against England..? Wales scored twice against Scotland, I believe.

Yes that's right.

I've seen you try to be clever and WUM Welsh and Scottish fans today Madge. It really doesn't suit you acting funny or clever.

Risaca

I was not trying to be funny to be honest. Wales score a great try today through Dan Biggar. But i do think that the French was unlucky with having their try disallowed. But like i said well played to Wales for getting the win.

Just don't let it go to your head will you.

It's no surprise to see people jump to conclusions when you whinge about welsh teams so much. You've been more neutral today for some odd reason, but the same can't be said for your tag-team partner (quinsforever).

All week we've been hearing how this is the best team France could put out and get written off, yet we still don't get any credit when we beat them .

Well done Wales, it's all getting aligned nicely for you guys to sneak in and win the championship on points difference...

Jesus France though, they're just do clueless at the moment, it's horrible to see.

tatterd wrote:

aqualung71 wrote:can't see France losing this one

Humble pie#2 oh dear

Hmmm, he also sais he thought Italy shouldn't be written off against Scotland. So he ain't all that dumb

I do think Wales come across as a cynical team. They have one outstanding weapon - in 1/2p's boot - but any others, apart from the brute force option, they tend to only pull out occasionally.

Solid game good win good try excellent defense but still lots and lots of waving hands in the air.

As for France you can almost guarantee that the one game they will really turn up for will be the English one. They might finally have got their act together by then,

majesticimperialman wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:Jeez, Risca - have some faith, mun! Of course we can beat Ireland - they looked good for the first half last week, but never looked much like scoring a try. We'll do em in Cardiff - Mark my overly confident several beers down words! Obviously we would like them to play a blinder tomor... Hang on... Obviously we would like them to play a shocker tomorrow - but still win!

Irleand gave looked good for the first half, but never looked like scoring a try.

A bit like Wales have been, apart from today.

Eh..? You mean against England..? Wales scored twice against Scotland, I believe.

Yes that's right.

I've seen you try to be clever and WUM Welsh and Scottish fans today Madge. It really doesn't suit you acting funny or clever.

Risaca

I was not trying to be funny to be honest. Wales score a great try today through Dan Biggar. But i do think that the French was unlucky with having their try disallowed. But like i said well played to Wales for getting the win.

Just don't let it go to your head will you.

Oh dear. More nonsense.

Which disallowed try are we talking about? The only one I saw was for a clear forward pass. Do you know the ball isn't allowed to be passed forward?

lostinwales wrote:I do think Wales come across as a cynical team. They have one outstanding weapon - in 1/2p's boot - but any others, apart from the brute force option, they tend to only pull out occasionally.

Solid game good win good try excellent defense but still lots and lots of waving hands in the air.

As for France you can almost guarantee that the one game they will really turn up for will be the English one. They might finally have got their act together by then,

I was thinking so....until today.

Today they looked gutless.  They have a lot of act to get together before the encounter England.  
The most disturbing thing was that I could read so easily how the swings would go.  When they were playing like headless chickens at the beginning of the second half and were all angles, and speed, and passing, and breathless energy.... I knew then that they'd lose the game, that the assault wouldn't last, that it was the last instinctive puff of a flailing guy drowning.  Structureless nonsense that played right into the hands of the crafty, better coached and better conditioned Welsh.

[quote="Risca Rev"]

majesticimperialman wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:Jeez, Risca - have some faith, mun! Of course we can beat Ireland - they looked good for the first half last week, but never looked much like scoring a try. We'll do em in Cardiff - Mark my overly confident several beers down words! Obviously we would like them to play a blinder tomor... Hang on... Obviously we would like them to play a shocker tomorrow - but still win!

Irleand gave looked good for the first half, but never looked like scoring a try.

A bit like Wales have been, apart from today.

Eh..? You mean against England..? Wales scored twice against Scotland, I believe.

Yes that's right.

I've seen you try to be clever and WUM Welsh and Scottish fans today Madge. It really doesn't suit you acting funny or clever.

Risaca

I was not trying to be funny to be honest. Wales score a great try today through Dan Biggar. But i do think that the French was unlucky with having their try disallowed. But like i said well played to Wales for getting the win.

Just don't let it go to your head will you.

Oh dear. More nonsense.

Which disallowed try are we talking about? The only one I saw was for a clear forward pass. Do you know the ball isn't allowed to be passed forward?[/quote)

Yes i do know you are not supposed to pass the ball forward. I thought it was a dead level pass and not forward. But then again i was wrong wasn't i?

Lopez can't start in two weeks, regardless of breaking up the Clermont partnership with Parra. He showed absolute no leadership out there today. There's following a game plan and then there's mindlessly following orders. The two main examples were the constant chipping over the top, which was a legitimate tactic... The first three times he did. I think Wales might have cottoned on after a while. And don't even get me started on the ridiculous short kick offs! Again, useful as an occasional tactic, but did any of them work?! It's Einstein's definition of insanity. Like I said, you follow your game plan, but you need to have some game awareness and be able to make your own decisions when things clearly aren't working. That was the most disappointing about the French display for me.

A pragmatic win for Wales. I didn't think France were as bad a team as many on here alluded to.

Their set piece works well and when in full flow they look very dangerous...

This might not be the tournament where we see their full potential.

The squad look like they lack time together. Maybe the RWC will give them time to gel.

majesticimperialman wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:Jeez, Risca - have some faith, mun! Of course we can beat Ireland - they looked good for the first half last week, but never looked much like scoring a try. We'll do em in Cardiff - Mark my overly confident several beers down words! Obviously we would like them to play a blinder tomor... Hang on... Obviously we would like them to play a shocker tomorrow - but still win!

Irleand gave looked good for the first half, but never looked like scoring a try.

A bit like Wales have been, apart from today.

Eh..? You mean against England..? Wales scored twice against Scotland, I believe.

Yes that's right.

I've seen you try to be clever and WUM Welsh and Scottish fans today Madge. It really doesn't suit you acting funny or clever.

Risaca

I was not trying to be funny to be honest. Wales score a great try today through Dan Biggar. But i do think that the French was unlucky with having their try disallowed. But like i said well played to Wales for getting the win.

Just don't let it go to your head will you.

Oh dear. More nonsense.

Which disallowed try are we talking about? The only one I saw was for a clear forward pass. Do you know the ball isn't allowed to be passed forward?[/quote)

Yes i do know you are not supposed to pass the ball forward. I thought it was a dead level pass and not forward. But then again i was wrong wasn't i?

The referee and touch judge were in a perfect position to call it and the replay showed they were right.

maestegmafia wrote:A pragmatic win for Wales. I didn't think France were as bad a team as many on here alluded to.

Their set piece works well and when in full flow they look very dangerous...

This might not be the tournament where we see their full potential.

The squad look like they lack time together. Maybe the RWC will give them time to gel.

Their full flow is rudderless, rushed, paniced, open to so many potential errors (most especially sly intercepts).  I just thought France actually looked much more vulnerable when they tried to force themselves into a free running elan style game.  To me it simply represented no structured ideas left.  I remember saying to a friend 'Well, the French will like it'.

And it seems they did.  But it was never going to last because it wasn't a gameplan but simply players blowing off the last of their energy in hope.  

There was another opportunity when the ref incorrectly called an obstruction against France when the french player was through even Jiffy called it a 'fortunate' decision for Wales & Gethin was not in a position to tackle either.

majesticimperialman wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

MarcusHalberstram wrote:Jeez, Risca - have some faith, mun! Of course we can beat Ireland - they looked good for the first half last week, but never looked much like scoring a try. We'll do em in Cardiff - Mark my overly confident several beers down words! Obviously we would like them to play a blinder tomor... Hang on... Obviously we would like them to play a shocker tomorrow - but still win!

Irleand gave looked good for the first half, but never looked like scoring a try.

A bit like Wales have been, apart from today.

Eh..? You mean against England..? Wales scored twice against Scotland, I believe.

Yes that's right.

I've seen you try to be clever and WUM Welsh and Scottish fans today Madge. It really doesn't suit you acting funny or clever.

Risaca

I ate something like this in Corfu. Nice too.

Am so disappointed by Lopez that an starting to regret Michalak and that's very hard to say from someone who has been following the guy since his professional debut at UBB. Comparing him to Biggar is an insult to the latter. The worst is that in his post match interview he seemed satisfied by his performance. Contrasting to that, Maestri was on the brink of crying and said that french players are overrated as they have key foreigners that make them look better than what they are in their clubs. PSA didn't say anything relevant and talked about being reffed as a 2nd tier nation (double face palm please). I reckon that this group is on the verge of exploding and their so called cosching staff is not exactly helping as well. I was watching highlights of lievremont era france 6N games (09 and 10) and France plays seemed effortless compared to now where they manage to have 10 knock ons / firward passes with so little possession. Not sure what went so wrong in just 5 years time ( I do miss real leaders like Nallet, Servat and nutters like Harinordoquy).

Let's hope that trinh duc has 2 legs in good condition by the RWC.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:There was another opportunity when the ref incorrectly called an obstruction against France when the french player was through even Jiffy called it a 'fortunate' decision for Wales & Gethin was not in a position to tackle either.

France's only try in four games came from a knock-on then forward pass straight after, a few phases before they scored. But keep digging, one week you might actually make a valid contribution. You just sound a bit scared of France if you ask me - well done Wales!

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:There was another opportunity when the ref incorrectly called an obstruction against France when the french player was through even Jiffy called it a 'fortunate' decision for Wales & Gethin was not in a position to tackle either.

Yep that was a poor call - that and not giving a penalty for taking a player in the air early on.

Jeez you English sure are better every time a welsh team wins, it's hilarious. It's no wonder people want to see your team fail.

What exactly is your problem? Just because some people discuss refereeing errors after a match it doesn't mean they are anti-Welsh - the same thing happens after all matches.

If the French try had been allowed I would have said that was a bad call too as the pass looked forwards to me - but the ref called that one right.

You really need to get over your persecution complex - I see you even managed to shoe-horn a comment into the Scotland v Italy thread moaning about how hard done by the Welsh are.

The Saint wrote:Jeez you English sure are better every time a welsh team wins, it's hilarious. It's no wonder people want to see your team fail.

English rugby fans are not the nicest of people Saint. Hopefully us Irish will give them a beating later on today for you.

I thought you were Welsh? What made you one day wake up and be Irish?

The Saint wrote:I thought you were Welsh? What made you one day wake up and be Irish?

From Kinsale in Ireland. Now living in Cwmbran. Mother is Welsh, Father is Irish. I support Celtic and Ireland in football. Wales in rugby. But being as Wales are so poor this 6 Nations I'm jumping on the Ireland grandslam bandwagon lol.

Heaf wrote:What exactly is your problem?  Just because some people discuss refereeing errors after a match it doesn't mean they are anti-Welsh - the same thing happens after all matches.

If the French try had been allowed I would have said that was a bad call too as the pass looked forwards to me - but the ref called that one right.

You really need to get over your persecution complex - I see you even managed to shoe-horn a comment into the Scotland v Italy thread moaning about how hard done by the Welsh are.

Because after every frigging game we get endless discussion on errors that apparently 'benefitted' Wales. I pointed out one or two things earlier in the thread which I was annoyed that the ref didn't pick up. Funnily enough, nobody non-welsh cares to mention it. It's been happening in every game for years now because quite frankly you and your cronies comments are disgraceful. Also I didn't see any discussion of 'poor referee' in the aftermath of Scotland vs Italy. Must be another one of those strange coincidences? Anyway, a win's a win. Personally I think you're a little jealous for failing miserably on your last trip to Paris...lol.

Jimmy Moz wrote:

The Saint wrote:I thought you were Welsh? What made you one day wake up and be Irish?

From Kinsale in Ireland. Now living in Cwmbran. Mother is Welsh, Father is Irish. I support Celtic and Ireland in football. Wales in rugby. But being as Wales are so poor this 6 Nations I'm jumping on the Ireland grandslam bandwagon lol.

Oh right. Yeah, let's hope Ireland give them a good beating. Then maybe their bitter fans on here can cry over something other than Wales for a change, lol we woz robbed I tell ya!

So presumably you think Jiffy's comments were disgraceful too as he agreed about those two incidents? At no point did I suggest Wales only won because of those errors so I'm not sure why you're getting so het up about it - and for the record I made comments about the ref in the Scotland v France match so I suppose I'm anti-French too then?

I know it's difficult for you to understand but it is possible for people to discuss the officiating performance without being anti anyone and I'm sure I've mentioned before I like Wales and the Welsh (mostly) - you really need to grow up.

Heaf stop being a silly little complainer and go have your welsh-witch hunt on another forum because some of us are sick to death of seeing it EVERY WEEK on here. I've no idea why some people got to be so bitter after Wales win a game of rugby, not a single congratulations for the second week on the bounce.

I've banned The Saint for a day just to make sure any comments he has on tomorrow's game are made when the emotion is less raw during what I expect will be a passion provoking clash tomorrow. I hope Saint will understand my point.

Please don't comment on this post and instead stick to, calmly, discussing your weird sport. Any issues with my actions or points to raise then you are welcome to message me. I am about to sleep though, and also anything rude will just be over laughed at and sent on to someone who cares.

Enjoy your egg chasing

Saint,

Did you read what I said?  I'm not anti-Welsh, I'm not bitter about them winning and I'm not complaining about anything - just making observations about certain officiating decisions - ones which are pertinent at the moment with so much focus on the results of tackles in the air and dummy runs v obstruction etc - this is after all an area for debate.

I bet if there was a vote more people would be sick to death of your paranoia about everyone being anti-Welsh all the time, and I'm not sure why you feel you should be congratulated for supporting the winning team - the players for sure deserve congratulations but I doubt they come on here to read them.

People are free to comment on their views and if you don't agree then fine, but I don't know why you feel you need to constantly attack them and start throwing insults around.

I thought Wales were the better side to be fair. France were pretty poor. This Welsh side has played much better in the past, but they still did enough to win. I think only Ireland has the beating of them. England won in Cardiff but I think it will be a different story come the world cup. While I will be cheering on the Irish boys tomorrow I hope the game lives up to the hype and both teams play well.

Maybe I was a little harsh calling England fans "not a nice bunch" lol. But I do feel they like to criticise Wales and Ireland quite a lot. Wales deserve credit for going to Paris and getting the win. I just hope you England fans give us our dues when we beat you tomorrow lol. Anyway I'll be out for the game so won't be posting on here. Speaking of which I need to get some sleep in. Night all and enjoy the match. J

Knowing France they will hammer England and then go on to win the RWC.

SecretFly wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:A pragmatic win for Wales. I didn't think France were as bad a team as many on here alluded to.

Their set piece works well and when in full flow they look very dangerous...

This might not be the tournament where we see their full potential.

The squad look like they lack time together. Maybe the RWC will give them time to gel.

Their full flow is rudderless, rushed, paniced, open to so many potential errors (most especially sly intercepts).  I just thought France actually looked much more vulnerable when they tried to force themselves into a free running elan style game.  To me it simply represented no structured ideas left.  I remember saying to a friend 'Well, the French will like it'.

And it seems they did.  But it was never going to last because it wasn't a gameplan but simply players blowing off the last of their energy in hope.  

When Parra was on they didn't look rudderless, he was the man with the plan. I think injury scuppered their plans massively yesterday.

With Para and Lamerat fit for their last matches I would not be surprised to see France win both.

Jimmy Moz wrote:

The Saint wrote:I thought you were Welsh? What made you one day wake up and be Irish?

From Kinsale in Ireland. Now living in Cwmbran. Mother is Welsh, Father is Irish. I support Celtic and Ireland in football. Wales in rugby. But being as Wales are so poor this 6 Nations I'm jumping on the Ireland grandslam bandwagon lol.

Kinsale is a fantastic place, I love going there.

maestegmafia wrote:

SecretFly wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:A pragmatic win for Wales. I didn't think France were as bad a team as many on here alluded to.

Their set piece works well and when in full flow they look very dangerous...

This might not be the tournament where we see their full potential.

The squad look like they lack time together. Maybe the RWC will give them time to gel.

Their full flow is rudderless, rushed, paniced, open to so many potential errors (most especially sly intercepts).  I just thought France actually looked much more vulnerable when they tried to force themselves into a free running elan style game.  To me it simply represented no structured ideas left.  I remember saying to a friend 'Well, the French will like it'.

And it seems they did.  But it was never going to last because it wasn't a gameplan but simply players blowing off the last of their energy in hope.  

When Parra was on they didn't look rudderless, he was the man with the plan. I think injury scuppered their plans massively yesterday.

With Para and Lamerat fit for their last matches I would not be surprised to see France win both.

Can't rely on one player, Maesteg.  And even in that context I'd still say, and said before the game, that Parra seems better used as a super sub than actually he can be during a full 80.  He was still having trouble making his ideas hit the brains of his companions early enough. I guess that's where the frsutrations arise between himself and his coach. Parra wants one kind of game, the coach coaches the rest of the players in a way that they're not prepared enough for it.  
Nope, wasn't impressed by France at all.  They need a ton more detail and they still let their minds rule their tempo through a game.  They go up and down mentally and you can see them struggle to keep going when little things don't go according to plan.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

Jimmy Moz wrote:

The Saint wrote:I thought you were Welsh? What made you one day wake up and be Irish?

From Kinsale in Ireland. Now living in Cwmbran. Mother is Welsh, Father is Irish. I support Celtic and Ireland in football. Wales in rugby. But being as Wales are so poor this 6 Nations I'm jumping on the Ireland grandslam bandwagon lol.

Kinsale is a fantastic place, I love going there.

Same with me and Cwmbran.

Gwlad wrote:Knowing France they will hammer England and then go on to win the RWC.

That doesn't add up. But ok.