Healey says England are second best in the scrum...

First topic message reminder :

...I know, I know, it would be a good headline if it were true.  Or even spelt correctly.

But those kind of 'foaming-at-the-mouth' headlines have been largely absent once again.  Maybe it's just me, but it would be nice to open the paper (real or electronic) and read:

"England hopefully have learnt how to catch", says Kearney.

"Ireland's lucked it by a few points last year, England will take the Slam in 2015," says Hartley.

In the safe, politically correct world of 'never give the opposition any ammo', 6 Nations tests are becoming more and more anodyne by the year in the pre-match media write-ups

You wonder what the players would really like to say if they were let off the leash.  More of the same? Or perhaps let slip a few verbal grenades for posting on the dressing room walls.

At least the English and Irish players of previous years were more than happy to toss in a few barbs in advance of a game - now it seems everyone has had their mouth taped shut.

This is the no comeback thread.  Say what what you want or really think and no one is allowed quote you after the match - whatever the result.

What were your favourite quotes from previous matches?  What are the ones that had you hiding behind the couch afterwards?

This is the topic where you get to exult in your bombastic righteousness  and not be shamed for your nationalistic arrogance in the pub.

Just shout it loud.  Say it proud.   Tell everyone what you really think will be the outcome on Sunday.

No comebacks.

Promise.

Honestly.

Cowshot wrote:Anglo-Irish relations: It's one of the few things in my lifetime where we can honestly and with great relief say things have got better. Much better. In a world where so much gets buggered up that makes it special in my book.

Not saying things are perfect or anything like that but there's so much less poison there, as a consequence of much effort from people on all sides. Was very surprised to have Martin McGuinness on my list of personal heroes, and to see the reigning British monarch visit the Republic was frankly jawdropping. Didn't expect it to happen in my lifetime, if you'd asked me 30 years ago.

And what better way of celebrating this than sending two teams of lads to knock lumps out of eachother for 80 mins?

I think the Queen played a blinder when she came to Ireland. Credit to her I think she has helped progress relations a little.

I am not a fan of monarchies but did take it upon myself to pay a visit to Windsor castle recently to see the banquet hall where Michael D addressed the queen and to be honest it was kinda cool.

Breadvan wrote:For every U2, snow patrol, Ash there's westlife, boyz, jedward, cors etc. Sailed up the river into Cork on HMS Sutherland, Union flag flying the lot in 02. Couple of minor protests but we couldn't have been made more welcome in the city. Great laugh with the locals.

Cork people are real Jackeens at heart.

Alex_Germany wrote:Meanwhile, the England-Ireland love-in continues.....

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/25/ireland-rory-best-eoin-reddan-england-six-nations-rugby-union

- Oh, they're so nice. Even that Cipriani guy is "humble and down to earth" -

Then you've got Ford saying how much he admires Sexton etc etc.

Hartley and Best might maim each other on the pitch, but will be best mates afterwards!It's even infected the comments here. England fans saying how great Ireland are, Ireland fans being almost as polite as South African fans about England.

Personally I quite like it.

Isn't that why Rugby rises above so many other sports?

GunsGerms wrote:

Cowshot wrote:Anglo-Irish relations: It's one of the few things in my lifetime where we can honestly and with great relief say things have got better. Much better. In a world where so much gets buggered up that makes it special in my book.

Not saying things are perfect or anything like that but there's so much less poison there, as a consequence of much effort from people on all sides. Was very surprised to have Martin McGuinness on my list of personal heroes, and to see the reigning British monarch visit the Republic was frankly jawdropping. Didn't expect it to happen in my lifetime, if you'd asked me 30 years ago.

And what better way of celebrating this than sending two teams of lads to knock lumps out of eachother for 80 mins?

I think the Queen played a blinder when she came to Ireland. Credit to her I think she has helped progress relations a little.

I am not a fan of monarchies but did take it upon myself to pay a visit to Windsor castle recently to see the banquet hall where Michael D addressed the queen and to be honest it was kinda cool.

The Irish people too played a blinder in showing her that first and foremost she was a Humanbeing, and that they'd treat her as such.  So they accosted her with a lack of stiff etiquette and 'yes ma'am' procedures.  And her smiles were genuine because she was amongst people who didn't bow to the idea that she was less than human simply because she had assumed a rank of Queen.

The Queen relaxed and has always been surrounded by Irish people anyway - she has spent loads of time with any number of Irish jockeys, trainers etc during her reign, laughing with her on cup giving stands or parade rings.  I think she warms to us because we don't hold her in High Rigid Esteem but hold her in High Casual Regard.

gregortree wrote:Kick and Chaos.....that was how we used to like it.
Now it is all cerebally intellectual.

I thought that was Scotland, in 6" of mud.

Cowshot wrote:

Hmmm try asking the relatives of the innocent victims of the birminghgam bombings who have never received justice whether Martic McGuiness is on their hero list. I'd hazard a guess thats its a no.

Yeah, and I understand that. But it's the journey he made from that sort of thing to being one of the key figures who created the peace that exists now that makes him one of my heroes.

Thats akin to saying that Jihadi John could become a hero in year to come if he helped broker peace despite his brutal crimes that went unpunished. The difference is Martin McGuiness has alot more blook on his hands than our friend John over in Syria!

wrfc1980 wrote:

Cowshot wrote:

Hmmm try asking the relatives of the innocent victims of the birminghgam bombings who have never received justice whether Martic McGuiness is on their hero list. I'd hazard a guess thats its a no.

Yeah, and I understand that. But it's the journey he made from that sort of thing to being one of the key figures who created the peace that exists now that makes him one of my heroes.

Thats akin to saying that Jihadi John could become a hero in year to come if he helped broker peace despite his brutal crimes that went unpunished. The difference is Martin McGuiness has alot more blook on his hands than our friend John over in Syria!

As does any Prime Minister you'd care to mention over the last 20 years or so.  I get your point, wrfc - but it is always mindful to understand that people on both sides of a conflict regard themselves 'just' in their methods.  And in that context tell me what recent Prime Minister hasn't blood on their hands considering many thousands of innocents get killed in the middle eastern conflicts that have been raging since 911.  You'll be told that unfortunately war is war and innocents unfortunately die - but they are STILL innocent....and someone is responsible for the shell or aircraft missile that killed them.

SecretFly wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

Cowshot wrote:Anglo-Irish relations: It's one of the few things in my lifetime where we can honestly and with great relief say things have got better. Much better. In a world where so much gets buggered up that makes it special in my book.

Not saying things are perfect or anything like that but there's so much less poison there, as a consequence of much effort from people on all sides. Was very surprised to have Martin McGuinness on my list of personal heroes, and to see the reigning British monarch visit the Republic was frankly jawdropping. Didn't expect it to happen in my lifetime, if you'd asked me 30 years ago.

And what better way of celebrating this than sending two teams of lads to knock lumps out of eachother for 80 mins?

I think the Queen played a blinder when she came to Ireland. Credit to her I think she has helped progress relations a little.

I am not a fan of monarchies but did take it upon myself to pay a visit to Windsor castle recently to see the banquet hall where Michael D addressed the queen and to be honest it was kinda cool.

The Irish people too played a blinder in showing her that first and foremost she was a Humanbeing, and that they'd treat her as such.  So they accosted her with a lack of stiff etiquette and 'yes ma'am' procedures.  And her smiles were genuine because she was amongst people who didn't bow to the idea that she was less than human simply because she had assumed a rank of Queen.

The Queen relaxed and has always been surrounded by Irish people anyway - she has spent loads of time with any number of Irish jockeys, trainers etc during her reign, laughing with her on cup giving stands or parade rings.  I think she warms to us because we don't hold her in High Rigid Esteem but hold her in High Casual Regard.

Don't think she "ASSUMED" it Fly, it was sort of thrust upon her when her father died.

She couldn't really say" Nah, don't fancy this job" and pass it on to a 2 year old baby.

I have met her twice and I sort of agree, she is happier in informal surroundings. But only to the extent of informally polite and respectful. Don't ever think about laying your hands upon her for any reason other than to save her from falling or something; even then apologise.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:
Don't think she "ASSUMED" it Fly, it was sort of thrust upon her when her father died.

She couldn't really say" Nah, don't fancy this job" and pass it on to a 2 year old baby.

I have met her twice and I sort of agree, she is happier in informal surroundings. But only to the extent of informally polite and respectful. Don't ever think about laying your hands upon her for any reason other than to save her from falling or something; even then apologise.

'Assumed' means what it says Past-it :

take or begin to have (power or responsibility).
"he assumed full responsibility for all organizational work"
synonyms: accept, shoulder, bear, undertake, take on, take up, take on oneself, manage, handle, deal with, get to grips with, turn one's hand to
"the children are to assume as much responsibility as possible"

I was pretty good at English.  I know where words go and when they can be used.

On the other bit.  You apologise, if you want to.  You're a 'subject'  Thus my very point.  Outsiders don't have to apologise for treating her as a human.  But it seems its the Dungeons and a torture rack for any 'Subject' who tries it.

SecretFly wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

Cowshot wrote:Anglo-Irish relations: It's one of the few things in my lifetime where we can honestly and with great relief say things have got better. Much better. In a world where so much gets buggered up that makes it special in my book.

Not saying things are perfect or anything like that but there's so much less poison there, as a consequence of much effort from people on all sides. Was very surprised to have Martin McGuinness on my list of personal heroes, and to see the reigning British monarch visit the Republic was frankly jawdropping. Didn't expect it to happen in my lifetime, if you'd asked me 30 years ago.

And what better way of celebrating this than sending two teams of lads to knock lumps out of eachother for 80 mins?

I think the Queen played a blinder when she came to Ireland. Credit to her I think she has helped progress relations a little.

I am not a fan of monarchies but did take it upon myself to pay a visit to Windsor castle recently to see the banquet hall where Michael D addressed the queen and to be honest it was kinda cool.

The Irish people too played a blinder in showing her that first and foremost she was a Humanbeing, and that they'd treat her as such.  So they accosted her with a lack of stiff etiquette and 'yes ma'am' procedures.  And her smiles were genuine because she was amongst people who didn't bow to the idea that she was less than human simply because she had assumed a rank of Queen.

The Queen relaxed and has always been surrounded by Irish people anyway - she has spent loads of time with any number of Irish jockeys, trainers etc during her reign, laughing with her on cup giving stands or parade rings.  I think she warms to us because we don't hold her in High Rigid Esteem but hold her in High Casual Regard.

Oh yes - there's always been a bond at a personal level mostly if not wholly through horse racing. Lol. It was noted that a good chunk of her visit involved visits to stables...I think we all smiled and thought, "Enjoy yourself Ma'am."

On Constitutional Monarchy: an odd system, but it works and until something comes along that produces better results at an individual level I'm happy with it. Perhaps especially because there's something wonderfully Heath Robinson about it.

wrfc1980 wrote:

Cowshot wrote:

Hmmm try asking the relatives of the innocent victims of the birminghgam bombings who have never received justice whether Martic McGuiness is on their hero list. I'd hazard a guess thats its a no.

Yeah, and I understand that. But it's the journey he made from that sort of thing to being one of the key figures who created the peace that exists now that makes him one of my heroes.

Thats akin to saying that Jihadi John could become a hero in year to come if he helped broker peace despite his brutal crimes that went unpunished. The difference is Martin McGuiness has alot more blook on his hands than our friend John over in Syria!

They seem very different to me in many ways, direction being the biggest at present. But I have to admit the theoretical possibility that jihadi John could redeem himself. I think it more likely - less unlikely would be a better way of putting it - that one of his colleagues raised in the area would be more capable of that sort of change in direction.

Jihadi John is a tool (in lots of ways) rather than a ring leader.

When a ring leader changes direction, like McGuiness and Paisley did, then things can change. McGuiness has blood on his hands but he is also part responsible for a peace which has saved more lives.

SecretFly wrote:

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:
Don't think she "ASSUMED" it Fly, it was sort of thrust upon her when her father died.

She couldn't really say" Nah, don't fancy this job" and pass it on to a 2 year old baby.

I have met her twice and I sort of agree, she is happier in informal surroundings. But only to the extent of informally polite and respectful. Don't ever think about laying your hands upon her for any reason other than to save her from falling or something; even then apologise.

'Assumed' means what it says Past-it :

take or begin to have (power or responsibility).
"he assumed full responsibility for all organizational work"
synonyms: accept, shoulder, bear, undertake, take on, take up, take on oneself, manage, handle, deal with, get to grips with, turn one's hand to
"the children are to assume as much responsibility as possible"

I was pretty good at English.  I know where words go and when they can be used.

On the other bit.  You apologise, if you want to.  You're a 'subject'  Thus my very point.  Outsiders don't have to apologise for treating her as a human.  But it seems its the Dungeons and a torture rack for any 'Subject' who tries it.

Past tense Fly?

Don't forget the odd US President, the look Bush got would have turned any ordinary human to stone. Obama's had a look or two as well.

Oh the 'looks' mean nothing.  It's the look of 'shock' Past-it.  The more it happens, the less 'shock'   The Americans and us and the Aussies (never forget that very bad Aussie leader man who touched the person of the Queen too!) we're breaking her in gently to the art of being gently touched in a human way

Oh and I relax me lingo when chatting here (in grammatical terms) - to fit in, like - as anyone who reads enough of me will undoubtedly know only too well

Phil the Greek has touched her in a human way.

I read a good account of the Queen from the fishmonger who gave her a tour around the English Market in Cork. Apparently she enjoys a bit of craic.

Oh, and there's no need to 'moderate' any discussion on the likes of Martin McGuinness unless it becomes heated or reports are made but please bear in mind it's an emotive subject and be respectful...

LondonTiger wrote:Phil the Greek has touched her in a human way.

You sure?

Alex_Germany wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Phil the Greek has touched her in a human way.

You sure?

4 kids, at least 3 of whom look like him.

The Queen is not only a person, she is also the living symbol of the UK. All of it. On top of that it seems she has a genuine personal aversion to being unnecessarily touched. When you consider the sheer number of people she HAS to touch, some of them deeply unpleasant people, it is I think understandable. But then I get a bit defensive about old Queenie - there's no doubt she's lived a life of service that demands respect on a personal level and I'm prepared to forgive her being human and having her own foibles.

LondonTiger wrote:

Alex_Germany wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Phil the Greek has touched her in a human way.

You sure?

4 kids, at least 3 of whom look like him.

The other one looks like a horse. What are you suggesting LT?

Jebus!!!  Martin (Art Garfunkel - Who's middle name is Ira, very fitting) McGuinness and the word hero should never share a sentence. Damn, they just did it again
To congratulate the terrorists of our past on brokering peace is like giving sweets to the school bully just for stopping beating up the little kids.

Anyway, back to the Anglo-Irish love-in we're having here.My big bad brother-in-law is a proud Lancastrian living in Yorkshire and without watching the game you know who has won. If he calls or texts to make mention of the match then England have been victorious. If however the phone lines fall silent and texts are unanswered then you can rest assured the men in green have won the day.

Ireland v England always leaves me sleepless on the night before the match and this year it's no different. I can't see daylight between these sides. Whilst Ireland are filled with self-belief England have just improved every year under Lancaster. This is the battle for the championship. In Joe we trust !!!!!

Notch wrote:I read a good account of the Queen from the fishmonger who gave her a tour around the English Market in Cork. Apparently she enjoys a bit of craic.

Oh, and there's no need to 'moderate' any discussion on the likes of Martin McGuinness unless it becomes heated or reports are made but please bear in mind it's an emotive subject and be respectful...

She even invited that guy to a banquet in Windsor castle. Pretty cool no?

LondonTiger wrote:

Alex_Germany wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Phil the Greek has touched her in a human way.

You sure?

4 kids, at least 3 of whom look like him.

Doesn't prove anything. .....

Alex_Germany wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:

Alex_Germany wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Phil the Greek has touched her in a human way.

You sure?

4 kids, at least 3 of whom look like him.

Doesn't prove anything. .....

True. After all the Prince of Wales eldest son is the spitting image of his maternal uncle, while his younger doesn't half look like a certain former Major.

LondonTiger wrote:

Alex_Germany wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:

Alex_Germany wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Phil the Greek has touched her in a human way.

You sure?

4 kids, at least 3 of whom look like him.

Doesn't prove anything. .....

True. After all the Prince of Wales eldest son is the spitting image of his maternal uncle, while his younger doesn't half look like a certain former Major.

Its the only way they can justify all the inbreeding

An honestly fascinating thread. To share my own view, I despise martin mcguinness, as one of the key players in allowing bombings of civilians; however, like so many things, a messy irish solution to a very messy irish problem had emerged and we have more peace then I ever expected. So, if I met Martin, as a political figure helping to hold a fragile peace together, I wouldn't mind a handshake. But I wouldn't but him a pint.

When the queen was over my mam met her, and she text me all excited about it. I asked her did you slag her off given the chance? She said a bit but she took it the right way. So that's all right. Humans are humans. Royalty is a strange relic of the past and I'm happy that she was greeted as a human first and not as a royal by the irish who met her.

Errr

it's all gone bit royal and republican.

Meanwhile back at the rugby, the Telegraph has declared that "Ford is perfect to leave Ireland flat-footed"  whilst Austin Healey thinks that "Schmidt ploys mean that Ford is in for a rough ride".

The latest headline has gone all horror and Western with "Sunday showdown brings spine-tingling shiver"    OOOOOOH!

The Telegraph greeted Ireland's line-up with "Schmidt makes one change - bringing in Jordi Murphy for Jamie Heaslip" a 100% factually accurate summary on the starting XV that was spoiled somewhat with a a picture of Tommy O'Donnell scoring a try and the caption: "Middle of the back: Jordi Murphy replaces Jamie Heaslip at No8 for England."   Sheesh - and some people thought NZ papers were bad at captions.  Thought everyone knew that Jordi plays for Spain....

Still have Ireland as favourites. Just. Home advantage etc, more experienced, genuine talents all over the place. But England definitely have a chance. It'll be close with ten to go, final score difference will depend on how the side chasing manages it.

Biggest interest for me in many respects will be how Ford does. We might have a real worldbeater there. (And even if Sexton outplays him tomorrow that could still be the case)

Edit: But I will admit that I'm hoping this English side suddenly clicks and absolutely clobbers you. It might happen...

What I think would be great if neither team plays to all the pre-game expectations, and instead we have a relatively high-scoring classic.
Hopefully there's a minimum of 3-4 tries as well as some exemplary kicking from both sides.

England are making all the right noises and sounding confident. All the talk about a kick-chase game and aerial bombardments will fritter away if Schmidt decides to run with a different game-plan. Time to find out.

Pot Hale wrote:...What were your favourite quotes from previous matches?  What are the ones that had you hiding behind the couch afterwards?

Interviewer to Will Carling:   "Does it bother you that all of Scotland hates you? (meaning the English rather than just Will Carling)"

Will Carling:   "That's alright, because we f***ing hate you too."


Stick that on yer dressing room wall, Gavin Hastings.

GunsGerms wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Poorfour wrote:It's both noticeab;e and  noticeably more pleasant how much more polite the debate is - on here and in the press - than it was before the Wales game.

That is because both set's of fans and both set's of players have more respect for each other. Especialy the coaches.

I love winding up and taking swipes at England fans but they are also my favorite 6 nations visitors to Dublin and always have been. They have good travelling fans and good support in general. Just look at the celebration of the guy in the crowd in the wax jacket after Joseph scored against Wales. Fast forward to 1:22. How can you not love that?

https://youtu.be/bPi7kmY3xQ8

It is estimated that there will be 15k English fans in the Aviva on Sunday even though the game is on Sunday and their allocation is 5k. Looking forward to it.

How can i not love it? I refer to the first bolded section

Hood83 wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Poorfour wrote:It's both noticeab;e and  noticeably more pleasant how much more polite the debate is - on here and in the press - than it was before the Wales game.

That is because both set's of fans and both set's of players have more respect for each other. Especialy the coaches.

I love winding up and taking swipes at England fans but they are also my favorite 6 nations visitors to Dublin and always have been. They have good travelling fans and good support in general. Just look at the celebration of the guy in the crowd in the wax jacket after Joseph scored against Wales. Fast forward to 1:22. How can you not love that?

https://youtu.be/bPi7kmY3xQ8

It is estimated that there will be 15k English fans in the Aviva on Sunday even though the game is on Sunday and their allocation is 5k. Looking forward to it.

How can i not love it? I refer to the first bolded section

It's not waxed? Tsk, tsk...

Pot Hale wrote:What I think would be great if neither team plays to all the pre-game expectations, and instead we have a relatively high-scoring classic.
Hopefully there's a minimum of 3-4 tries as well as some exemplary kicking from both sides.

England are making all the right noises and sounding confident.  All the talk about a kick-chase game and aerial bombardments will fritter away if Schmidt decides to run with a different game-plan.  Time to find out.

What i like about Schmidt, and I'm not sure if I see this from other coaches, is I do feel he can coach a team to play two very different games in two weeks. It always seems like the opposition has prepared for Ireland's game-plan from the previous week. I know Brown is injured but Goode is there to take the high ball. I really wouldn't be surprised to see Ireland play a different game - even if it's daisy cutter kicking for territory. I think Schmidt is a step above Lancaster and probably in the top 2 or 3 coaches in the world.

...there, if that isn't blowing enough smoke up his rear to jinx him I don't know what is.

Pot Hale wrote:

Hood83 wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Poorfour wrote:It's both noticeab;e and  noticeably more pleasant how much more polite the debate is - on here and in the press - than it was before the Wales game.

That is because both set's of fans and both set's of players have more respect for each other. Especialy the coaches.

I love winding up and taking swipes at England fans but they are also my favorite 6 nations visitors to Dublin and always have been. They have good travelling fans and good support in general. Just look at the celebration of the guy in the crowd in the wax jacket after Joseph scored against Wales. Fast forward to 1:22. How can you not love that?

https://youtu.be/bPi7kmY3xQ8

It is estimated that there will be 15k English fans in the Aviva on Sunday even though the game is on Sunday and their allocation is 5k. Looking forward to it.

How can i not love it? I refer to the first bolded section

It's not waxed?  Tsk, tsk...

Oh you're right, what is it? Some sort of faux-wax. Horrendous nonetheless.

Hood83 wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:

Hood83 wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Poorfour wrote:It's both noticeab;e and  noticeably more pleasant how much more polite the debate is - on here and in the press - than it was before the Wales game.

That is because both set's of fans and both set's of players have more respect for each other. Especialy the coaches.

I love winding up and taking swipes at England fans but they are also my favorite 6 nations visitors to Dublin and always have been. They have good travelling fans and good support in general. Just look at the celebration of the guy in the crowd in the wax jacket after Joseph scored against Wales. Fast forward to 1:22. How can you not love that?

https://youtu.be/bPi7kmY3xQ8

It is estimated that there will be 15k English fans in the Aviva on Sunday even though the game is on Sunday and their allocation is 5k. Looking forward to it.

How can i not love it? I refer to the first bolded section

It's not waxed?  Tsk, tsk...

Oh you're right, what is it? Some sort of faux-wax. Horrendous nonetheless.

He really enjoyed that try though didn't he? Fantastic stuff!

Our horses are better than your horses. And we can drink more than you before unconsciousness sets in. And we showed how much more tolerant and open minded we are by electing a Hobbit as our President. Hobbit's aren't even recognized as people in England!

FecklessRogue wrote:Our horses are better than your horses. And we can drink more than you before unconsciousness sets in. And we showed how much more tolerant and open minded we are by electing a Hobbit as our President. Hobbit's aren't even recognized as people in England!

Rubbish! We selected Frodo at Fly half!

Cowshot wrote:

FecklessRogue wrote:Our horses are better than your horses. And we can drink more than you before unconsciousness sets in. And we showed how much more tolerant and open minded we are by electing a Hobbit as our President. Hobbit's aren't even recognized as people in England!

Rubbish! We selected Frodo at Fly half!

Nachos Jones wrote:

Cowshot wrote:

FecklessRogue wrote:Our horses are better than your horses. And we can drink more than you before unconsciousness sets in. And we showed how much more tolerant and open minded we are by electing a Hobbit as our President. Hobbit's aren't even recognized as people in England!

Rubbish! We selected Frodo at Fly half!

NZ already selected Gollum at 10

           

         Bad at rugby                        Good at rugby

chuckle.

To be fair, I don't think Goode is Bad at Rugby. He caught pretty darn well under a lot of pressure and beat 3 players to get out from under our posts. I prefer Mike Brown, though I don't think he's been as good this season as he was last. What is it about players called Goode that compels them to be exactly that and nothing more? Andy is just the same...

Cowshot wrote:chuckle.

To be fair, I don't think Goode is Bad at Rugby. He caught pretty darn well under a lot of pressure and beat 3 players to get out from under our posts. I prefer Mike Brown, though I don't think he's been as good this season as he was last. What is it about players called Goode that compels them to be exactly that and nothing more? Andy is just the same...

We're lucky we have a 'Best' then...and that old dog paid his entrance fee in sweat once more.

He certainly did!

Ok, it's bit painful to get beaten so comprehensively, but there's a lot we can learn from that. Discipline being the first lesson. The  second is that that if the Irish can teach themselves to kick with that precision, then so can we. The third is that we need to analyse your management of the breakdown and either replicate or learn to counter it. The fifth is how did you stop us at scrum time and how do we get revenge for it. and the sixth is we need to clone Conor Murray.

Edit: and the seventh is that we need to be up and going from the first whistle, not finishing our tea and biccies and mentally waking up.

Edit edit: I'll think of a fourth some time....

Like I said yesterday, that was a big win for us yesterday Cowshot because that English team are right up there as one of the world's very top sides.  They have rapid and hard athletic threats coming at you from so many angles that the mind must boggle when players try to contemplate defending against it.

So winning against them gives Ireland a real boost in inner confidence at the beginning of an important year for everyone.  England tested our resolve to keep disciplined, keep to plans, don't let any solo fever strike that might have cost us dear, keep to the systems, trust them and hold on at the 'dicey' end.  That will hopefully serve us well against other top sides we might meet down the line.  And a lot of high class video analysis for Joe to get his teeth into as he looks for tidy up areas.

But England haven't become a bad side suddenly either.  They'll regroup, they'll compute the errors, they'll work harder again, they know some shortcomings now before they head into a more serious time at the end of the year.

So yes, England will have learned a lot about how to solidify what they have more.  And they're still a f**king dangerous team that you can never rest against.  Any side who takes their eye off them because of that result will get a fine old beating.

Cheers

I'm not one who thinks of that game as the end of the world as we know it. And I wouldn't want to be Scotland next week...But we were definitely second best yesterday. It's important we learn from that.

I think it was Woodward who had a checklist of things to do to win a world cup. Have recently beaten SH sides was one; Grand Slam was another. Play with the quality shown yesterday and I don't think the Welsh will beat you (though the Welsh will, of course )

SecretFly wrote:Like I said yesterday, that was a big win for us yesterday Cowshot because that English team are right up there as one of the world's very top sides.  They have rapid and hard athletic threats coming at you from so many angles that the mind must boggle when players try to contemplate defending against it.

So winning against them gives Ireland a real boost in inner confidence at the beginning of an important year for everyone.  England tested our resolve to keep disciplined, keep to plans, don't let any solo fever strike that might have cost us dear, keep to the systems, trust them and hold on at the 'dicey' end.  That will hopefully serve us well against other top sides we might meet down the line.  And a lot of high class video analysis for Joe to get his teeth into as he looks for tidy up areas.

But England haven't become a bad side suddenly either.  They'll regroup, they'll compute the errors, they'll work harder again, they know some shortcomings now before they head into a more serious time at the end of the year.

So yes, England will have learned a lot about how to solidify what they have more.  And they're still a f**king dangerous team that you can never rest against.  Any side who takes their eye off them because of that result will get a fine old beating.

Something that I think we will prove in a fortnight's time.

After that match, maybe Healey was right after all....... good prediction.

Healy talking out of his hoop as normal. One of the few places we managed to get on top, a shallow victory.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Healy talking out of his hoop as normal. One of the few places we managed to get on top, a shallow victory.

Pretty swollen defeat for him.

Austin Healey didn't really say that.

Nor did Cian Healy for that matter.

Ah well, on to Wales.