6N 2016: England v Wales, 12 March

by **George Carlin** Sat 05 Mar 2016, 5:48 pm

First topic message reminder :

6N 2016: England v Wales, 12 March - Page 8 Englan11

6N 2016: England v Wales, 12 March - Page 8 Wales10

ENGLAND v WALES
12 March 2016
KO: 16:00 GMT
Twickenham, London

Live on ITV, RTE, SC4, FR2, DMAX / BBC (H)

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Touch judges: [tbc]
Television match official: [tbc]

A. Head to Head

119 Played 119
53 Won 54
12 Drawn 12
54 Lost 53
1,428 Points 1,371

B. Recent Form

26 September 2015: Twickenham, London
25 – 28 to Wales
2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A

6 February 2015: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
16 – 21 to England
2015 Six Nations

9 March 2014: Twickenham Stadium, London
29 – 18 to England
2014 Six Nations

16 March 2013: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
30 – 3 to Wales
2013 Six Nations

25 February 2012: Twickenham Stadium, London
12 – 19 to Wales
2012 Six Nations

13 August 2011: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
19 – 9 to Wales
2011 Rugby World Cup warm up test

6 August 2011: Twickenham, London
23 – 19 to England
2011 Rugby World Cup warm up test

C. Teams

ENGLAND
6N 2016: England v Wales, 12 March - Page 8 Carygr10

6N 2016: England v Wales, 12 March - Page 8 Carygr10

[tbc]

WALES
6N 2016: England v Wales, 12 March - Page 8 Burton10

[tbc]

by No 7&1/2 Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:01 pm

Just trying to explain why this game is the bigger one and not an anti climax. This is the one with a title on the line, the other there was the 2nd chance. You've tried to say that the WC was winner takes it, no it wasn't.

by No 7&1/2 Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:01 pm

TightHEAD wrote:
miaow wrote:On the subject of taking out Biggar, I have no issue with TightHead's comments. You look to smash players, that's what rugby is about. Eddie Jones seems to be encouraging that sort of legal aggression in the team. The problem is when you have an incident like Haskell's, where it crosses the boundary of what is legal, or even worse if it descends into really dirty play like gouging, pulling fingers when a man's prone in a ruck etc. Nothing wrong with trying to smash a player, even if it's borderline; the referee should penalise or judge it correctly. If it's worthy of a yellow card, put him in the bin. Biggar's teammates are responsible for giving it back, either in terms of getting in their faces, or hammering them legally as well. If it descends into that kind of macho bravado, I'd hope Wales have the greater discipline to get the edge from it.

As I said 'rugby is a very simple game'

With a destructive player like Billy V in the team I'd like to think/hope he would run at Biggar (best NH fly half and Wales best chance of winning the game for them imo) all day long.

So you're confirming your comments weren't trying to say you want to see someone deliberately injured then?

by lostinwales Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:08 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:Yup England still had a chance, a good one, of beating Aus though and that's the reason why Saturday is more important.

On paper maybe but the pressure had got to them and they were gone.

by Guest Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:10 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:Just trying to explain why this game is the bigger one and not an anti climax. This is the one with a title on the line, the other there was the 2nd chance. You've tried to say that the WC was winner takes it, no it wasn't.

Pretty arrogant really to say you're "explaining" why you're absolutely correct. It's a matter of opinion. If you feel there is more hype about this game- which is what I am talking about after all- don't try to portray it as fact, and don't rework what was at stake back in October, reducing the game to a 'mere group game'. It obviously wasn't. As I alluded to below, there was a very different climate to that game as there is to this. I've heard your opinion on the matter, now I'd like to hear someone else's.

miaow wrote:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11886828/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-This-is-the-biggest-England-v-Wales-encounter-in-history.html

http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12504/10004299/england-v-wales-sam-warburton-preparing-for-8220biggest-game-of-his-career8221

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/england-v-wales-sir-clive-10140262

http://www.eurosport.co.uk/rugby/world-cup/2015/george-north-relishing-wales-return-against-england_sto4926029/story.shtml

by HammerofThunor Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:11 pm

Targeting a player can be as simple as tiring them out due to all the tackling. It's something J Davies talks about all the time as it's harder to think clearly when you're knackered.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:23 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:Targeting a player can be as simple as tiring them out due to all the tackling. It's something J Davies talks about all the time as it's harder to think clearly when you're knackered.

Exactly. 'Taking a player out of the game', which is what was written, it very different from 'taking a player out'.

by No 7&1/2 Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:39 pm

miaow wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Just trying to explain why this game is the bigger one and not an anti climax. This is the one with a title on the line, the other there was the 2nd chance. You've tried to say that the WC was winner takes it, no it wasn't.

Pretty arrogant really to say you're "explaining" why you're absolutely correct. It's a matter of opinion. If you feel there is more hype about this game- which is what I am talking about after all- don't try to portray it as fact, and don't rework what was at stake back in October, reducing the game to a 'mere group game'. It obviously wasn't. As I alluded to below, there was a very different climate to that game as there is to this. I've heard your opinion on the matter, now I'd like to hear someone else's.

miaow wrote:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11886828/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-This-is-the-biggest-England-v-Wales-encounter-in-history.html

http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12504/10004299/england-v-wales-sam-warburton-preparing-for-8220biggest-game-of-his-career8221

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/england-v-wales-sir-clive-10140262

http://www.eurosport.co.uk/rugby/world-cup/2015/george-north-relishing-wales-return-against-england_sto4926029/story.shtml

Ah so not really about peaks and whats at stake but hype. Got you.

by No 7&1/2 Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:41 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
HammerofThunor wrote:Targeting a player can be as simple as tiring them out due to all the tackling. It's something J Davies talks about all the time as it's harder to think clearly when you're knackered.

Exactly. 'Taking a player out of the game', which is what was written, it very different from 'taking a player out'.

Following it up with teams will do anything it takes suggests he meant deliberately injuring though.

by Guest Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:43 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:
miaow wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Just trying to explain why this game is the bigger one and not an anti climax. This is the one with a title on the line, the other there was the 2nd chance. You've tried to say that the WC was winner takes it, no it wasn't.

Pretty arrogant really to say you're "explaining" why you're absolutely correct. It's a matter of opinion. If you feel there is more hype about this game- which is what I am talking about after all- don't try to portray it as fact, and don't rework what was at stake back in October, reducing the game to a 'mere group game'. It obviously wasn't. As I alluded to below, there was a very different climate to that game as there is to this. I've heard your opinion on the matter, now I'd like to hear someone else's.

miaow wrote:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11886828/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-This-is-the-biggest-England-v-Wales-encounter-in-history.html

http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12504/10004299/england-v-wales-sam-warburton-preparing-for-8220biggest-game-of-his-career8221

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/england-v-wales-sir-clive-10140262

http://www.eurosport.co.uk/rugby/world-cup/2015/george-north-relishing-wales-return-against-england_sto4926029/story.shtml

Ah so not really about peaks and whats at stake but hype. Got you.

Looks like you haven't "got me" at all, old chap.

miaow wrote: You get the sense this is something of an anticlimax; considering Wales and England have played each other three times in just over twelve months, this game feels like it has the 'least' riding on it, which is odd considering there is a title on the line.

by englandglory4ever Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:43 pm

All this argument over semantics is pretty childish stuff. Gatland has said something like "Ford is going to be very busy defending his chanel" or subtle words to that effect. Tighthead has been a bit more direct in saying he hopes Biggar is targeted and taken out of the game. He did not say he wants to deliberately injure him. Come on. Fly halfs get targeted every weekend on every rugby pitch in the land. There's nothing a 7 likes more than creaming the opposition 10. Rugby is about wearing the opposition down through overpowering them so that they become weak and can no longer defend as well as they could at the beginning of the match. Come on guys we all know this. Tight has said nothing wrong. Why are you making such a media scrum out of it? No wonder Eddie is keeping his mouth shut.

by No 7&1/2 Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:53 pm

Never said got you miaow. You're just quite dismissive of a big game coming up, with the most on the line. Just seems you wanted to try and rile with some of your responses.

by No 7&1/2 Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:54 pm

englandglory4ever wrote:All this argument over semantics is pretty childish stuff. Gatland has said something like "Ford is going to be very busy defending his chanel" or subtle words to that effect. Tighthead has been a bit more direct in saying he hopes Biggar is targeted and taken out of the game. He did not say he wants to deliberately injure him. Come on. Fly halfs get targeted every weekend on every rugby pitch in the land. There's nothing a 7 likes more than creaming the opposition 10. Rugby is about wearing the opposition down through overpowering them so that they become weak and can no longer defend as well as they could at the beginning of the match. Come on guys we all know this. Tight has said nothing wrong. Why are you making such a media scrum out of it? No wonder Eddie is keeping his mouth shut.

And that teamed with teams will do anything. He hasn't as yet denied his intention.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 09 Mar 2016, 5:58 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:
englandglory4ever wrote:All this argument over semantics is pretty childish stuff. Gatland has said something like "Ford is going to be very busy defending his chanel" or subtle words to that effect. Tighthead has been a bit more direct in saying he hopes Biggar is targeted and taken out of the game. He did not say he wants to deliberately injure him. Come on. Fly halfs get targeted every weekend on every rugby pitch in the land. There's nothing a 7 likes more than creaming the opposition 10. Rugby is about wearing the opposition down through overpowering them so that they become weak and can no longer defend as well as they could at the beginning of the match. Come on guys we all know this. Tight has said nothing wrong. Why are you making such a media scrum out of it? No wonder Eddie is keeping his mouth shut.

And that teamed with teams will do anything. He hasn't as yet denied his intention.

Glasgow Warriors' motto is 'Whatever it takes'. Does that mean they go out deliberately to injure players?

by No 7&1/2 Wed 09 Mar 2016, 6:04 pm

Doubt it. I also doubt Tighthead wasn't meaning it.

by True Raven Wed 09 Mar 2016, 6:07 pm

New Orleans saints were fined and players and coaches banned because they placed bounties on individual players to take them out of the game. In a contact sport, I bet it does cross the mind of some players

by Hoonercat Wed 09 Mar 2016, 6:12 pm

TightHEAD wrote:I'd be a lot more confident knowing the in-form Fly half in the NH wasn't playing at Twickers on Saturday.
But he will be, so as far as I'm concerned the more times Billy V runs into him the less chance there is that Biggar will be on the field for 80mins, our chances of winning improves dramatically imo, which at the end of the day is what I want.

No wonder Eddie got annoyed with the press!

I'd much rather Billy concentrated on getting us as far up the field as possible, while showing that England are good enough to beat the team in front of them no matter who is on the field.

by englandglory4ever Wed 09 Mar 2016, 6:18 pm

I remember Serge Betsen doing a job on Jonny Wilkinson. Basically he took Jonny out of the game. I think Jonny remained on the pitch but was far less effective after he had received the attentions of Betsen. Nothing new here. Hooner is right. England should worry about the ball and not the players.

by hugehandoff Wed 09 Mar 2016, 6:28 pm

The teams from last year's 6Ns encounter in Cardiff. Not a huge amount of change for either team. Will Wale's confidence in winning the big game striumph over England's new mindset? I have no idea at all and am looking forward to getting stressed and anxious as it all unfolds.

Wales: Halfpenny; Cuthbert, J Davies, Roberts, North; Biggar, Webb; Jenkins, Hibbard, Lee, Ball, AW Jones, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau.

Replacements: M Phillips for Webb (69), James for Jenkins (60), Jarvis for Lee (72), Charteris for Ball (69), L Williams for North (26-34).

Not Used: Baldwin, Tipuric, Priestland.

Sin Bin: Cuthbert (61).

England: Brown; Watson, Joseph, Burrell, May; Ford, B Youngs; Marler, Hartley, Cole, Attwood, Kruis, Haskell, Robshaw, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Twelvetrees for Burrell (76), Wigglesworth for B Youngs (69), M Vunipola for Marler (55), T Youngs for Hartley (55), Brookes for Cole (62), Easter for Kruis (72).

Not Used: Croft, Cipriani.

by majesticimperialman Wed 09 Mar 2016, 6:30 pm

englandglory4ever wrote:I remember Serge Betsen doing a job on Jonny Wilkinson. Basically he took Jonny out of the game. I think Jonny remained on the pitch but was far less effective after he had received the attentions of Betsen. Nothing new here. Hooner is right. England should worry about the ball and not the players.

Yes i remember that game as well. Sir Clive and Johnny was on about that very same game when England played Ireland.

by tazfalklands Wed 09 Mar 2016, 6:38 pm

Have to agree that Saturdays game is the most important rugby game. Because it doesn't matter how much we discuss it, nothing is change the fact that England made a complete Balls up in the world cup. And come Sunday morning, the most important game will be the game in Paris whether we win or lose.

by lostinwales Wed 09 Mar 2016, 7:32 pm

the most important game is always the next one

by Jimpy Thu 10 Mar 2016, 7:55 am

beshocked wrote:
Jimpy wrote:
beshocked wrote:
miaow wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:For me, it's not downplaying that game as there was still a good chance for England to qualify against Aus. The context of the matches is the key for me, WC there was the 2nd chance, there is no 2nd chance here.

I've heard this a lot from English fans/friends, especially when trying to rile them up about Wales knocking England out, rather than Australia. I have to disagree. It was always far more likely for England to beat Wales than it was for them to beat Australia, and I think the players knew that. You could sort of tell, even in those dying minutes, with the desperation with which they chased the win.

I knew after we lost to Wales we would not beat the Aussies. Was confident before the RWC but not during the tournament itself.

Hoonercat I've said it before. I would start both Itoje and Clifford.

Joubert will be licking his lips at the prospect of penalising Haskell again like last year.

Don't be so bloody ridiculous.

Jimpy I hope you're right. I hope it is indeed me just being ridiculous. I don't want to be mentioning Haskell's discipline after the Wales game.

We may well be talking about Haskell's discipline after the match, but to suggest that the referee is looking forward to the match because he'll have a chance to punish Haskell as he has some kind of vendetta against him, is indeed ridiculous.

What you actually mean (I'm sure) is that the referee may well be thinking, "I hope that I don't have to ruin the flow of the game by penalising players for ill discipline, because looking at the team sheets, some of them definitely have form. I'll try to be objective however, and penalise a player only if it is truly warranted".

by bedfordwelsh Thu 10 Mar 2016, 8:21 am

Whatever the outcome the ref (whoever it would have been) will get the blame for something but the fact is the players themselves have to take responsibility and there will be enough instances throughout the game that will dictate the result not just the ref.

by TightHEAD Thu 10 Mar 2016, 8:55 am

Mike Phillips on Billy V- Daily Mail.

Shaun Edwards will come up with a plan to stop him moving forwards. It seems obvious to kick the ball away from him but, knowing Shaun, they might kick directly to him and absolutely smash him early on. That’s a way of making a statement, saying: ‘Look pal, this is us, we’re here, and you’re going to get it’.

Classy, Disgusting comments! Rolling Eyes

by No 7&1/2 Thu 10 Mar 2016, 8:57 am

Simple question Tighthead, what did you mean by those series of comments. Are you saying you didn't mean setting out to deliberately injure players?

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:30 am

Sorry I am not sure where else to post this so I thought here would do.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35770096 wrote:
Webb scored a try in the win over England in Cardiff in the 2015 Six Nations, while Davies scored a crucial late try in their victory in the 2015 World Cup, a competition Webb missed following surgery.

Well done to the Beeb, they have changed history for us. As opposed to winning all bar our opening game against England last season, it now seems like we beat them, so must be reigning Grandslam and Triple Crown champs. So as far as I am concerned that means Wales must be favourites to win, and then retain their 6Ns title too Whistle

by HammerofThunor Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:33 am

Belated congratulations on the Grand Slam 2015

by TightHEAD Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:37 am

I wish someone would target the BBC for a bit of treatment.

Who wouldn't love to see Inverdale or Guscott at the bottom of a ruck. Very Happy

by No 7&1/2 Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:39 am

Why won't you answer the simple question TightHead?

by TightHEAD Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:41 am

I guess you guys won the RWC too, morally of course! Whistle

by No 7&1/2 Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:42 am

No answer?

by TightHEAD Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:42 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:Why won't you answer the simple question TightHead?

Why won't you read the previous comments?

I pity the ....! Rolling Eyes

by No 7&1/2 Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:43 am

You dodged around it. Can you answer?

by TightHEAD Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:45 am

Why have I got to answer to you, you're a nobody mate.

by No 7&1/2 Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:46 am

No need to get mardy. I take it you did mean you want to see people get deliberately injured then.

by TightHEAD Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:46 am

Anyway, back to the rugby.

Roof open or closed at Twickers? Whistle

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 10 Mar 2016, 9:58 am

On another note I had no idea Faletau and the Vunipola's were cousins. What an in credible set of loins their Grandfather had... Shocked

by lostinwales Thu 10 Mar 2016, 10:16 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:On another note I had no idea Faletau and the Vunipola's were cousins. What an in credible set of loins their Grandfather had...

I am not sure but I don't think they actually are real cousins, more adopted cousins. Still Tonga isn't the most populous country in the world so there is probably some link somewhere

by lostinwales Thu 10 Mar 2016, 10:17 am

TightHEAD wrote:Mike Phillips on Billy V- Daily Mail.

Shaun Edwards will come up with a plan to stop him moving forwards. It seems obvious to kick the ball away from him but, knowing Shaun, they might kick directly to him and absolutely smash him early on. That’s a way of making a statement, saying: ‘Look pal, this is us, we’re here, and you’re going to get it’.

Classy, Disgusting comments!

Can't think of a better player to be able to deal with 'getting smashed', as long as its legitimate.

by little_badger Thu 10 Mar 2016, 10:25 am

15. Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 46 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 18 caps)
13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 38 caps)
11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps)
10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 55 caps)

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 40 caps)
2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 69 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 59 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 2 caps)
5. George Kruis (Saracens, 13 caps)
6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 46 caps)
7. James Haskell (Wasps, 65 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 24 caps)

Replacements

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 30 caps)
18. Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints 15 caps)
19. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 30 caps)
20. Jack Clifford (Harlequins, 3 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 56 caps)
22. Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 1 cap)

by TightHEAD Thu 10 Mar 2016, 10:34 am

Nice looking Bench

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 10 Mar 2016, 10:38 am

TightHEAD wrote:Nice looking Bench

If fairly green in places (which can be a good or bad thing).

by TightHEAD Thu 10 Mar 2016, 10:43 am

Whatever the result as far as I'm concern England are heading the right way under Eddie Jones. (as they were under SL before the RWC to be honest) but you just know Eddie has the experience and knowhow to kick on with this group of players.

by mikey_dragon Thu 10 Mar 2016, 10:45 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:On another note I had no idea Faletau and the Vunipola's were cousins. What an in credible set of loins their Grandfather had...

6N 2016: England v Wales, 12 March - Page 8 Billy10

by Jimpy Thu 10 Mar 2016, 10:49 am

little_badger wrote:15. Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 46 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 18 caps)
13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 38 caps)
11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps)
10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 55 caps)

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 40 caps)
2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 69 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 59 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 2 caps)
5. George Kruis (Saracens, 13 caps)
6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 46 caps)
7. James Haskell (Wasps, 65 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 24 caps)

Replacements

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 30 caps)
18. Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints 15 caps)
19. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 30 caps)
20. Jack Clifford (Harlequins, 3 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 56 caps)
22. Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 1 cap)

Providing discipline is maintained and LCD operates well at the line-out, that's a very good team. The bench is hugely dynamic and powerful.

by beshocked Thu 10 Mar 2016, 11:07 am

Jimpy lighten up it was a joke. Haskell is known as a penalty machine, get away many vs Ireland last year. It would be a bigger surprise if Haskell doesn't concede a penalty.

Haskell isn't the only player with a poor disciplinary record but Joubert pinged him the most last year. Couldn't penalise Farrell as he didn't play.

Best way that Wales can deal with Billy is to two man tackle him, isolate him, turnover, rinse and repeat.

England's supporting players have been a bit slow to support Billy when he's made yards.

I remember one of those vs Scotland when the first man meant to be supporting Billy was Ford, not good when he was one of the smallest men on the pitch.

The result was Billy getting isolated and giving away a penalty, Ford did the best he could but he's not exactly a physical player.

I remember a few years back when Chabal was a talisman player for Sale, Munster targetted him and completely nullified him as a threat.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/jan/23/rugbyunion.heinekencup2005063

Now I am not saying that Wales will indeed do the same but it has to be something that England must be wary of.

Toulon isolated Billy again and again in the 2014 HC final.

by Geordie Thu 10 Mar 2016, 11:15 am

Well I knew it would be an unchanged side, and im happy with that.

The bench looks hugely imposing and will certainly affect the outcome.

LCD lets hope the lad gets his arrows right as he can be a very good hooker.

And .....Manu. Great to see him there, but I do confess its too rushed for me, especially after all his injury problems. Nevermind...all in all positive.

by Jimpy Thu 10 Mar 2016, 11:34 am

beshocked wrote:Jimpy lighten up it was a joke. Haskell is known as a penalty machine, get away many vs Ireland last year. It would be a bigger surprise if Haskell doesn't concede a penalty.

Haskell isn't the only player with a poor disciplinary record but Joubert pinged him the most last year. Couldn't penalise Farrell as he didn't play.

Best way that Wales can deal with Billy is to two man tackle him, isolate him, turnover, rinse and repeat.

England's supporting players have been a bit slow to support Billy when he's made yards.

I remember one of those vs Scotland when the first man meant to be supporting Billy was Ford, not good when he was one of the smallest men on the pitch.

The result was Billy getting isolated and giving away a penalty, Ford did the best he could but he's not exactly a physical player.

I remember a few years back when Chabal was a talisman player for Sale, Munster targetted him and completely nullified him as a threat.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/jan/23/rugbyunion.heinekencup2005063

Now I am not saying that Wales will indeed do the same but it has to be something that England must be wary of.

Toulon isolated Billy again and again in the 2014 HC final.

Haskell does give away penalties but you suggested that the Referee would be enjoying the prospect of targeting him. The referee wont be.

As with all jokes, its the way you tell 'em that gets the laughs....

One thing I've noticed in general from England is that they aren't committing enough players to the breakdown to force a turnover. They seem content to sit back and defend 1st or 2nd phase ball. In my opinion, they should hit the rucks so hard that a turnover is inevitable. I also think they should be quicker on the uptake if a player makes a break as Billy is bound to do.

Itoje and Kruis at 2nd Row, so you'll be happy - both inexperienced, but both dynamic, I'm happy too. Itoje seems to have a good rugby brain, so that should make up for his lack of top level international experience.

by lostinwales Thu 10 Mar 2016, 11:39 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Nice looking Bench

If fairly green in places (which can be a good or bad thing).

Green but plenty of potential

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 10 Mar 2016, 11:44 am

lostinwales wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Nice looking Bench

If fairly green in places (which can be a good or bad thing).

Green but plenty of potential

I did say it can be a good thing. Smile

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