6N 2016: England v Wales, 12 March

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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

[tbc]

WALES

[tbc]

Jimpy

Agree with your 2nd point but if you do that then you have less defenders. Quicker on the uptake but none of our backrow are what I would call fast.

Depends what you mean by inexperienced.

Kruis has more than 10 caps, this is his 2nd 6 nations. Twickenham is not an unknown venue to either him or Itoje. Though I agree they aren't experienced compared to the likes of AWJ,Launchbury,Charteris,Lawes etc but that can be a good thing too as it means the opposition has less footage to work a player out.

I think both have sufficient experience in playing in big games. I believe the most promising thing about both is the potential to grow and improve as players.

Kruis has surprised me the most. I thought that Itoje would have pushed past him but so far he hasn't. I guess it's helped that he's working with him, not directly head to head yet.

Englands bench far more dynamic than Wales. If England are ahead then their superior bench should see them home.

As a neutral, I look at the English bench in envy.

With the players coming through, and Eddy evolving the team, I can see plenty of scope for improvements being made at 3, 6, 7 and 12.  A truly world class 9 is also required, but I don't know of any on the horizon.

Just an observation, but is Itoje perhaps best suited to 6 in the long term?  I know he is very phsyical, but is he perhaps slighlty small for an international lock, especially when compared to the Sam Whitelock's etc of this world?

EST wrote:As a neutral, I look at the English bench in envy.

With the players coming through, and Eddy evolving the team, I can see plenty of scope for improvements being made at 3, 6, 7 and 12.  A truly world class 9 is also required, but I don't know of any on the horizon.

Just an observation, but is Itoje perhaps best suited to 6 in the long term?  I know he is very phsyical, but is he perhaps slighlty small for an international lock, especially when compared to the Sam Whitelock's etc of this world?

Wiki says that Itoje is 3 inches shorter but heavier now. I don't know if those inches will count for too much, especially given Itoje's athleticism. But its something to think about. I think I'd rather have him as a lock.

lostinwales wrote:

EST wrote:As a neutral, I look at the English bench in envy.

With the players coming through, and Eddy evolving the team, I can see plenty of scope for improvements being made at 3, 6, 7 and 12.  A truly world class 9 is also required, but I don't know of any on the horizon.

Just an observation, but is Itoje perhaps best suited to 6 in the long term?  I know he is very phsyical, but is he perhaps slighlty small for an international lock, especially when compared to the Sam Whitelock's etc of this world?

Wiki says that Itoje is 3 inches shorter but heavier now. I don't know if those inches will count for too much, especially given Itoje's athleticism. But its something to think about. I think I'd rather have him as a lock.

Yeah, I don't suppose we will know until he has faced up against the likes of Retallick and Etzebeth. What has impressed me most (in the little I have seen of him) is that he seems a very intelligent and technical player. One turnover in the last game was absolutely textbook.

EST wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

EST wrote:As a neutral, I look at the English bench in envy.

With the players coming through, and Eddy evolving the team, I can see plenty of scope for improvements being made at 3, 6, 7 and 12.  A truly world class 9 is also required, but I don't know of any on the horizon.

Just an observation, but is Itoje perhaps best suited to 6 in the long term?  I know he is very phsyical, but is he perhaps slighlty small for an international lock, especially when compared to the Sam Whitelock's etc of this world?

Wiki says that Itoje is 3 inches shorter but heavier now. I don't know if those inches will count for too much, especially given Itoje's athleticism. But its something to think about. I think I'd rather have him as a lock.

Yeah, I don't suppose we will know until he has faced up against the likes of Retallick and Etzebeth.  What has impressed me most (in the little I have seen of him) is that he seems a very intelligent and technical player.  One turnover in the last game was absolutely textbook.

It is still early days but getting easier to buy into the hype. It helps that he is a very 'visible' player.

wrfc1980 wrote:Englands bench far more dynamic than Wales. If England are ahead then their superior bench should see them home.

Not sure about that, don't think our bench make up is right but there not much in it.

Mako v James = Mako better in loose but James the better scrummager

Owens v LCD = Owens def has the edge here a strong technically in the scrum and lineout and very good in the loose

Charteris v Launchbury = A fan of both to be fair and nothing in it between them

Tipuric v Clifford= If the game is going our way then Tipuric can be the deciding factor for me

Care v Webb = Only doubt here is Webbs fitness but if he's ready then we won't lack anything with him coming off the bench

Priestland v Manu = Not direct comparison I know and Manu like Webb if fully fit can turn any game, Priestland like him or loathe has been getting back to some decent form and the one thing I do like about him is we play the game a lot flatter than Biggar

Anscombe v Daly = I have been a bit disappointed in Anscombe as thought he had a good WC in the bits he played so still not sure, Daly another with talent but still finding his feet

lostinwales wrote:

EST wrote:As a neutral, I look at the English bench in envy.

With the players coming through, and Eddy evolving the team, I can see plenty of scope for improvements being made at 3, 6, 7 and 12.  A truly world class 9 is also required, but I don't know of any on the horizon.

Just an observation, but is Itoje perhaps best suited to 6 in the long term?  I know he is very phsyical, but is he perhaps slighlty small for an international lock, especially when compared to the Sam Whitelock's etc of this world?

Wiki says that Itoje is 3 inches shorter but heavier now. I don't know if those inches will count for too much, especially given Itoje's athleticism. But its something to think about. I think I'd rather have him as a lock.

He looks as though he has a very long reach to make up for it, coupled with his athleticism he could be a fine lock.

@ bedfordwelsh.

Agree - I think the Wales bench is just as strong.  The weaker part of the bench may not even see a game, depending on how well the 1st choice players are going.  It's not unheard of for Biggar to play the full 80, for example.

Excited to see Webb playing for Wales again.  Never know when he's going to sneak a try...

EST wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

EST wrote:As a neutral, I look at the English bench in envy.

With the players coming through, and Eddy evolving the team, I can see plenty of scope for improvements being made at 3, 6, 7 and 12.  A truly world class 9 is also required, but I don't know of any on the horizon.

Just an observation, but is Itoje perhaps best suited to 6 in the long term?  I know he is very phsyical, but is he perhaps slighlty small for an international lock, especially when compared to the Sam Whitelock's etc of this world?

Wiki says that Itoje is 3 inches shorter but heavier now. I don't know if those inches will count for too much, especially given Itoje's athleticism. But its something to think about. I think I'd rather have him as a lock.

Yeah, I don't suppose we will know until he has faced up against the likes of Retallick and Etzebeth.  What has impressed me most (in the little I have seen of him) is that he seems a very intelligent and technical player.  One turnover in the last game was absolutely textbook.

It wasn't! Nice to get it at the time. But he was immediately off his feet. He has a very good breakdown technique for turnovers but it wasn't a good demonstration!

GavCanDance wrote:@ bedfordwelsh.  It's not unheard of for Biggar to play the full 80, for example.  

Not with what Eddies got planned for him he won't.

Still avoiding that question Tight head!

I'd say if we lose Biggar we'll most definitely lose the game. Let's hope TighHead's plan doesn't come to fruition.

mikey_dragon wrote:I'd say if we lose Biggar we'll most definitely lose the game. Let's hope TighHead's plan doesn't come to fruition.

Eddies plan!

but for me I'd like to beat Wales with Biggar on the field.

No 7&1/2 wrote:

EST wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

EST wrote:As a neutral, I look at the English bench in envy.

With the players coming through, and Eddy evolving the team, I can see plenty of scope for improvements being made at 3, 6, 7 and 12.  A truly world class 9 is also required, but I don't know of any on the horizon.

Just an observation, but is Itoje perhaps best suited to 6 in the long term?  I know he is very phsyical, but is he perhaps slighlty small for an international lock, especially when compared to the Sam Whitelock's etc of this world?

Wiki says that Itoje is 3 inches shorter but heavier now. I don't know if those inches will count for too much, especially given Itoje's athleticism. But its something to think about. I think I'd rather have him as a lock.

Yeah, I don't suppose we will know until he has faced up against the likes of Retallick and Etzebeth.  What has impressed me most (in the little I have seen of him) is that he seems a very intelligent and technical player.  One turnover in the last game was absolutely textbook.

It wasn't! Nice to get it at the time. But he was immediately off his feet. He has a very good breakdown technique for turnovers but it wasn't a good demonstration!

I'll take your word for it, I haven't seen a replay and had consumed a couple of light ales by that stage. My overaching memory was that it was a clean steal, however.

As had I! It was one of those where he puts his hands on the ground then the ball.

..England to win by 25.
..Tuilagi to come off the bench and score a hat trick, all 3 of which revolve around him running over Roberts.
..Brian Moore finally does us all a favour and gives Davies a good kicking


Heard it here first!

In all seriousness I am worried at how we're going to deal with the breakdown, mainly when defending. Been getting good quick ball but we haven't got an out and out turnover specialist. Wonder how many times Roberts will simply run in a dead straight line down the 10/12 channel?

EST wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

EST wrote:As a neutral, I look at the English bench in envy.

With the players coming through, and Eddy evolving the team, I can see plenty of scope for improvements being made at 3, 6, 7 and 12.  A truly world class 9 is also required, but I don't know of any on the horizon.

Just an observation, but is Itoje perhaps best suited to 6 in the long term?  I know he is very phsyical, but is he perhaps slighlty small for an international lock, especially when compared to the Sam Whitelock's etc of this world?

Wiki says that Itoje is 3 inches shorter but heavier now. I don't know if those inches will count for too much, especially given Itoje's athleticism. But its something to think about. I think I'd rather have him as a lock.

Yeah, I don't suppose we will know until he has faced up against the likes of Retallick and Etzebeth.  What has impressed me most (in the little I have seen of him) is that he seems a very intelligent and technical player.  One turnover in the last game was absolutely textbook.

Or AWJ...

You're not allowed to be that confident coxy as some will see that as being arrogant.

TightHEAD wrote:

GavCanDance wrote:@ bedfordwelsh.  It's not unheard of for Biggar to play the full 80, for example.    

Not with what Eddies got planned for him he won't.

Sounds similar to what Gatland has planned for Ford which means the backrows will be busy protecting their No10s.

No 7&1/2 wrote:As had I! It was one of those where he puts his hands on the ground then the ball.

But the ref had already let Ireland do that at least once so it's clear he considers that acceptable (even if I don't).

It's not a good example of a turnover though. Should have been pinged if seen.

Coxy001 wrote:..England to win by 25.
..Tuilagi to come off the bench and score a hat trick, all 3 of which revolve around him running over Roberts.
..Brian Moore finally does us all a favour and gives Davies a good kicking


Heard it here first!

In all seriousness I am worried at how we're going to deal with the breakdown, mainly when defending. Been getting good quick ball but we haven't got an out and out turnover specialist. Wonder how many times Roberts will simply run in a dead straight line down the 10/12 channel?

Very true but then we might just be expecting that. I would guess there will be some mighty collisions with Haskell and Robshaw

Cliffords breakdown was far more textbook.

And Tighthead I agree, id rather beat Wales with Biggar on.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:

GavCanDance wrote:@ bedfordwelsh.  It's not unheard of for Biggar to play the full 80, for example.    

Not with what Eddies got planned for him he won't.

Sounds similar to what Gatland has planned for Ford which means the backrows will be busy protecting their No10s.

No surely not, how will some delicate rugby fans coupe with having to witness this type of thing on a rugby pitch?

It's fine TightHead people just challenged a view that deliberately injuring players is wrong. If your intention wasn't that it's fine.

mikey_dragon wrote:

EST wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

EST wrote:As a neutral, I look at the English bench in envy.

With the players coming through, and Eddy evolving the team, I can see plenty of scope for improvements being made at 3, 6, 7 and 12.  A truly world class 9 is also required, but I don't know of any on the horizon.

Just an observation, but is Itoje perhaps best suited to 6 in the long term?  I know he is very phsyical, but is he perhaps slighlty small for an international lock, especially when compared to the Sam Whitelock's etc of this world?

Wiki says that Itoje is 3 inches shorter but heavier now. I don't know if those inches will count for too much, especially given Itoje's athleticism. But its something to think about. I think I'd rather have him as a lock.

Yeah, I don't suppose we will know until he has faced up against the likes of Retallick and Etzebeth.  What has impressed me most (in the little I have seen of him) is that he seems a very intelligent and technical player.  One turnover in the last game was absolutely textbook.

Or AWJ...

I thought they were talking about large, top class locks.....

bedfordwelsh wrote:

wrfc1980 wrote:Englands bench far more dynamic than Wales. If England are ahead then their superior bench should see them home.

Not sure about that, don't think our bench make up is right but there not much in it.

Mako v James = Mako better in loose but James the better scrummager

Owens v LCD = Owens def has the edge here a strong technically in the scrum and lineout and very good in the loose

Charteris v Launchbury = A fan of both to be fair and nothing in it between them

Tipuric v Clifford= If the game is going our way then Tipuric can be the deciding factor for me

Care v Webb = Only doubt here is Webbs fitness but if he's ready then we won't lack anything with him coming off the bench

Priestland v Manu = Not direct comparison I know and Manu like Webb if fully fit can turn any game, Priestland like him or loathe has been getting back to some decent form and the one thing I do like about him is we play the game a lot flatter than Biggar

Anscombe v Daly = I have been a bit disappointed in Anscombe as thought he had a good WC in the bits he played so still not sure, Daly another with talent but still finding his feet

I don't think the poster is talking about who is better than who Bedford. I believe he means the England bench will bring more mobility and dynamism to the field of play than the Welsh replacements, who are more set piece orientated, in the forwards anyway.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

wrfc1980 wrote:Englands bench far more dynamic than Wales. If England are ahead then their superior bench should see them home.

Not sure about that, don't think our bench make up is right but there not much in it.

Mako v James = Mako better in loose but James the better scrummager

Owens v LCD = Owens def has the edge here a strong technically in the scrum and lineout and very good in the loose

Charteris v Launchbury = A fan of both to be fair and nothing in it between them

Tipuric v Clifford= If the game is going our way then Tipuric can be the deciding factor for me

Care v Webb = Only doubt here is Webbs fitness but if he's ready then we won't lack anything with him coming off the bench

Priestland v Manu = Not direct comparison I know and Manu like Webb if fully fit can turn any game, Priestland like him or loathe has been getting back to some decent form and the one thing I do like about him is we play the game a lot flatter than Biggar

Anscombe v Daly = I have been a bit disappointed in Anscombe as thought he had a good WC in the bits he played so still not sure, Daly another with talent but still finding his feet

I don't think the poster is talking about who is better than who Bedford. I believe he means the England bench will bring more mobility and dynamism to the field of play than the Welsh replacements, who are more set piece orientated, in the forwards anyway.

Again not sure I agree there either, Webb, Owens and Tipuric are all great in the loose and if the game does break up it would suit them all.

If Wales win, will they hold a psychological edge over England for future games?

Winning in the WC was a MASSIVE kick in the b@lls for England, but to do it again so soon after in the 6n would be demoralising.

I think that's a good point Geordie and I sense a lot of smoke and mirrors from Eddie and the boys so far with "New England" and a rather "defensive" refusal to discuss the RWC game. They do however, remain focussed but so were Lancaster's troops. If they underestimate the opposition they will be in trouble. I hope they haven't backed themselves into a corner again. England by 7-10 for me but this remains a very tight game irrespective of scoreline. The 30-3 game was actually a very tight game and its small margins here all the way. Discipline and the refs interpretation for me will win the day. Good luck, its about time you won a game that really mattered

bedfordwelsh wrote:

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

wrfc1980 wrote:Englands bench far more dynamic than Wales. If England are ahead then their superior bench should see them home.

Not sure about that, don't think our bench make up is right but there not much in it.

Mako v James = Mako better in loose but James the better scrummager

Owens v LCD = Owens def has the edge here a strong technically in the scrum and lineout and very good in the loose

Charteris v Launchbury = A fan of both to be fair and nothing in it between them

Tipuric v Clifford= If the game is going our way then Tipuric can be the deciding factor for me

Care v Webb = Only doubt here is Webbs fitness but if he's ready then we won't lack anything with him coming off the bench

Priestland v Manu = Not direct comparison I know and Manu like Webb if fully fit can turn any game, Priestland like him or loathe has been getting back to some decent form and the one thing I do like about him is we play the game a lot flatter than Biggar

Anscombe v Daly = I have been a bit disappointed in Anscombe as thought he had a good WC in the bits he played so still not sure, Daly another with talent but still finding his feet

I don't think the poster is talking about who is better than who Bedford. I believe he means the England bench will bring more mobility and dynamism to the field of play than the Welsh replacements, who are more set piece orientated, in the forwards anyway.

Again not sure I agree there either, Webb, Owens and Tipuric are all great in the loose and if the game does break up it would suit them all.

They are, but I don't think they are as physical as the England bench. That is a lot of beef to come on to the pitch for England

Im not sure its smoke and mirrors Ruby.

I just think they know this is a big game on different levels and are focused. A defeat wouldn't be a disaster, but a win would be huge mentaly for the team...and for us fans.

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!  

tight head who has never played the game obviously

First thing you say in the change room:

First up tackles, smash em back.

Sad WUM

Gwlad wrote:

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!  

tight head who has never played the game obviously

First thing you say in the change room:

First up tackles, smash em back.

Sad WUM

Agreeing with Gwlad...whatever next.

I don't think I've ever played a match in over 20 years where the pre-match huddle didn't include the phrases "smash them" and "hurt them" or variations on that theme.

Anyone that thinks that kind of talk is disrespectful clearly hasn't stepped on the pitch.

I see McByde is talking up the welsh scrum.
Pointing the finger at Marler for angling in, when reality is LH's follow TH's in the scrum, particularly if the opposing hooker is shorter in the front row.
Hartley makes a big difference by making it far more difficult for TH's to deflect pressure from their opposing LH.
A great pity Mullen is not considered a force in the loose as he would squeeze Lee and put the welsh scrum under a lot of pressure.

Cole or Brookes against James should be profitable too - not sure how the rookie will shape up against Cole first up though.

Recwatcher16 wrote:I see McByde is talking up the welsh scrum.
Pointing the finger at Marler for angling in, when reality is LH's follow TH's in the scrum, particularly if the opposing hooker is shorter in the front row.
Hartley makes a big difference by making it far more difficult for TH's to deflect pressure from their opposing LH.
A great pity Mullen is not considered a force in the loose as he would squeeze Lee and put the welsh scrum under a lot of pressure.

Cole or Brookes against James should be profitable too - not sure how the rookie will shape up against Cole first up though.

Strange. There is that great video of him putting in a cover tackle on Hook which suggests hes mobile too. Still he was in the extended squad and not here now so the powers that be must be happy with what we have.

Gwlad wrote:

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!  

tight head who has never played the game obviously

First thing you say in the change room:

First up tackles, smash em back.

Sad WUM

I think TH was being sarcastic, as he'd been pounced on for suggesting similar with Biggar earlier in this thread.

mid_gen wrote:

Gwlad wrote:

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!  

tight head who has never played the game obviously

First thing you say in the change room:

First up tackles, smash em back.

Sad WUM

Agreeing with Gwlad...whatever next.

I don't think I've ever played a match in over 20 years where the pre-match huddle didn't include the phrases "smash them" and "hurt them" or variations on that theme.

Anyone that thinks that kind of talk is disrespectful clearly hasn't stepped on the pitch.

You've both missed the point. Tighthead was pilloried for saying England should target Dan Biggar and take him out of the game, which some interpreted as him saying they should set out to injure him. Then along comes Mike Phillips saying the same kind of thing.

What I said was;

I hope we target Biggar, take him out of the game and likelihood of us winning go up.

Rugby is a simple game sometimes.

If he isn't on the pitch I think we will win.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

mid_gen wrote:

Gwlad wrote:

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!  

tight head who has never played the game obviously

First thing you say in the change room:

First up tackles, smash em back.

Sad WUM

Agreeing with Gwlad...whatever next.

I don't think I've ever played a match in over 20 years where the pre-match huddle didn't include the phrases "smash them" and "hurt them" or variations on that theme.

Anyone that thinks that kind of talk is disrespectful clearly hasn't stepped on the pitch.

You've both missed the point. Tighthead was pilloried for saying England should target Dan Biggar and take him out of the game, which some interpreted as him saying they should set out to injure him. Then along comes Mike Phillips saying the same kind of thing.

Not the same kind of thing at all

TH advocating 'taking a player out' MP smash him. Anyone who has played knows the difference but nice try.

Gwlad wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

mid_gen wrote:

Gwlad wrote:

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!  

tight head who has never played the game obviously

First thing you say in the change room:

First up tackles, smash em back.

Sad WUM

Agreeing with Gwlad...whatever next.

I don't think I've ever played a match in over 20 years where the pre-match huddle didn't include the phrases "smash them" and "hurt them" or variations on that theme.

Anyone that thinks that kind of talk is disrespectful clearly hasn't stepped on the pitch.

You've both missed the point. Tighthead was pilloried for saying England should target Dan Biggar and take him out of the game, which some interpreted as him saying they should set out to injure him. Then along comes Mike Phillips saying the same kind of thing.

Not the same kind of thing at all

TH advocating 'taking a player out' MP smash him. Anyone who has played knows the difference but nice try.

Taking a player out of the game - which is what he said - it very different from taking a player out.

Eddie is grumpy today mind

You don't have to get someone off the pitch on a stretcher to take them out of the game.

Getting up quick and hard to smash a 10 can effectively stop them playmaking. It's happened to Ford a lot during this 6 nations, he's been taken out of the game by being pressurised by quick aggressive defence.

And let the fun and games begin:-

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/35774334

Let the finger pointing start.

RiscaGame wrote:Eddie is grumpy today mind

A lot of bitching on both sides about the scrum

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

Gwlad wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

mid_gen wrote:

Gwlad wrote:

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!  

tight head who has never played the game obviously

First thing you say in the change room:

First up tackles, smash em back.

Sad WUM

Agreeing with Gwlad...whatever next.

I don't think I've ever played a match in over 20 years where the pre-match huddle didn't include the phrases "smash them" and "hurt them" or variations on that theme.

Anyone that thinks that kind of talk is disrespectful clearly hasn't stepped on the pitch.

You've both missed the point. Tighthead was pilloried for saying England should target Dan Biggar and take him out of the game, which some interpreted as him saying they should set out to injure him. Then along comes Mike Phillips saying the same kind of thing.

Not the same kind of thing at all

TH advocating 'taking a player out' MP smash him. Anyone who has played knows the difference but nice try.

Taking a player out of the game - which is what he said - it very different from taking a player out.

No, it isn't.

lostinwales wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:Eddie is grumpy today mind

A lot of bitching on both sides about the scrum

I thought it was common knowledge McBryde was an idiot. I'd never have thought Eddie would get hooked so easily.

RiscaGame wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:Eddie is grumpy today mind

A lot of bitching on both sides about the scrum

I thought it was common knowledge McBryde was an idiot. I'd never have thought Eddie would get hooked so easily.

Mmm i'd say he has some pretty big competition in Jones

This is what Jones aid a week before he left the Stormers

"I want to create an environment where players don't leave the Stormers for big European money offers."

GeordieFalcon wrote:Im not sure its smoke and mirrors Ruby.

I just think they know this is a big game on different levels and are focused. A defeat wouldn't be a disaster, but a win would be huge mentaly for the team...and for us fans.