England v Wales

First topic message reminder :

Anyone know much about the ticket sales for this game?

I may head down for this, however just took a quick peak for tickets and there is only one block available, and not 2 tickets sat together. It can't be sold out already can it?

Anyone know?

TightHEAD wrote:Just goes to show if you are persistent you'll hook one in the end!

Hooked noone lad, in case you ain't noticed "It's a Forum!!".

If you done sweet FA in 13 years it is worthy of recording it, could be another 13 years ............. or longer

Wum vs wum.

TightHEAD wrote:

Gooseberry wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:If Wales win will there be another DVD release?

When was the last DVD release?

https://store.wru.co.uk/gifts-toys-c1/dvd-books-c2

Are you guys still on about 1999????

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-England/dp/B0168KMOD6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1464351041&sr=8-3&keywords=wales+rugby+world+cup

***only 4 left***Don't delay***Buy it today***

Jesus wept, and you could get I both for free on the internet.

Is this the match thread btw? Because I'd like to ask some others why on earth Priestland is still in the squad? I've posted the question elsewhere and got some agreeable responses, along with some delusional and hilarious ones - yes the latter from Scarlets' fans. I think it should be Anscombe covering 10, and 10 only unless there is an emergency.

mikey_dragon wrote:Is this the match thread btw? Because I'd like to ask some others why on earth Priestland is still in the squad? I've posted the question elsewhere and got some agreeable responses, along with some delusional and hilarious ones - yes the latter from Scarlets' fans. I think it should be Anscombe covering 10, and 10 only unless there is an emergency.

It's hardly an impact bench there from Gatland, but I like the starting XV he's chosen. Pleasing to see Scott Williams back in action and Amos certainly deserves an extended run to showcase what he's capable of.

A question to Welsh fans on here. Do you think it is essential that Wales beat this English team? It is only a friendly but where would it leave Wales if they lost to this Englsih team?

Can't get excited about this game, totally meaningless and nothing more than a money making exercise for both teams.

Looking at the sides I don't think many would expecting an English win.

Great oppertunity for some youngsters to really throw their hat in though, especially in the backrow.

wrfc1980 wrote:A question to Welsh fans on here. Do you think it is essential that Wales beat this English team? It is only a friendly but where would it leave Wales if they lost to this Englsih team?

Yes, we need a win here as I think that sets us up to be competitive in NZ, where-as a loss sets up for a few drubbings. It's less essential for England to win. I think you're also underestimating this England team - look at the team you had out last year it's similar to this one right?

funnyExiledScot wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Is this the match thread btw? Because I'd like to ask some others why on earth Priestland is still in the squad? I've posted the question elsewhere and got some agreeable responses, along with some delusional and hilarious ones - yes the latter from Scarlets' fans. I think it should be Anscombe covering 10, and 10 only unless there is an emergency.

It's hardly an impact bench there from Gatland, but I like the starting XV he's chosen. Pleasing to see Scott Williams back in action and Amos certainly deserves an extended run to showcase what he's capable of.

We haven't had an impact bench for years, we don't have the depth. Our bench is just to cover injuries. Agree with your other points.

mikey_dragon wrote:

wrfc1980 wrote:A question to Welsh fans on here. Do you think it is essential that Wales beat this English team? It is only a friendly but where would it leave Wales if they lost to this Englsih team?

Yes, we need a win here as I think that sets us up to be competitive in NZ, where-as a loss sets up for a few drubbings. It's less essential for England to win. I think you're also underestimating this England team - look at the team you had out last year it's similar to this one right?

6 players missing realistically.

Marler, Itoje, Kruis, Robshaw, Billy, Farrell.

I'd say the locks, Billy and Farrell will be most missed. Ford has been garbage this season.

I don't agree with comments that suggest it's "less essential" for one side to win as opposed to the other. Whatever the back-drop, this is England vs Wales at Twickenham and both sides will badly want to win this game.

For those "weaker" England players like Launchbury and Lawes, remember that two years ago both these guys probably thought they had 80 - 90 cap international careers on the horizon, and yet now they are fighting it out for a bench slot. They will be motivated, make no mistake.

I'm going to predict a Wales win by 5 points. I think it'll be a decent game.

I make it more like 8 as Nowell has one of the wing berths nailed down plus Mako is the back up prop for Marler and got a fair amount of 6 nations time under his belt.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

wrfc1980 wrote:A question to Welsh fans on here. Do you think it is essential that Wales beat this English team? It is only a friendly but where would it leave Wales if they lost to this Englsih team?

Yes, we need a win here as I think that sets us up to be competitive in NZ, where-as a loss sets up for a few drubbings. It's less essential for England to win. I think you're also underestimating this England team - look at the team you had out last year it's similar to this one right?

6 players missing realistically.

Marler, Itoje, Kruis, Robshaw, Billy, Farrell.

I'd say the locks, Billy and Farrell will be most missed. Ford has been garbage this season.

I expect England to win. Even without the rows, you're facing a 40 minute only AWJ. Plus, warren/Howleyball will be countered, no matter who wears white.

RiscaGame wrote:I expect England to win. Even without the rows, you're facing a 40 minute only AWJ. Plus, warren/Howleyball will be countered, no matter who wears white.

Which presumably is why a full strength England went on to win the world cup at home after comprehensively beating ...oh.

Gooseberry wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:If Wales win will there be another DVD release?

When was the last DVD release?

https://store.wru.co.uk/gifts-toys-c1/dvd-books-c2

Are you guys still on about 1999????

excluding grand slam games i think 1993, 1999 and 2008

Anything less than a 15 point win for Wales will be seen as a victory for England.

Actually, based on recent England teams, we're probably not missing many more players than we were missing at any point during the Lancaster years...

Front row replacements and back row in general are a bit raw, and Burrell has to do a job (but Eddie is very good at defining a specific job and getting players to stick to it). Otherwise it's a pretty credible squad.

One factor that hasn't been commented on is that Eddie has had most of these players in camp for a couple of weeks already, whereas I think I am right in saying that Gatland hasn't had as long. We know how Wales are going to play - but England might surprise us with some tactics designed specifically for this game.

I'm whispering this quietly, crossing my fingers and knocking on wood, but just had a thought after reading Poorfour's post

Is this the most injury free set of internationals that England have played in a while? Given the shambles we used to see before the 6N, tours and AIs under SL, this seems a very good situation

Other than Marler withdrawing and Manu's problems, is there any front line player actually missing the tour through injury?

Obviously now I've said it I expect at least 6 to be struck down this weekend

Gooseberry wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:I expect England to win. Even without the rows, you're facing a 40 minute only AWJ. Plus, warren/Howleyball will be countered, no matter who wears white.

Which presumably is why a full strength England went on to win the world cup at home after comprehensively beating ...oh.

What world cup?

Does sound a bit like a game I was watching a few months ago but I think I missed the last 20 minutes. England seemed to be well on top though...

lostinwales wrote:

Gooseberry wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:I expect England to win. Even without the rows, you're facing a 40 minute only AWJ. Plus, warren/Howleyball will be countered, no matter who wears white.

Which presumably is why a full strength England went on to win the world cup at home after comprehensively beating ...oh.

What world cup?

Does sound a bit like a game I was watching a few months ago but I think I missed the last 20 minutes. England seemed to be well on top though...

I missed the last 20mins as my mate went to work so me and his misses got busy, she was on top too just like England.

Yarde vs North could be painful. Yarde needs to make his tackles.

Far too many England backs like Youngs,Ford,Yarde and Brown not in form.

Pack looks fine but as someone mentioned earlier - lack of ball carriers in that pack.

Not sure about the balance of that Welsh backrow though, where's the breakdown expertise going to come from?

I am happy with our starting XV but again I question the need for both Priestland and Anscombe on the bench. One or the other would be enough with one of the Morgans taking the other slot.

beshocked wrote:Yarde vs North could be painful. Yarde needs to make his tackles.

Far too many England backs like Youngs,Ford,Yarde and Brown not in form.

Pack looks fine but as someone mentioned earlier - lack of ball carriers in that pack.

Not sure about the balance of that Welsh backrow though, where's the breakdown expertise going to come from?

I assume England will stick with the defensive model from the 6N, with 12 focused on Roberts, aided by 6 and 10, and 13 pushing up fast to disrupt the backline. They'll be trying to stop the ball getting to North, and Yarde will be pushing up as well to make the tackle before he gets up a head of steam.

I don't think there is a lack of ball carriers, it's just a different type of carrier. Clifford and Harrison (and even Haskell) won't plough through defenders like Billy, but they offer more variety. When Billy's got the ball you know what he's going to do, it's just that stopping it is hard. When Clifford's got the ball you can't commit too early because he can run at you (he only weighs 2kg less than Faletau), but he can also step you, accelerate through the gap or fix you and pass.

I think the selections have made the game interesting. In particular Wales now have something to lose.

I think England have plenty of carriers. The backline is short of form, but if they don't perform there are some interesting options on the bench.

.

The 2016 6Ns?

BamBam wrote:...Other than Marler withdrawing and Manu's problems, is there any front line player actually missing the tour through injury?...

Corbisiero is still out.

No 7&1/2 wrote:The 2016 6Ns?

I think its the opposite problem to the one we had with the RWC match

international198 wrote:It would be an absolute catastrophe if Wales lose.

We should never have lost at Twickenham in the 2016 Six Nations and on Sunday we can put things right.

Aye. Come on The Dragons!

international198 wrote:We should never have lost at Twickenham in the 2016 Six Nations and on Sunday we can put things right.

Why do you say that? We were pitifully bad for at least 50 minutes and England were out of sight by the time we started to play (or were allowed to play).

I am actually looking forward to this match. I think both squads need a hit out before their summer tours. Some of the players need the game time, whilst obviously others need rest. It serves a purpose and both sides look strong. It will be interesting to see if Wales are a tad more adventurous in their approach? Once the game breaks up Wales seem to be far more threatening. Maybe they won't leave it too late this time?

hugehandoff wrote:Once the game breaks up Wales seem to be far more threatening.

This is the problem with Wales - we seem to need the game to break up to look threatening. Until it does, all we know is to hammer at the door - without looking to see if there might be a window open.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

wrfc1980 wrote:A question to Welsh fans on here. Do you think it is essential that Wales beat this English team? It is only a friendly but where would it leave Wales if they lost to this Englsih team?

Yes, we need a win here as I think that sets us up to be competitive in NZ, where-as a loss sets up for a few drubbings. It's less essential for England to win. I think you're also underestimating this England team - look at the team you had out last year it's similar to this one right?

6 players missing realistically.

Marler, Itoje, Kruis, Robshaw, Billy, Farrell.

I'd say the locks, Billy and Farrell will be most missed. Ford has been garbage this season.

I'm not buying this weakened argument. Yes we're missing the sarries power houses, Nowell & Slade form the Chiefs but the team on Sunday would've been our first choice a couple of years ago. I just hope Eng play like in the 6 nations game but manage to see the last 15 mins out better..

It looks like that may be Robshaw is standing at the door of the last chance saloon. Nowhere to be seen in this game. He could be feeling a bit uncomfortable especially if Harrison and Kvesic go well.

englandglory4ever wrote:It looks like that may be Robshaw is standing at the door of the last chance saloon. Nowhere to be seen in this game. He could be feeling a bit uncomfortable especially if Harrison and Kvesic go well.

Not yet. He was very good over the 6N and might be due a rest anyway. I wouldn't read anything into his absence. Time is ticking though

englandglory4ever wrote:It looks like that may be Robshaw is standing at the door of the last chance saloon. Nowhere to be seen in this game. He could be feeling a bit uncomfortable especially if Harrison and Kvesic go well.

Robshaw's position is not secure but that applies to 99% of international players. I would not read to much into the Wales game. It is just a warm up game involving England's second team.

englandglory4ever wrote:It looks like that may be Robshaw is standing at the door of the last chance saloon. Nowhere to be seen in this game. He could be feeling a bit uncomfortable especially if Harrison and Kvesic go well.

If you look back through newspaper articles and forums like this, Robshaw has been at the door of the last chance saloon many times throughout his career, including after Lancaster's first 6 Nations, once Tom Croft and Tom Wood are both fit, when Steffon comes back, when he was given a summer off in 2013 and after the RWC. And yet he's still hanging around by the door.

You remember how whenever there's a bar fight in a Western someone always gets thrown out through the saloon door? Ever wonder who's doing the throwing?

Robshaw's played 33 games in the last 12 months, averaging over 70 minutes per game and with 3 more to come in Australia. There can't be many players who've played more rugby this season. I think it's reasonably safe to assume that he's rested rather than dropped, whatever you may like to believe.

lostinwales wrote:

englandglory4ever wrote:It looks like that may be Robshaw is standing at the door of the last chance saloon. Nowhere to be seen in this game. He could be feeling a bit uncomfortable especially if Harrison and Kvesic go well.

Not yet. He was very good over the 6N and might be due a rest anyway. I wouldn't read anything into his absence. Time is ticking though

I'd expect both Robshaw and Haskell to be replaced within the next year or so.

Yeah I think they'll be moved on in that time frame Sgt.

I get the impression that Jones expects everyone to match Robshaws work rate but also expects every one to offer more....

Ie Pocock stats in the world cup were unreal. His workrate was phenominal yet he also has a key skill ie the breakdown.

Players Clifford , Harrison etc will be expectsd to match Robshaws work rate but offer much more ball in hand etc.

LIke Maro Itoje has since hes come in. Basically....just taken things to the next level.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Players Clifford , Harrison etc will be expectsd to match Robshaws work rate but offer much more ball in hand etc.

And that, in the immortal words of Han Solo, is the real trick, isn't it?

Indeed it is mate
But Eddies proved to be a bit of a magician already

But with regards to this back row v Wales...im really looking forward to seeing it in action.

Harrison and Haskell are both physical...Harrison and Clifford are both great broken field runners...all can tackle...all have a presence at the breakdown...

It will be interesting to watch

englandglory4ever wrote:It looks like that may be Robshaw is standing at the door of the last chance saloon. Nowhere to be seen in this game. He could be feeling a bit uncomfortable especially if Harrison and Kvesic go well.

I think he's been left out because he's going to be starting the First Test at 6, and this is an audition for the 7 shirt.

I think Ewers or Even Underhill are a serious threat to his place in the next 6 Nations, but as others have commented it is wise not to write him off too soon.

mikey_dragon wrote:Why is Lydiate at 7? That must be a line-up error. Could they be swapping during the match? Against Italy I thought it was Lydiate at 6, Moriarty at 7? Not a bad choice for captain but when it's that first test against NZ I would select AWJ as captain and have Warburton on the bench - I can see it being the opposite though.

You may find our flankers playing left and right side as opposed to open and blind, so basically you may find Lydiate and Moriarty on blind or open side depending on where the scrum is. I.e. regardless of where the scrum is you may always find Lydiate scrumaging behind the tight head prop, and Moriarty always behind the loose head prop.

DaveM wrote:

englandglory4ever wrote:It looks like that may be Robshaw is standing at the door of the last chance saloon. Nowhere to be seen in this game. He could be feeling a bit uncomfortable especially if Harrison and Kvesic go well.

I think he's been left out because he's going to be starting the First Test at 6, and this is an audition for the 7 shirt.

I think Ewers or Even Underhill are a serious threat to his place in the next 6 Nations, but as others have commented it is wise not to write him off too soon.

Agree that he will start at 6 in the 1st test. Also a valid point that this is an audition for the 7 shirt. I never thought of that at all but it makes sense.

I have a suspicion Harrison could be the one to stand out. He seems to have everything in his game...and everything that Jones is looking for.

I have very high hopes for Harrison - as you say he seems to have a bit of everything. It will also be interesting to see how Clifford does at 8.

There's a number of england players that will really need to perform and as well as others who I don't think should be on the team sheet.

Brown and Youngs both look done and should have been sent to the beach, and Haskell and Cole are not too far behind at the end of very long season.

I worry for Hartley and would really have liked to see him have the summer off (I know the medics will have cleared him, but that's not the point), still what will be will be.

Added to this there is no way Yarde has shown the required form, though I understand what EJ is hoping to see.

I hope Launchbury has a good game as he's been improving though to be fare has struggled post his concussive injuries.

Ford and Joseph have both been poor, Ford especially. Both need big games, however neither would have made my selection.

Finally I would have taken a chance with Morgan.

KE's ENG v's WALES selection;

15 Mike Haley Sharks
14 Anthony Watson
13 Luther Burrell
12 Harry Mallinder
11 Christian Wade
10 Danny Cipriani
9 Danny Care
8 Ben Morgan
7 Teimana Harrison
6 Jack Clifford
5 Courtney Lawes
4 Dom Barrow
3 Matt Mullan
2 Tommy Taylor
1 Kieran Brookes

16 Ellis Genge
17 Rob Webber
18 Kyle Sinckler
19 Launchbury
20 Matt Kvesic
21 Dan Robson
22 George Ford
23 Elliot Daly

Props the other way round, Cips wasn't there due to a court appearance and you can't name 8 subs without including a full set of front row forwards.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Props the other way round, Cips wasn't there due to a court appearance and you can't name 8 subs without including a full set of front row forwards.

That explains Cipriani's absence;

16 Ellis Genge
17 Rob Webber
18 Kyle Sinckler