England Six Nations Thread

by Cumbrian Thu 18 Jan - 11:31

First topic message reminder :

Squad (From RFU Website):

Backs

Full backs
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Nathan Earle (Saracens) *
Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints) *
Jonny May (Leicester Tigers)
Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)

Inside backs
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Owen Farrell (Saracens)
George Ford (Leicester Tigers)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
Alex Lozowski (Saracens)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins) * **
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Forwards

Back five
Gary Graham (Newcastle Falcons) *
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Joe Launchbury (Wasps)
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby) *
Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)

Front row
Lewis Boyce (Harlequins) *
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby) *
Jamie George (Saracens)
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs) *
Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)

Players unavailable
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Elliot Daly (Wasps)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
Piers Francis (Northampton Saints)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers)
James Haskell (Wasps)
Nathan Hughes (Wasps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Matt Mullan (Wasps)
Beno Obano (Bath Rugby)
Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby)
Will Spencer (Worcester Warriors)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)

Uncapped *
Apprentice player **

Fixtures:

*All kick-off times in GMT.

Italy v England
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Sunday 4th February 2018
Kick Off: 3:00pm

England v Wales
Twickenham Stadium, London
Saturday 10th February 2018
Kick Off: 4:45pm

Scotland v England
BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Saturday 24th February 2018
Kick Off: 4:45pm

France v England
Stade de France, Paris
Saturday 10th March 2018
Kick Off: 4:45pm

England v Ireland
Twickenham Stadium, London
Saturday 17th March 2018
Kick Off: 2:45pm

Officialdom:

Italy v England

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant 1: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant 2: Nic Berry (Australia)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

England v Wales

Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant 1: Mathieu Reynal (France)
Assistant 2: Nic Berry (Australia)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

Scotland v England

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant 1: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant 2: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

France v England

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant 1: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant 2: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

England v Ireland

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant 1: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant 2: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

by lostinwales Sun 11 Feb - 22:30

Independent has Robshaw at 8 in their team of the weekend. And yes they know its an 'interesting' pick, but very glad someone in the media picked up on what was a monumental effort. It was the kind of game where his qualities come to the fore, and he was fantastic.

by ChequeredJersey Sun 11 Feb - 23:30

Just watched the match after being at work on Saturday.

England were lacking urgency, cruised the entire match and looked far the better side for me. Everyone had a decent game but the killer instinct to crush Wales was lacking, as was the discipline. We let Wales have a chance through sheer complacency.

The controversial try was obviously a knock on.

Backrow balance will need improving for Ireland.

Eddie has 2 weeks now so should be fine to bring in players he wants not stop gaps - I hope we seen Robson and Hughes back in.

Brown shows up well when he's under pressure. Had a great game, what we needed to kill the Wales exit strategy.
Both wingers worked hard. Joseph improves our defence. Farrell/Ford axis is world class
Care was good, kicked much better than expected. Still doesn't play like Danny Care when he starts in White.
Simmonds good until his injury, adds pace to our pack
Robshaw excellent at 7 and 8
Lawes had a decent game at 6 again, just think it's an accident waiting to happen
Frodo made decisions well when he came on and his tackle was beautiful. No... you know what I mean.
Launch was excellent, my MOTM
Itoje better than last week, worse than last season
Cole decent, I'd prefer others biut Cole has had a good 6 N so far
Hartley good and led well, excellent basics
Mako also very dependable.
Nowell constantly pushed the line in attack when he came on

As a team, lots to work on. But it wasn't as close as the scoreline and the punditry suggests

by ChequeredJersey Sun 11 Feb - 23:38

lostinwales wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Interesting call coming for the back row. Does he leave underhill out again?

We need a heavyweight carrier, and nobody in his right mind should ever drop Robshaw on current form. So we can go Robshaw 6 Underhill 7 Hughes/Simmonds 8. That may have more balance than the current set up, but it's not as if Lawes has been bad either.

If Simmonds is fit,

Robshaw
Simmonds
Hughes

Frodo on bench

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 12 Feb - 4:29

ChequeredJersey wrote:Just watched the match after being at work on Saturday.

England were lacking urgency, cruised the entire match and looked far the better side for me. Everyone had a decent game but the killer instinct to crush Wales was lacking, as was the discipline. We let Wales have a chance through sheer complacency.

The controversial try was obviously a knock on.

Backrow balance will need improving for Ireland.

Eddie has 2 weeks now so should be fine to bring in players he wants not stop gaps - I hope we seen Robson and Hughes back in.

Brown shows up well when he's under pressure. Had a great game, what we needed to kill the Wales exit strategy.
Both wingers worked hard. Joseph improves our defence. Farrell/Ford axis is world class
Care was good, kicked much better than expected. Still doesn't play like Danny Care when he starts in White.
Simmonds good until his injury, adds pace to our pack
Robshaw excellent at 7 and 8
Lawes had a decent game at 6 again, just think it's an accident waiting to happen
Frodo made decisions well when he came on and his tackle was beautiful. No... you know what I mean.
Launch was excellent, my MOTM
Itoje better than last week, worse than last season
Cole decent, I'd prefer others biut Cole has had a good 6 N so far
Hartley good and led well, excellent basics
Mako also very dependable.
Nowell constantly pushed the line in attack when he came on

As a team, lots to work on. But it wasn't as close as the scoreline and the punditry suggests

Agree with all those CJ bar Robshaw who I though played well and no more. He added little to the carrying and was ineffectual at the breakdown, despite seemingly going for more than he normally does.

How good has Launchbury been this 6N??? He's like a man possessed! His carrying has been better than ever before and he's coming onto the ball at about 90mph, very impressed with him.

by kingelderfield Mon 12 Feb - 6:35

Launchbury's offload was strait out of the Wasps play book. Actually swap L into the Wasps side and I reckon yesterdays team would have beaten the national side.

by No 7&1/2 Mon 12 Feb - 6:37

No. That's silly.

by No 7&1/2 Mon 12 Feb - 7:09

Another set of training this time with Georgia coming up. http://www.englandrugby.com/news/england-train-with-georgia-this-week-1328400/

Still worried when we have to face ireland but presuming Marler will be back then along with sinckler.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 12 Feb - 8:04

kingelderfield wrote:Launchbury's offload was strait out of the Wasps play book. Actually swap L into the Wasps side and I reckon yesterdays team would have beaten the national side.

Thanks for allowing me to put some context to your constant griping against the national team.

by propdavid_london Mon 12 Feb - 9:06

Playing below par but still getting results.......cant help feeling that Ireland still have the edge, but there is plenty of time between now and then.

by cascough Mon 12 Feb - 9:17

Below par, but still better than Wales is the key point. As long as we continue to be better than our opposition in a given week, that's all that matters

by Gooseberry Mon 12 Feb - 9:19

ChequeredJersey wrote:Just watched the match after being at work on Saturday.

England were lacking urgency, cruised the entire match and looked far the better side for me. Everyone had a decent game but the killer instinct to crush Wales was lacking, as was the discipline. We let Wales have a chance through sheer complacency.

The controversial try was obviously a knock on.

Backrow balance will need improving for Ireland.

Eddie has 2 weeks now so should be fine to bring in players he wants not stop gaps - I hope we seen Robson and Hughes back in.

Brown shows up well when he's under pressure. Had a great game, what we needed to kill the Wales exit strategy.
Both wingers worked hard. Joseph improves our defence. Farrell/Ford axis is world class
Care was good, kicked much better than expected. Still doesn't play like Danny Care when he starts in White.
Simmonds good until his injury, adds pace to our pack
Robshaw excellent at 7 and 8
Lawes had a decent game at 6 again, just think it's an accident waiting to happen
Frodo made decisions well when he came on and his tackle was beautiful. No... you know what I mean.
Launch was excellent, my MOTM
Itoje better than last week, worse than last season
Cole decent, I'd prefer others biut Cole has had a good 6 N so far
Hartley good and led well, excellent basics
Mako also very dependable.
Nowell constantly pushed the line in attack when he came on

As a team, lots to work on. But it wasn't as close as the scoreline and the punditry suggests

Care still runs sideways at least two steps before every pass...does he do that for Quins every game?

Jones had a fair bit to say on Brown when the media praised him, hes obviously been mnore aware of tthe constant questionming of the guys place than hes let on and this sort of thing must create some tension in the dressing room.
Browns one of those gusy who seems more popular with coaches than fans for his unrecognised work and sticking to whats asked of him for the team. As with Halfpenny for Wales Jones seems to value his soliditity, leadership and core full back skills over having 3 flair attackers in the backline.
To be honest though whilst he clearly did do well we couldve done with a bit more zing ion attack from somewhere...and even Dalys ability to move play 50m downfield with his boot mightve been as handy as Browns defensive play. I guess it would be nice to have it all!
Similar with Robshaw...again his work rate and just doing the core job well stood out in a tight scrappy game. Idelaly we wouldnt be getting into tight scrppy games ...but when we are you see why hes a first name on the team sheet type.

Itoje did some some flashy bits but looked dead on his feet toward the end.

The backs are getting a fair bit of credit for the game, but for me the whole attack looked flat after the first few minutes and they ararely looked like they were going to score. Conditions werent so bad as to justify the failure to execute with any real pace. This was something Care was supposeldy going to bring ... he didnt. And Wigglesworth sure as hell wasnt ever going to.

A wins a win but for me Ireland are setting the pace and England once again rode their luck in a game they shouldve been looking to win relatively comfortably, espeically after dominanting the first 10 minutes or so.

by beshocked Mon 12 Feb - 9:24

lostinwales wrote:The Hartley spit thing is nothing. It's not ideal but there is nothing in it at all. If there was then the scrap would of kicked off again. (as it was it was not started by anybody in white, although Farrell's actions getting penalised seemed to be the initial trigger)

Hartley the player has been better than George this 6N. We have lost 2 lineouts so far that I can think of and George was throwing both times. I don't think the rest of his play has been at all special either.

This isn't a slight at George who is normally a terrific player, but his form is not as good as can be so far this tournament. In all honesty if we have a pressing need to bring in LCD right now it is George who should give way.

I still think Hartley plods around the field, lacking dynamism. He does nothing special. Perhaps it's enough - he can be reliable in set piece but offer nothing else.

Hartley didn't play badly, he just you'll rarely if ever see him do anything outstanding.

I just feel that Jamie George just seems to be much more involved when he's on the field. The average amount of tackles he makes per minute is much more stark. He has more capability to create something. Perhaps bringing him on the last 25 minutes is the best way to use him at the moment.

He can help close out a game -either by tackling the opposition more effectively than Hartley or use his superior workrate around the field.

George has lost 2 throws which I know will be amplified by the Hartley fan club. Both times it was Itoje who should be catching it. The problem is it's too predictable to throw to Itoje. Makes it easy for the opposition to read.

Also Gatland has worked with both George and Itoje on the Lions tour.

In the case of a Hartley alleged spit - I'd say innocent till proven guilty.

As for Brown, I thought he was good. Felt man of the match should have gone to Farrell though. Even if I don't like him personally he's a very good rugby player.

Feel that the MOTM award has been wrong twice now.

by No 7&1/2 Mon 12 Feb - 9:29

Well he's innocent of that full stop. Clear as day in the footage.

by Scottrf Mon 12 Feb - 9:30

Ireland setting the pace? Come on, even Scotland beat France more easily than they did.

by beshocked Mon 12 Feb - 9:37

Underhill's cover tackle was incredible.

Gooseberry well I still don't think England have enough heavy duty carriers.

I see Mako more as a secondary carrier who should be supporting someone else. I think it's a bit worrying when England are relying on Launchbury and Mako to shoulder the burden.

Plus I do think having a lump in midfield would give balance to a backline which we don't have. I felt Joseph was a bit of a spare part.

I said it before the game and again our discipline let us down. I haven't analysed where the penalties came from but if England are to beat Ireland - again I say - need to sort this out.

I don't think anyone wants to see Robshaw at 8.

by Poorfour Mon 12 Feb - 9:40

Several sources showing stills of the Anscome non-try and claiming they are definitive... which they aren't, because you can't see in the sequence what happened.

Pundit Arena has one where the ball is on the ground and Anscombe's finger is in the ball, but you can't see clearly whether Watson's right palm is on the ball or not.

The Telegraph is using one from a fraction of a second earlier, where the ball is still in the air but Watson clearly has hands on the ball pushing down, whereas Anscombe's hand is on the side of the ball.

You would actually need to see a sequence of shots to decide who had hands on the ball at the point it touched the ground, but the TMO ruling that "White grounded it first" isn't inconsistent with either photo.

by Scottrf Mon 12 Feb - 9:43

Poorfour wrote:Several sources showing stills of the Anscome non-try and claiming they are definitive... which they aren't, because you can't see in the sequence what happened.

Pundit Arena has one where the ball is on the ground and Anscombe's finger is in the ball, but you can't see clearly whether Watson's right palm is on the ball or not.

The Telegraph is using one from a fraction of a second earlier, where the ball is still in the air but Watson clearly has hands on the ball pushing down, whereas Anscombe's hand is on the side of the ball.

You would actually need to see a sequence of shots to decide who had hands on the ball at the point it touched the ground, but the TMO ruling that "White grounded it first" isn't inconsistent with either photo.

It's all irrelevant really. Any doubt on the grounding and it's no try. We are still talking about the grounding 2 days later so no try.

by beshocked Mon 12 Feb - 9:57

Scottrf wrote:
Poorfour wrote:Several sources showing stills of the Anscome non-try and claiming they are definitive... which they aren't, because you can't see in the sequence what happened.

Pundit Arena has one where the ball is on the ground and Anscombe's finger is in the ball, but you can't see clearly whether Watson's right palm is on the ball or not.

The Telegraph is using one from a fraction of a second earlier, where the ball is still in the air but Watson clearly has hands on the ball pushing down, whereas Anscombe's hand is on the side of the ball.

You would actually need to see a sequence of shots to decide who had hands on the ball at the point it touched the ground, but the TMO ruling that "White grounded it first" isn't inconsistent with either photo.

It's all irrelevant really. Any doubt on the grounding and it's no try. We are still talking about the grounding 2 days later so no try.

I've seen at least one try being given when you can't even see grounding.

Seems strange that you of all people are saying if any doubt on grounding it's no try...

At least you could see the ball in this scenario.

by Geordie Mon 12 Feb - 9:58

As Eddie said in the post match interview....

It wasn't a try - The TMO is there to do a job. He made a decision. Move on.

Launchbury was outstanding..as per usual. The guy is as consistent as Robshaw.

England have some big decisions ahead of the next game...

Second Row - Launchbury + WHo?
Back row - Where do you start? Maybe Simmonds injury makes it easier? How bad is he?
Centre - T'eo or Joseph...?

by No 7&1/2 Mon 12 Feb - 10:01

Depends on the question asked beshocked. If simmonds is out it'll be between Hughes or mercer won't it?

by beshocked Mon 12 Feb - 10:04

Well what I'd say is that even though the try was disallowed, Wales still had plenty of time to score more points.

If the try was given it would have been a flukey one.

Geordiefalcon who do England pick at no 8?

We have a bit of a no 8 crisis if Simmonds is our 3rd no 8 to be injured.

I'd pick T'eo because Joseph didn't really impress me.

With Farrell in very good form I feel having a lump outside him would be better than Joseph.

True no 7 & 1/2 but I've seen a try given on a yes or no - when you couldn't see grounding. That decision was one of the worst I've seen in rugby which just was part of one of the worst officiating combo I've seen from a ref and TMO.

by No 7&1/2 Mon 12 Feb - 10:09

You not think the defense looks miles better with Joseph in midfield though. The stats thing which is frankly beyond my understanding of how they work out the rankings had Joseph 3rd behind may and Farrell. Linked to their twitter.

by No 7&1/2 Mon 12 Feb - 10:11

In addition I'm going to use my mind reading powers to guess which incident you're talking about. The perfectly valid last minute try northampton got vs saracens in the final. Shazam!

by Geordie Mon 12 Feb - 10:12

beshocked wrote:
Geordiefalcon who do England pick at no 8?

We have a bit of a no 8 crisis if Simmonds is our 3rd no 8 to be injured.

Your right we are having a bit of a crisis at 8

Ok heres a curve ball...put Mercer in at 8?

by lostinwales Mon 12 Feb - 10:17

No 7&1/2 wrote:You not think the defense looks miles better with Joseph in midfield though. The stats thing which is frankly beyond my understanding of how they work out the rankings had Joseph 3rd behind may and Farrell. Linked to their twitter.

My thoughts. It is a game dependent thing anyway. There was a perceived weakness in defense 'out wide' so in comes JJ and that problem goes away. Against Italy Te'o did a lot to make space for Watson's tries, and he produced some thumping tackles, but see above.

JJ looked OK. He's had games where he has looked like a spare part, and others where he has looked like the best center in Europe.

by doctor_grey Mon 12 Feb - 10:20

lostinwales wrote:JJ looked OK. He's had games where he has looked like a spare part, and others where he has looked like the best center in Europe.

Agree. Great description of JJ.

by Geordie Mon 12 Feb - 10:27

What about Trinder at 13??

by beshocked Mon 12 Feb - 10:34

Valid? You mean with no noticeable grounding? In a yes or no question you have to be able to prove grounding.

Again it comes to a lack of evidence - lack of evidence is your signature move.

Of course you relish winding me up. Generally with your provocative yet ill thought out comments.

Problem outwide doesn't go away because you have 2 dodgy defenders, Watson and May.

For all his speed in attack, May is still a bit fragile outwide.

by thomh Mon 12 Feb - 10:36

doctor_grey wrote:
lostinwales wrote:JJ looked OK. He's had games where he has looked like a spare part, and others where he has looked like the best center in Europe.
Agree. Great description of JJ.

Surely this just comes with the territory of being that sort of player? He could look unplayable one day and utterly ineffective the next without any actual change in his own performance level, just because of changes in the opposition, conditions and general flow of the game. Similar sort of point that applied to Tom Croft at 6 - his pace was a remarkable asset but there were a number of games where it wasn't even a factor.

by No 7&1/2 Mon 12 Feb - 10:37

Woop woop. I was right. I can read minds people.

by lostinwales Mon 12 Feb - 10:51

thomh wrote:
doctor_grey wrote:
lostinwales wrote:JJ looked OK. He's had games where he has looked like a spare part, and others where he has looked like the best center in Europe.
Agree. Great description of JJ.

Surely this just comes with the territory of being that sort of player? He could look unplayable one day and utterly ineffective the next without any actual change in his own performance level, just because of changes in the opposition, conditions and general flow of the game. Similar sort of point that applied to Tom Croft at 6 - his pace was a remarkable asset but there were a number of games where it wasn't even a factor.

True as well, and there are so few moments when many players actually get a chance to do anything let alone make the difference. It is of course also a team game and the team performance is more important than the individuals who comprise it.

Still can't help thinking that he's a very good player whose form for a while put him in the stratosphere, but whose normal level is a little lower.

by Geordie Mon 12 Feb - 10:53

Would you keep Cole in for the Scotland game...or give Williams a chance to start and see what he can offer.

by propdavid_london Mon 12 Feb - 11:07

I would imagine that Cole will continue to start. Not sure if Sinkler comes onto the bench or not - would be a shame for Harry Williams if he misses out.

More of a worry is the No.8 situation - does anyone know how bad the injury was to Simmonds? Hughes played 20mins or so for club over the weekend with heavy strapping on his leg. May be good to come into the England squad but not sure if he would be good for 80mins. And probably lacking some gametime.

Mercer is available - but I have concerns over his size for international rugby - the kid gets stuck in and punches above his weight for Bath, but cant help feeling that the lack of physicality in other areas may mean that he has a rough time of it - especially against a physical Irish back 5. Given a bit more time and experience I think he will be a special player for England (just not yet - feel he should be an apprentice player like Marcus Smith).

by Geordie Mon 12 Feb - 11:25

Mercer is bigger than Simmonds though PropD...isn't he?

by Geordie Mon 12 Feb - 11:27

And if we need physicality in there in the back row...then Underhill must start. He just looks physically so strong...and like a brick outhouse.

by Scottrf Mon 12 Feb - 11:27

Simmonds injury wasn't expected to keep him out vs Scotland.

by lostinwales Mon 12 Feb - 11:27

propdavid_london wrote:I would imagine that Cole will continue to start. Not sure if Sinkler comes onto the bench or not - would be a shame for Harry Williams if he misses out.

More of a worry is the No.8 situation - does anyone know how bad the injury was to Simmonds? Hughes played 20mins or so for club over the weekend with heavy strapping on his leg. May be good to come into the England squad but not sure if he would be good for 80mins. And probably lacking some gametime.

Mercer is available - but I have concerns over his size for international rugby - the kid gets stuck in and punches above his weight for Bath, but cant help feeling that the lack of physicality in other areas may mean that he has a rough time of it - especially against a physical Irish back 5. Given a bit more time and experience I think he will be a special player for England (just not yet - feel he should be an apprentice player like Marcus Smith).

I'd rather see Mercer at 6 at the moment, but would he do a better job than Lawes? He's probably a better lineout option than the alternatives so it would make it easier to go Robshaw Simmonds/Underhill Mercer

by lostinwales Mon 12 Feb - 11:29

GeordieFalcon wrote:Mercer is bigger than Simmonds though PropD...isn't he?

Everybody is bigger than Simmonds, but he's very powerful for his size. On the few occasions when he got a run on Saturday he was hitting the Welsh line hard.

by LordDowlais Mon 12 Feb - 11:37

Sorry lads, the match thread seems to have gone, so I can only post on here. Well done England on the win, but it was a hell of a lot closer than I thought, Wales were much fitter, we just could not finish anything off, the sooner Rob Howley is gone and somebody like Stephen Jones is in the better.

That was a chance missed by Wales, but there are positives to take from it. We will get you next time. Very Happy

P.S lets not talk about the TMO. Whistle

by TightHEAD Mon 12 Feb - 11:37

It's back. thumbsup

by TrailApe Mon 12 Feb - 11:40

P.S lets not talk about the TMO

Yeah he had a bit of a 'mare didn't he?

Didn't mention the offside runners, got the knock on wrong - at least he got the grounding right though eh?

by TightHEAD Mon 12 Feb - 11:42

by TightHEAD Mon 12 Feb - 11:49

I think the communication between Ref and TMO wasn't great, clearly there was a knock on and to be honest I didn't even think to check for the offside runners.

Let's hope World rugby have a word before the next round.

by Scottrf Mon 12 Feb - 11:54

Of course England were onside for the full game.

by propdavid_london Mon 12 Feb - 12:00

GeordieFalcon wrote:Mercer is bigger than Simmonds though PropD...isn't he?

No idea, not seen the stats - Height perhaps, but looks more rangey (might be perception). Simmonds looks more solid.

by mr_stonelea Mon 12 Feb - 12:07

Did anyone else notice (in the TMO decision) that there was a perfect camera angle to determine whether Watson or Anscombe's hand got there first? Unfortunately that cameraman decided to focus on Danny Care sliding on his backside into touch.

by Scottrf Mon 12 Feb - 12:14

mr_stonelea wrote:Did anyone else notice (in the TMO decision) that there was a perfect camera angle to determine whether Watson or Anscombe's hand got there first? Unfortunately that cameraman decided to focus on Danny Care sliding on his backside into touch.

Where is whose hand got there first relevant in the laws?

by lostinwales Mon 12 Feb - 12:19

propdavid_london wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:Mercer is bigger than Simmonds though PropD...isn't he?
No idea, not seen the stats - Height perhaps, but looks more rangey (might be perception). Simmonds looks more solid.

Wikipedia (yeah I know) lists Simmonds as 102.5kg and 1.84m. Mercer as 105kg and 1.9m

Same source lists Billy as 130kg 1.88m. Hughes as 125kg 1.96m tall

Sry more of this
Underhill 110kg 191cm - he doesn't look bigger than
Robshaw 108kg 188cm

by BamBam Mon 12 Feb - 12:26

Just on the Hartley incident, this should clear it up

https://twitter.com/theblitzdefence/status/962427905195282434

Of course there's no time stamp on the picture, but I'd be surprised if there was another time in the match where Hartley would have been picking himself up off the floor with Davies lying prone close to him

by Geordie Mon 12 Feb - 12:42

If Hughes played a few minutes at the weekend, then in 2 weeks he'll be much fitter (not match fit of course which is different)

So Probably Simmonds to start and Hughes off the bench.

That leaves one spot in the back row. So it'll be...

6 Robshaw
7 Underhill
8 Simmonds

or

6 Lawes
7 Robshaw
8 Simmonds

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