Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 12436583)

True. Surprising really, injuries aside, they're not a bad side still. Scotland result flattered them though.

Originally Posted by weasel decentral (Post 12435875)

This weekend, Ireland to hammer Italy, Wales to lose narrowly to England and France to lose to Scotland.

Originally Posted by weasel decentral (Post 12440163)

Pat on the back for me ;)

Next match day France wallop Italy, Scotland lose to England and Ireland wallop Wales.

Originally Posted by weasel decentral (Post 12440163)

Pat on the back for me ;)

Next match day France wallop Italy, Scotland lose to England and Ireland wallop Wales.

Originally Posted by weasel decentral (Post 12440163)

Pat on the back for me ;)

Next match day France wallop Italy, Scotland lose to England and Ireland wallop Wales.

Originally Posted by Garbatellamike (Post 12440365)

good call last week but I think Ireland Wales will be tight

Originally Posted by weasel decentral (Post 12440793)

I was watching the Wales England game and I think the Irish pack is far ahead of Wales, especially when you include the strength on the bench around the 60 minute mark. Though as soon as I get confident about Ireland is when we lose!

Originally Posted by weasel decentral (Post 12440793)

I was watching the Wales England game and I think the Irish pack is far ahead of Wales, especially when you include the strength on the bench around the 60 minute mark. Though as soon as I get confident about Ireland is when we lose!

Originally Posted by Garbatellamike (Post 12440930)

yeah Ireland will have edge in tight 5 for sure and like England a massive quality difference in the second row. Loose forwards pretty even. Other advantage for Ireland is at 10 otherwise 3/4 and FB even. Wales maybe slightly fitter. I reckon 5 points in it.

Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 12441001)

Possibly.

Could argue this pack is a very good group: Vunipola, Hartley, Cole, Launchbury, Itoje, Lawes, Robshaw, Simmonds.
Marler is back now too, with Jamie George and Kruis the types we can bring off the bench. It's not shoddy even if not terrifying.

England training in scrums against the Georgians shows the intent to not get beaten up by anyone.

Will be an interesting contest though.



I'm not a fan of Sexton, I don't think he's as good as people say he is. I think he's definitely capable of being that good but not regularly enough. When he's on fire it's impressive to watch but I think it's too far between standout performances.....that being said, he likes bigger games so against Wales he could cause some problems.

Originally Posted by Garbatellamike (Post 12441193)

I'd like to see George start and bring in Hughes at 8 (till Billy's fit) and try Simmonds at open side.

Sexton vs Biggar or Patchell? In realative terms he's miles ahead whilst he may not be an all time great he's better by a distance.

I'd also like to see Watson at full back with Daly and May on the wings for a pacy back 3.

Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 12441206)

Interesting about George, I think I'd like to see Marler back in the front row.

Sexton's definitely better than the others, no doubt.

Disagree on changing 15. Brown is one of the best full backs in the world, if not the best and has been at that sort of top level for a few years. Daly and May instead of Watson and one of them might be interesting.

Originally Posted by Garbatellamike (Post 12441254)

don't disagree on Brown but think that against weaker sides where you don't need his defensive qualities it would be interesting to play the 3 speedsters with Watson having the freedom to join the line from full back. Add JJ as well and that's quick.

Originally Posted by Garbatellamike (Post 12440930)

yeah Ireland will have edge in tight 5 for sure and like England a massive quality difference in the second row. Loose forwards pretty even. Other advantage for Ireland is at 10 otherwise 3/4 and FB even. Wales maybe slightly fitter. I reckon 5 points in it.

Originally Posted by weasel decentral (Post 12450949)

Closer than I expected, due to some really poor out wide defence from Ireland, however what a great game. Had it all, including some terrible kicking from Sexton but on the other hand he really tore the Welsh backs apart.

Big surprise for Scotland, who looked in a different league to England. Farrell seemed anonymous for most of the game and Mike Brown got caught for pace and position too many times. Similarly to Wales the speedy wingers made it look too easy.