Good play from England. Luck of the Irish with the kind bounce on the long kicks to the corners from England. Could've been a try or two down more.
Just looked at the highlights....Itoje should have been off for the shot on Earle's, be surprised if he isn't cited....he's nowhere near the ball and takes him in the air. Be interesting to see if Eddie Jones brings "thug life" to the World Cup, England deffo broke up the Irish composure with it, I suspect the England squad can play that and other styles so their all round game is strong. Schmitt, the best coach in world rugby in my opinion, played Henshaw at fullback for some reason, a big mistake....I doubt Kearney would have been caught out of position as often. Got to love Elliott Daley and Slade, just fantastic players. It's a strange position to be in, can't complain about the strength in depth but same as last World Cup, outside of the front five, who plays where to make England's best starting team is a worry. Farrell at 10 or 12, Slade at 10, 12 or 13, Tuilagi at 12, 13 etc etc. Also think the backrow isn't defined other than 8. Enzed know their best team and squad.....should England win the slam, anyone betting on that team starting a quarter or semi at World Cup? I know it seems a daft observation, but would worry me...
Only watched the highlights last night as I couldn’t see it live because mini Tatty wanted to watch Moana . But watched it all this morning. Great match, difficult to pick out a stand out player there were so many of them. I particularly enjoyed Jamie George’s mini run and side step in the first half . Important not to get ahead of ourselves. I think Wales in a fortnight will be tricky, but you can never tell. We could be shocking next match against the French....so, pleased we got that one in the bag but a long way to go yet.
How we all looking for the weekend? I reckon England will drill the French, who will start each half strongly then fade as they realise that 24 stone props can't run between set pieces. If the French can break up the English rythm they might score some as in broken play they are still ridiculously effective (it's when you try and get them to play with some order they fall apart). Wales are taking a risk against Italy with 10 changes....we should have enough gas but Italy are improving so could get bitten on the Arse. Personally, a grand slam with 3 away games is tough and would prefer just for once to have a strong 31 man squad for the World Cup but of course I'll change that tune if we are in the hunt on the last six nations round! Ireland have addressed the Kearney at full back issue, and should have enough firepower for Scotland, one game doesn't make them a poor team. Scotland are still coming, their historical fast game suits modern rugby if they can win collisions, just don't think they will have enough for this match on a damp pitch. In the women's matches the England/French match is going to be mega...the only two full time pro squads in the tournament have pulled a good 40 points clear of everyone else. My money is on England if they can cope up front. Wales to beat Italy and Ireland to drill the Scots.
As a footnote, EnZed talk about legacy, this ones quite cool... At 40 seconds, Thomas Young is the mascot for his dad's 50th game, he makes his long overdue 6 nations debut tomorrow.
Incredible defence from Ireland there!! I’m meant to be getting some jobs done! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
“Don’t worry” said the Mrs “you’ll only miss the first 2 mins!” France are trying aren’t they but a brilliant start.. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
When dont we have trouble ahead (we never get the worlds best, or apparently lenient ref, for a start!) We are happier being underdogs remember, and we aren't France.
France remind me of us circa 2001, simply too heavy and unfit....they truly are dreadful. Why do they insist on wheeling that @hailfrank Clive Woodward out everytime England play?
