[MERGED] Six Nations Rugby

Started this mainly to comment on the amazing performance by Scotland against France, but hopefully it will 'do' for the rest of the tournament.

But what about Scotland, eh, totally dominated the first half & should really have had more points on the board. Then to continue playing well in the second & manage to hold out when France eventually managed to come back at them, was awesome. I had goosebumps when they scored the pushover try.

Have to comment on England/Wales - to be honest I thought it was fairly even up to half time, but the sin bin putting Wales down to 14 men, after that, didn't help. I think also England showed they were the fitter of the two sides, hence the domination in the last quarter, but I don't think Wales were as bad as the score suggests.

[Russ]

Nasty nasty result which certainly didn't fairly represent the teams. We've been hit by awful injuries and suspensions, although players like Dwayne Peel just oozed class and ability. If only we had a fully fit and present side then I'm convinced we'd have won, but life is full of 'if only' types...

Originally Posted by Russ D

Nasty nasty result which certainly didn't fairly represent the teams. We've been hit by awful injuries and suspensions, although players like Dwayne Peel just oozed class and ability. If only we had a fully fit and present side then I'm convinced we'd have won, but life is full of 'if only' types...

yes, I remember the commentator saying that some of the players would normally be 4th or 5th choice - and even then were played out of position. Unfortunately that meant England pretty much cruised the match & had an extra gear in the second half, when Wales tired.

- still the Championship to play for, but, unfortunately, the games are going to come too soon for some of the injured players...

[bopdude]

I looked for a thread last night, was gonna post one today but you beat me to it. I didn't see the matches all the way through but what I did see of them was good rugby, sorry about your side being a bit off colour Russ.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by bopdude

I looked for a thread last night, was gonna post one today but you beat me to it. I didn't see the matches all the way through but what I did see of them was good rugby, sorry about your side being a bit off colour Russ.

Oh I wouldn't be too sorry - can you imagine how unbearable I'd have been had Wales beaten England at Twickers

[bopdude]

Originally Posted by Russ D

Oh I wouldn't be too sorry - can you imagine how unbearable I'd have been had Wales beaten England at Twickers

Just a little bit last time I was there was England / South Africa, England got trounced was a good weekend though

Originally Posted by bopdude

I looked for a thread last night, was gonna post one today but you beat me to it. I didn't see the matches all the way through but what I did see of them was good rugby, sorry about your side being a bit off colour Russ.

very good Rugby, in both matches, I still don't like the 'lifting' business in the lineouts, but the speed with which all the teams were recycling the ball from the rucks was really impressive.

[Fingy]

In both matches?? I think you'll find there were 3 matches

Can't have you forgetting Ireland... though I may want to eat those words in a few weeks...

Originally Posted by Fingy

In both matches?? I think you'll find there were 3 matches

Can't have you forgetting Ireland... though I may want to eat those words in a few weeks...

yes, sorry, didn't see that - you probably realised i meant I had only actually watched two of them.

Unfortunately Ireland are bringing up the rear, so far, although I hope Italy's strong defence against England yesterday makes last weeks result a little more palatable.

I didn't see the match against France, but it sounded like an incredible comeback in the second half, shame there has to be a loser with a match like that - especially when France are the winners

Looking forward to Scotland v Wales, both have a lot to prove, Scotland are the improved team, while Wales still have selection problems due to injury/suspension. - Game on - I predict Wales for a narrow win if they can spread the ball wide, as the Scottish forwards are pretty formidable

[Chimaera]

Well the Welsh seem to be doing pretty well so far - let the second half commence!

What an excellent game, shame about the sending off, but a good win for Wales & a gutsy performance from Scotland, keeping the Welsh honest right up to the end.

[Russ]

Indeed, a good game and a great display from Scotland, they didn't make it easy.

well, what can I say, this has to be one of the most open championships for ages.

England totally failed to break down Scotland's fantastic defence, yesterday and Wales made too many errors, today, for them to have had any chance of taking the game back to Ireland.

I have to say, that although from my point of view the 'wrong' teams won, the rugby has been really enjoyable to watch & played in an excellent spirit.

[Russ]

Utter shambles. Can't wait to hear the WRU's excuse for this.

Nice to see the Wales backs stepping aside to allow those nice Irish forwards to score.

Just rubbish.

Originally Posted by Russ D

Utter shambles. Can't wait to hear the WRU's excuse for this.

Nice to see the Wales backs stepping aside to allow those nice Irish forwards to score.

Just rubbish.

The main problem seemed to be the Welsh team being unable to keep going forward, even in possession they weren't crossing the game line before the next ruck formed.

One crucial point in the game was Steve Jones injury, I wouldn't put all the blame on Henson, but his lack of match practice in a crucial position was a definite factor after he replaced Jones.