Watching opening ceremony.

Anyway, have we been lulling everyone into a false sense of security since Borthwick took over?

I know the answer is no btw.

Mad that the world's top 5 countries are in the same group.

Yeah can't believe strong possibility of Englamd last 4 of a WC. Debatable even making the last 8 given their world ranking. 

 

 

england are shit and theyre not going to improve much under borthwick

2 hours ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

 

 

I've watched that a few times now, brilliant

they love a drink the jocks

4 hours ago, Casino said:

england are shit and theyre not going to improve much under borthwick

Maybe.

Seen a report today though that Farell has had a training ground scrap with Arundell and despite his five tries against Chile, he isn't being included in the team.

If true, such problems don't help. 

If Borthwick was to drop his captain and put Arundell in as some are suggesting he should be, then would that create more of a split- big thing to drop your captain mid tournament.

as much as i like the abrasive nature of farrell, hes a big part of the issue

care should prob start as that other clogger is a proper one trick pony

marcus smith is probably the 'flair player' next in line and its more likely he starts than arundell...dont think we will start though as he doesnt fit the mould

 

OF is pinching a living nowadays. I honestly don't what he brings to the side anymore. Been a good player, but his time has gone....

11 minutes ago, Casino said:

as much as i like the abrasive nature of farrell, hes a big part of the issue

care should prob start as that other clogger is a proper one trick pony

marcus smith is probably the 'flair player' next in line and its more likely he starts than arundell...dont think we will start though as he doesnt fit the mould

 

Arundell on the wing, so Smith can still play. The former replacing May, who hasn't been great. That's what is being suggested.

smiths a full back in borthwick land

steward is as good as anything under the high ball, so id say he plays as right wing with daly on the left

fwiw, i expect another same old, same old back line playing rugby by numbers

Steward should be played at FB, not on the wing FFS.

Borthwick is feckin clueless!

 

9 minutes ago, jeep said:

Steward should be played at FB, not on the wing FFS.

Borthwick is feckin clueless!

 

As Casino says, he's appreciated wide for his ability in the air, perhaps for a raking crossfield kick.

Just shows though, even the experts/former players have differing views on who should play and where.

It certainly has been a bit Parkinson so far, so hopefully we'll start playing a bit.

2 hours ago, jeep said:

Steward should be played at FB, not on the wing FFS.

Borthwick is feckin clueless!

 

I know that, i expect him to go tried and failed

im trying to get smith in the team and as you and i know, he aint getting in at 10

46 minutes ago, Casino said:

I know that, i expect him to go tried and failed

im trying to get smith in the team and as you and i know, he aint getting in at 10

You're right. GF is best FH we have. 

Can bring MS on as an impact sub when the Fijians (hopefully!) have tired...

17 minutes ago, jeep said:

You're right. GF is best FH we have. 

Can bring MS on as an impact sub when the Fijians (hopefully!) have tired...

Or a surprise, start him, use his talent to get ahead, and swap later to seal the deal!

Anyway, just hope they turn up and play well.

32 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Or a surprise, start him, use his talent to get ahead, and swap later to seal the deal!

Anyway, just hope they turn up and play well.

Start him where?

17 hours ago, jeep said:

Steward should be played at FB, not on the wing FFS.

Borthwick is feckin clueless!

 

Have to agree. Time for AF to come home after this tournament (hopefully!).

13 hours ago, jeep said:

Start him where?

Wherever he will be his most effective. Leave that to the coaches. I'm not positional expert, but we can see how he lifts fans and team mates when he's on the pitch. 

I remember the difference he made in an earlier game when he came on. Of course that may be useful against a tiring side, but is it not also worth considering using his flair earlier?

Parallels with our football team- we've not being doing so well later in games as we have done previously. Maybe teams have sussed that.

Equally, when we've been more positive early doors, we've had the game won by half time.

Anyway, it appears that he is starting, together with Farrell. We'll see if it works.

Wales gone. Argies always have one big performance in them

What a fucking great game this is.

2 hours ago, Alf Hartigan said:

What a fucking great game this is.

It was a great game.

How ridiculous that England are the last home nation left in the tournament! 🤣

6 minutes ago, desperado said:

It was a great game.

How ridiculous that England are the last home nation left in the tournament! 🤣

Aye, was thinking we might have semis just from 6 nations, now possibly semis all from southern hemisphere. Be some good games from here on in though.

Wonderful night. Taffs out. Paddy's out after a phenomenal game. Just need England to get over this potential banana skin now. Watched some of the England games in bars down here and the other "home nations" fans have been 100% with whoever plays England. They'll all be drinking from coconut shells today no doubt.

Know plenty down under who have been predicting "Ireland or South Africa" for months. Writing off France as the home nation and NZ as the kings of the sport is/was absolute madness.

Semi looking like as far as we could hope for but you never know. Can't see us winning the whole thing but reaching the semis will be over achievement and a top effort in my eyes. Being delusional for a minute, it would be lovely to knock France out in the semi assuming that they can get over the bruising Boks. That Faf De Klerk is an irritating bastard. 

How ironic thar the poorest of the home nations teams are the only ones left in the tournament. Glad the Irish are out. It would have been unbearable if they even got to the final never mind win it.

Edited October 15, 20232 yr by Underpants

Decent start.

Hope it’s the French in the semifinals next week.