Most neutrals are always against England in everything from rugby to tiddlywinks mate, so I don't see that as a problem. The disallowed try was probably a legal try, but the TMO had to be sure it was downward pressure and not a glancing touch on the ball. I'd have been disappointed if England hadn't been given it, but it's nice to see England getting the TMO decisions for a change after years of them going against us! England will have to improve a lot if they are to beat Ireland, but as you say, there is time for everyone to shake off the cobwebs.
England have home advantage. We have picked up 2 huge injuries today. We have Wales at home, ye have Scotland away. Nothing certain. We need competitive matches.
Agreed and both of those games could be close although it's clear who the favourite in each game are. England desperately need Youngs back imo.
Regarding the Wales disallowed try, from what was said at half-time, 'downward pressure' is no longer the criterion, and you must have 'control' of the ball. That being that case, I can see why the TMO didn't give it. Tough on Wales, though.
Yes that's true, so maybe he had to say no try because it didn't look like it was "under control" till the English player played it.
Yes, it then comes down to the definition of what "control" means. If a fraction of a second is ok where hand is in contact with ball, and ball is in contact with ground, then Wales were unlucky. All the pundits have gone with this, if that means anything. But presumably, World Rugby rules don't offer a definition. Perhaps they should.
It came off his knee, surely? I would say that moving from 'downward pressure' - which might only be from a fingertip - to 'control' makes more sense, but , as you say, it needs proper definition.
Why are Scotland in white and not blue? they are the home team. Good 1st half, how do you stop Teddy Thomas?
In rugby, it's the home team that changes jersey in the event of a colour clash. Don't have an answer to Monsieur Thomas. Let's hope England will.
Turned out to be a good match, Scots not buckling after early French tries and now get their noses in front for the first time, 29-26...
With regards to the disallowed try Watson got his hands there before the Welshman could control it hence why not given. Wales proved to be a lot sterner test than Italy last week and they did well to null some of our threats. Joseph and Simmonds having their attacking threat quashed made it a lot more difficult for us and Care having a poor game at Scrum Half didn't help but we did well to keep them out. Scotland today showed that last week was bit of a one off and will still be a big test at Murrayfield when we got there for the next fixture. Unless Ireland slip at any point, it's going to the last game of the Championship.
I want my country to win every match they’re playing as do you. When it comes to the next World Cup, I’ll be shouting for all northern hemisphere teams. All I’m saying is that Jones is bordering bringing the game into disrepute. He likes to hear his own voice and a lot of what’s he’s saying is unnecessary and is turning genuine neutral fans against England. If you’re comfortable with that, that’s fine.
We all know there are no neutral fans in Ireland, Scotland and Wales when it comes to ANY other team playing a team from England and that comes from someone with Irish and Scottish heritage.
Didn't say I was comfortable with it mate, I just don't think it will make any difference to neutrals wanting England to lose. I accept that you are an exception to this. I suppose the fact that Jones is England coach means that, being an England fan I tend to focus more on the incredible difference he's made on the field since taking over. I fully recognise that he can be over antagonistic at times, as can Gatland imo. At the end of the day it's all mind games and I liken him a bit to how Fergie was as manager of Utd. He constantly over-stepped the mark, but is still remembered as one of the greatest ever football coaches. If you listen to Jones's comments after games, generally they are complementary to the opposition, as he was about Wales which adds to the fact that he's just trying to get into people's heads imo. In an ideal World I'd prefer him to take it back a bit, but if he continues with it and England win the World Cup I won't care to be honest (long way to go if that were to happen mind).
Jones went a bit too far having a pop at Patchell, but all managers play mind game pre-match. Besides, Jones is an ex-hooker and as we know from England's Brian Moore, hookers tend to have the sensibilities of a pit-bull
