Not at all. I just don't share your apparent belief that there's always some kind of conspiracy against England by referees and umpires.
I accept that was the reason given. Can't verify either way, so look forward to tomorrow's analysis in the Sunday Papers
David Walsh, chief sports writer at the Sunday Times : "What we'd had for 40 minutes was a game that just didn't flow. Too many penalties, scrums that were set and then reset, and a referee who didn't have our interests at heart." Yes. Doesn't change the fact that England will need to improve to trouble Ireland and France.
Yes we will, but those 2 sides were the 2 favourites pre tournament. England have a hell of alot of important players missing and some of them it might be time to move on from cos they always seem to be injured nowadays. I personally think it's time to replace Jones as I think he's taken as far as he can. Really like the look of Randall at scrum half and Smith if he isn't already will be world class. Trouble as ever is in the thickness of the front row, and key positions at number 8 and centres. Obviously missing our main wingers a huge blow too. As for Ireland they are way ahead in where they are, a serious side who have quality all over but that we know will choke in the World Cup again. France were favourites for this and for the World Cup in their own country and rightly so, awesome side at the moment but wouldn't be surprised to see them choke again in tge World Cup under the weight of expectation from the home fans.
Randall and Smith were clearly the bright spots yesterday. England are a few players short of a good team in the positions you mention. I suspect we'll end up mid table. I agree a change from Jones might be best all round - he actually has quite a poor record for England in the Six Nations.
That can be an advantage but not always. Ireland have sixteen players from one (very successful) club, Leinster in their squad. That must help form a coordinated core, rather than put together a team of strangers. It's certainly working for Ireland at the moment
I think if this game was in Dublin, I’d fancy Ireland to win pulling away but……. It’s not in Dublin and home advantage in the Six Nations is huge. England have to be favourites.
I was waiting for this mate. I agree about home advantage, but with England re-building and experimenting and Ireland being a hugely effective, talented rugby unit, Ireland are big favourites.
