Fair point Agreed they are top class, perhaps the best in northern hemisphere but IMO a way to go yet to be considered the best in the world. On a separate point, some superb 9-10 axis partnerships out there
Have to give massive credit to Sam Simmonds on his 6 nations debut. To score two tries and be as effective as he was meant we didn't miss Billy Vunipola at all which are some massive shoes to fill! Thought we were comfortable against Italy but were susceptible to pressure when Italy did put it on us and the scoreline flattered us somewhat. Overall a good start to the 6 Nations for us but you do have to worry about the determination and resilience of Ireland after grabbing their win at the death. Next weekend against tougher opponents should be a better guide as to where we are in terms of performance.
Yea, hoping Wales can make a game of it but logic would indicate that this English team will be just too strong.
You can never right off the increase of levels from other home countries when playing England. I wouldn't be surprised if Wales found a way to beat England today, but as Nuts says, logic dictates that this England side, at Twickenham, will be too strong for Wales. Three more words......................... COME ON ENGLAND!!
If England are going to continue their impressive progression under Jones and contend at next years World Cup then I believe you need teams like Ireland and Wales to also improve and push you all the way in ultra competitive matches. An easy Six Nations would be of no benefit to you. As you well know, any team can beat any other team in the Six Nations. Home advantage IMO is worth 7pts minimum. Wales produced a performance from nowhere last week. They’re now also building a bigger better squad. We need competitive matches. Really looking forward to today’s match with an eye towards Wolves.
Ireland ought to be too strong for an improved Italian side who gave England a decent game for 60 minutes last week. England/Wales, don't know? Logic says England should win, but it depends how the Welsh start and if they take the game to England and post a few early scores then we'll see what this England side is made off. Agree with the poster above about Sam Simmonds, very impressive last week at No 8 and it will be interesting to see how the England back row target the Welsh new stand off after Jones's pre match comments, maybe they will be pinned on the Welsh dressing room wall for motivation?
Don't want to underestimate the Welsh, but it looks like this Championship will come down to the England v Ireland match. I'll be interested to see what Ireland make of Italy, the latter having improved greatly in the backs, embarrassing England a couple of times. My money on England to beat Wales today, and of course, Ireland to do a job on Italy. Sam Simmonds looks nothing like the Number 8's that I remember, but with a low centre of gravity and impressive acceleration, he could severely test a few defences during this 6 Nations
Ireland under a different self made pressure today. Several exciting powerful young backs are emerging and the public are urging Schmidt to play with more attacking flair rather than the effective but robotic wear down the opposition tactic. Anything less than 40pts scored today will generate more questions than answers IMO
Ireland coping fairly well so far. 30 minutes in and 21-0. Parisse looking particularly poor and not up to his usual standards so far.
Ireland came at them from the off with mercurial play by the backs and immaculate kicking by Sexton. Italy looked shell-shocked!
