And World Rugby didn't lose face by opting for France over South Africa despite the "independent" recommendation........yeah right. Must admit to being a bit hacked off about the decision as it looks as if a smaller nation will have absolutely no chance of hosting a major sporting event in future as those that govern the games will simply follow the money......
Scotland are improving every year. I think they will be very thought to beat at home and will take a scalp on the road next year. Townsend is adding additional creativity to a teak tough defence. Love the way they try to play rugby. Looking forward to our match this evening against Argentina. We’re playing a few of our really promising kids in what will be a tough match.
Big opportunity for Wales today to finally loose the bridesmaid tag. They just never seem to get the job done against the Southern Hemisphere teams. Hopefully today that changes.
Still think the All Blacks will be too strong for them, they have the capacity to go up through the gears when necessary, but maybe it could be one of those unforgetable days, just like Monday will be when we beat Brentford.......
Not meant as a dig, just my genuine opinion. There are 2 other teams in the Northern Hemisphere with bettter combinations at 6,7,8 and 9,10 at the moment.
[QUOThereTE="QPRNUTS, post: 11169335, member: 1012510"]Not meant as a dig, just my genuine opinion. There are 2 other teams in the Northern Hemisphere with bettter combinations at 6,7,8 and 9,10 at the moment.[/QUOTE] There possibly are mate, but England's first choices in those positions are a little better than just "decent" imo.
There possibly are mate, but England's first choices in those positions are a little better than just "decent" imo.[/QUOTE] Good morning Col. Probably the wrong time of year to be really discussing rugby but....... I’m looking at the northern hemisphere teams at the moment in relation to the next World Cup, particularly England, Ireland and Wales. All have their undoubted strengths but it’s their current weaknesses that I’m more interested in. Of course this is only my opinion; England Have their most astute coach in ages. Traditionally very strong upfront but I now believe this is their Achilles heel. Take the last lions tour for example, I think no English player was selected at 6,7,8 or 9 at any stage and Farrell only at 10 for one test. The current incumbents are of course better than decent but not at the standard of players that Wales or Ireland have in these positions. Even England’s front row is void of any real world class scrummager. That has to be a concern. England’s strength is 4,5 and 10 to 15 where I believe they are unmatched in the Norhern Hemisphere both for power and pace. The options across the back line are truely frightening. Englands ability to counter attack will hurt most teams but the lack of world class players particularly at 6,7 and 8 and the ongoing inconsistency with team discipline will hurt them at the latter stages of a World Cup IMO. Ireland The polar opposite to England. Probably as good as if not the best 1-8 in world rugby at the moment. In my mind the best 9,10 partnership too. But the Achilles heel is the back line. Lacking creativity, power and any real pace. The current set of backs won’t score enough to seriously compete at the top table and Schmidt knows it. We have 3 or 4 excellent prospects coming through but they will take a few years to really develop. This team will die with its boots on but ultimately not strong enough yet 1-15. Results come from incredible individual and team discipline. Wales Like Ireland have a very very strong 1-8. Several world class players there. Have a considerably better back line than Ireland but lacking midfield flair IMO. Very consistent off the set piece and run the ball beautifully at times but seem to lack a killer punch. Much more to them than Gatland Ball but can at times be one dimensional and the coach must take the blame for that. Very little real strength in depth and this will cost them during upcoming tournaments. All 3 teams are far from complete. Home advantage in the 6 nations is everything. England won’t beat Ireland in Dublin and visa versa. Scotland will take another scalp this year as they continue to improve. Love the way they play the game.
The Lions didn't win the last tour because of an out dated Welsh centric coach, less Welsh and more English was needed, in fact I might stick my neck out and say England would have (somehow) won that tour.
Totally agree about Gatland but not sure any Northern Hemisphere team would beat NZ on their own patch in a test series.
