International Rugby

[PaulWinch again]

That from Daly is indicative of the lack of calm thinking in the team.

[paul_e]

To give England a bit of a defence I'm not convinced that the ref is managing their defensive line well here, there have been plenty of times where we've had no space because their wide defenders are starting a yard or 2 too high which has forced us to kick away a lot.  Ford being very willing to resort to the boot has just played into that. Hopefully Cipriani will mix things up better.

[paul_e]

Harsh yellow for Hughes for me, yes he stopped them getting quick ball away but it was 20 yards inside their half and no real break was on.

[PaulWinch again]

He deserved it for stupidity.

[PaulWinch again]

Piss poor, ill disciplined(again), lacking intensity and lacking cohesion. Not acceptable.

[paul_e]

it was really stupid, but I just dont think it was a yellow in context.

This has to be the final straw now though, Jones was very good for 18 months but his inability to move the squad forward has seen us utterly choke.  As an aside does anyone think Farrell is a decent choice for captain on these showings?

[PaulWinch again]

There’s a lack of leadership all over the pitch and from the sidelines. Look how bad we were on in the second half, doesn’t suggest the coaches are providing positive direction.

[PaulWinch again]

Youngs hasn’t helped with that interview.

[Gareth]

Can definitely see a parting of ways with Jones before autumn internationals - the lack of discipline on the field makes you wonder if some of the players want him gone and the fact coaches don’t seem to have got a grip of the discipline similarly make you wonder if he is happy to be sacked??

[Jon Crofts]

Goodbye Eddie, times up.

[paul_e]

There's clearly some questions to be answered from here but the first one for me is how the fuck anyone who knows anything about the game can think Ben fucking Spencer is international class.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Germany beat Portugal 16-13 for a play-off with Samoa.

[paul_e]

For the second match running, FRA v NZ has been killed as a contest by a harsh card decision.

French guy sent off after a contest for a high ball. His eyes never left the ball.

I've only just watched this, definite red I'm afraid, the laws are very clear on this one. There is an element of misfortune in it but if make contact with someone and they then land head/shoulder first then you're gone, no argument or discussion, it's a straight red every single time. I understand why people don't like it but having been on a pitch with someone who's broken their neck in a similar tackle I totally agree with the need for the rule, of all the 'care bear' changes in the game this is the only one that I don't have misgivings about.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Thanks chaps for saving me the time of watching it tonight.

[paul_e]

Thanks chaps for saving me the time of watching it tonight.

Watch the U20s instead, Final against France at 6pm.  All the games so far have been live streamed on the England Rugby Facebook page (and probably their youtube as well). There are a few kids in there who are a bit special (Walker at 2, Curry at 7, Smith at 10, Dingwall at 13 and Ibitoye and Olowofela on the wings, Both props have great reputations as well but it's hard to be sure with props until they have 40-50 games under their belt).