Rugby Union 2013-14

[PaulWinch again]

Justice in that try for Care, Hibbert should have been yellow carded.

[PaulWinch again]

Stupid penalty to concede.

[PaulWinch again]

We're not getting to the breakdown quick enough.

[PaulWinch again]

Great kick from Twelvetree's and brilliant instincts from Burrell.

[PaulWinch again]

We have gifted Wales all of their 12 points here.

[PaulWinch again]

Really sloppy to only be 5 points ahead.

[paul_e]

Given away so many silly penalties, they're very lucky not to have had hibbard given a yellow and north catching nowell and carrying him into touch was a shocker of a decision from the ref, it was so clear he tackled him in the air.

I'm pretty happy with things though, I just like to see someone stamp on Halfpenny's foot, this would be game over without him, 3 of those penalties would be out of range of almost anyone else.

[PaulWinch again]

Our play when we're not giving away stupid penalties has been really good. Now come on England build a winning lead.

[PaulWinch again]

Burrell and Lawes have been brilliant today.

[PaulWinch again]

That was a comprehensive battering and we should have won by 20 plus points. Farrell, Lawes, Burrell, Twelvetrees, Launchbury and Care were all outstanding. Lovely to see us play an expansive game.

[paul_e]

I agree PWA, 2 best players on the pitch for me, Lawes is everywhere and Burrell is always at the centre of everything we do.  Say it quietly but I'm not sure Manu is going to get his place back unless they move Burrell to 12 but that'd be harsh on Twelvetrees who's been getting better and better as the tournament has gone on.

[UK Redsox]

That was a comprehensive battering and we should have won by 20 plus points. Farrell, Lawes, Burrell, Twelvetrees, Launchbury and Care were all outstanding. Lovely to see us play an expansive game.

Wales are always going to be in a game whilst Halfpenny's around. However, that was a hammering in all but the score today.

I'm not sure what's happened to Westbury-on-Severn's finest (aka Cuthbert) but he didn't seem to want to tackle today and only seemed to go looking for the ball when the game was dead.

I'm still not convinced by Johnny May. Yes, he's quick but he's no strong enough to break thro' the defence.

Burrell and 36 look like they're forming a good centre partnership and Lawes has made to step up from just being a great athlete to now being a great rugby player.


More importantly, the Mightly Lyd beat Bracknell yesterday to just about seal promotion back up to National 3 South at the first attempt.

[richard moore]

Brilliant win, all the sweeter for knowing how bloody annoyed that lot over the border will be feeling, I love beating Wales way more than any other team as rugby is all they've got really. How Brown breaks through the first tackle every time is amazing. I'd stick with May as I love his weavy running and he brings something different to the party. I do wonder about Nowell though who looks a bit naive at this level. The rest, Hartley's stupid errors aside, were brilliant. And to think some people were watching Hull vs Sunderland instead of this!!

[paul_e]

That was a comprehensive battering and we should have won by 20 plus points. Farrell, Lawes, Burrell, Twelvetrees, Launchbury and Care were all outstanding. Lovely to see us play an expansive game.

Wales are always going to be in a game whilst Halfpenny's around. However, that was a hammering in all but the score today.

I'm not sure what's happened to Westbury-on-Severn's finest (aka Cuthbert) but he didn't seem to want to tackle today and only seemed to go looking for the ball when the game was dead.

I'm still not convinced by Johnny May. Yes, he's quick but he's no strong enough to break thro' the defence.

Burrell and 36 look like they're forming a good centre partnership and Lawes has made to step up from just being a great athlete to now being a great rugby player.


More importantly, the Mightly Lyd beat Bracknell yesterday to just about seal promotion back up to National 3 South at the first attempt.

For me May is an impact option from the bench at this level, his pace is terrifying and he runs some good lines but his decision making isn't good enough at the moment, I think he's behind Yarde for the left wing shirt but he's a bit more verstile than Nowell or Wade so when everyone is fit he might be a good option on the bench.  I wouldn't want to make a call on Wade or Nowell, Wade scores more but Nowell has the shirt and has done well.

[PaulWinch again]

I agree PWA, 2 best players on the pitch for me, Lawes is everywhere and Burrell is always at the centre of everything we do.  Say it quietly but I'm not sure Manu is going to get his place back unless they move Burrell to 12 but that'd be harsh on Twelvetrees who's been getting better and better as the tournament has gone on.

I agree, but what an impact player to have coming off the bench. I'm thinking of a fully fit side of something like -

                                                                                         Brown

Wade                                                                                                                                                                 May
                                                                                                        Burrell
                                                                     Twelvetrees
                                          Farrell       
                     Care


                     Wood          Billy    Robshaw
                             Lawes     Launchbury
                     Corbs       Hartley   Cole


Then a bench including a selection of Mako, Manu, Yarde, Ford, Watson, Attwood, Kvesic, Youngs, Morgan etc.


We have serious strength in depth and a bench that could make a significant impact on a game. Our style of play is evolving into a much more expansive game and as we gain experience we'll cut out the silly penalties. Whisper it quietly but this England set up very much has a good chance in the World Cup and beyond.