Rugby Union 2013-14

[paul_e]

All rugby coverage is the same, the English guys try their hardest to be neutral, to the point of favouring the opposition the rest make no attempt to do the same if they're from whoever we're playing.

[cheltenhamlion]

Davies is a particularly annoying little turd mind.

[lovejoy]

While were on the coverage, why the heck would you interview Savage and Barton at half time, they know less than Eddie Butler.

[Proposition Joe]

All rugby coverage is the same, the English guys try their hardest to be neutral, to the point of favouring the opposition the rest make no attempt to do the same if they're from whoever we're playing.

I have a lot of time for Keith Wood.  Always comes across as a very decent bloke, and certainly not a flag-waver.

[andyaston]

All rugby coverage is the same, the English guys try their hardest to be neutral, to the point of favouring the opposition the rest make no attempt to do the same if they're from whoever we're playing.

Saying that, Brian Moore cannot help himself, England through and through.

[paul_e]

Brian Moore is about the only English commentator that comes across as proudly English, Wood is better than most but he's very pro-Irish still.

[PaulWinch again]

Brian Moore is proudly English, but he will criticise England a lot as well.

[paul_e]

Criticising poor play is fine, it's when commentators ignore things that I get annoyed, George North tackling Nowell in mid-air was a good example, it was like the 3rd replay before anyone mentioned it, yet the falatau one which was a lot more dubious got instant support from everyone.

It annoys me because if you spend time around other rugby supporters (particularly the Welsh and Scottish) they'll always talk about how hard done by they are and how arrogant the English are but the reality is that hasn't been the case for years, it's pretty much the exact opposite now.

[Jon Crofts]

Brian Moore has toned it down a fair bit since qualifying as a referee to be fair.

[PaulWinch again]

Criticising poor play is fine, it's when commentators ignore things that I get annoyed, George North tackling Nowell in mid-air was a good example, it was like the 3rd replay before anyone mentioned it, yet the falatau one which was a lot more dubious got instant support from everyone.

It annoys me because if you spend time around other rugby supporters (particularly the Welsh and Scottish) they'll always talk about how hard done by they are and how arrogant the English are but the reality is that hasn't been the case for years, it's pretty much the exact opposite now.

I agree the Nowell incident was so strange, I was instantly infuriated but the lack of comment towards it made me think that I had got something wrong.

[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.

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.

Looks like we'll see what impact Manu can have off the bench at the weekend, him in for Goode is the only change to the 23, I'm very happy with that, Lancaster had clearly lost faith in Goode with him not getting off the bench 2 games running, I hope that's the last we see of him in the England squad, very good club player but too slow and too weak in the tackle to be an international fullback.

[nigel]

For once I'm pleased that our game was put back to 5:30.

Down the British Oak for England, 12:30 ko.
Get home in plenty of time for a quick snack before setting off to Villa Park.
Perfect, just perfect 

[PaulWinch again]

Manu being on the bench is a great improvement on Goode.

[paul_e]

Brilliant from Burrell and Brown again, great try.

[paul_e]

Started a bit too expansive trying to play it wide without earning the right but after the first try we've looked dominant.  We've ran them all over the pitch and got them looking tired already, with Dickson, Ford and Manu on the bench we can put on a huge score from here.  It's a shame our forward options on the bench aren't as good as they have been, If we had Marler and Billy V fit we'd have massive impact in the forwards as well.