Rugby Union 2013-14

[taylorsworkrate]

Difference is that when we were in control for the first 40, we scored one try. When they were in control for 20 minutes in the second half they scored 3 tries.

Their first try was crucial. Twelvetrees has to shoulder the blame for a ridiculous offload when we were in a great attacking position.

[paul_e]

Twelvetrees was very poor, Farrell was nearly as bad. We got nothing out wide which completely nullified the decision to put Manu out there. Up front Parling had an awful 2nd half.  To go a bit "broken record" early 2nd half we needed our 7 to do what the best do and slow down play. For all his qualities Robshaw can't be that player and we were dominated.

I don't think the ref was that bad, the 2-3 forward passes were borderline and it was a clear yellow. The only one that really disappointed me was the blatant truck and trailer line out drive before their 2nd.

I think Care starting with Youngs on the bench was wrong as well, they're too similar, Dickson on the bench would've been better.

[taylorsworkrate]

Yeah I'd like to see Burrell and Tuilagi as the centres for next week, with Ashton on the wing. Lawes, Hartley and Vunipola all to come in from the start aswell.

[lovejoy]

As I said before the game, Manu is not a winger. Johnny May would have scored that just before half time, also he has the turning circle of the Arc Royal.

[PaulWinch again]

Twelvetrees cost us that game for me, he consisently missed passes and it was his fault we conceded the try that turned the game. Ashton should be on the wing as well.

[PaulWinch again]

Yeah I'd like to see Burrell and Tuilagi as the centres for next week, with Ashton on the wing. Lawes, Hartley and Vunipola all to come in from the start aswell.

I agree.

[PaulWinch again]

We went to sleep for 20 mins of the second half and it wasn't good enough.

[PaulWinch again]

I do think we need to get Ashton into the team on the wing though and Tuilagi back in the centres next to Burrell. Also Billy, Lawes and Hartley should start. However we're all disappointed that we've lost by 1 point in NZ and that sums up how far we've come.

[Dave Summers]

Gutted we have lost both tests, we are so close to beating them it's really irritating.  Annoyed beyond belief that Lancaster changed the most exciting centre partnership I have seen for England last week for the numbnuts that is Twelvetrees.  I feel sorry for Burrell as he missed the first test through no fault of his own, but please let's go back to Eastmond and Tuilagi in the centres for Hamilton.

Lawes, Hartley and Billy in for Parling, Webber (who has done very well incidentally) and Morgan.  Would have Attwood off the bench to add ballast and leave Parling out on this occasion.  Again Parling has done very well, at least for a test and a half.  Ashton, May or Watson should be playing on the right wing.

Feel these two weeks have been a missed opportunity and we really want to be coming home with one win next Saturday as well as the Crusaders game on Tuesday.

[PaulWinch again]

I think overall it's been a really positive tour so far, we've had players step up and show they can compete. We now need to play our strongest side next week and there will be tough decisions.

[paul_e]

I think overall it's been a really positive tour so far, we've had players step up and show they can compete. We now need to play our strongest side next week and there will be tough decisions.

See I think it's only positive if we went with the belief that 1 win over there would be a good return.  I don't think that was the case, I think we went knowing we could win if we played well, but both games so far we've let ourselves down with the basics and by making a couple of really silly selection decisions.

[PaulWinch again]

I don't mind so much provided those mistakes are learned from.

[nigel]

As I said before the game, Manu is not a winger. Johnny May would have scored that just before half time, also he has the turning circle of the Arc Royal.

I agree that Manu is not a winger and Johnny May would, probably, have scored that particular chance. But, for me, J M hasn't filled me with confidence for being an international winger. Not just yet.

[PaulWinch again]

Farrell is out, so Burns will get a chance in the final Test I imagine.

[paul_e]

You'd think so. Cipriani and Dickson both went off early in the crusaders game so I think they're both in with a good chance of making the bench, with Care also struggling.  Watson got his debut and scored a 40 yard break which is exactly what I was hoping would happen, very talented kid.