Rugby Union (was 2014-15, now an ongoing thread)

[paul_e]

yeah, happy with that, twelvetrees starting was my only concern from the squad so I'm glad he's gone for the more progressive option.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm really hoping that Cipriani can perform in the 6 Nations and force his way into the side/squad.

[Jon Crofts]

Pressure is on Wales to perform Friday, England have done well in backs to the walls encounters, I fancy a much close game than the Welsh think its going to be.

[Proposition Joe]

I always preferred, and still do, Cipriani as a full back.  But anyway. 

Can someone also tell me why England always insist on the stand-off taking penalties?  Even if there is a better kicker at centre or full back?  in the autumn we had Ford on at 10 and Farrell in the centre, but Ford still taking the kicks at goal, despite his goal kicking being inferior (from what I've seen anyway).

[cheltenhamlion]

Pleased they have picked the right partnership at Centre.

[paul_e]

I always preferred, and still do, Cipriani as a full back.  But anyway. 

Can someone also tell me why England always insist on the stand-off taking penalties?  Even if there is a better kicker at centre or full back?  in the autumn we had Ford on at 10 and Farrell in the centre, but Ford still taking the kicks at goal, despite his goal kicking being inferior (from what I've seen anyway).

First one, I disagree completely, If he gets some time at 10 with Burrell at 12 we should see exactly why he's the best attacking 10 in europe, he's so sharp with ball in hand that he draws defenders out of place by a yard or 2 which creates loads of space for his 12 to attack.  It's mainly because he's got really quick hands and can pass superbly off either and he carries in 2 hands so he's pretty much always an instant away from a pass which leaves defenders on edge, and add his burst of pace it's a very dangerous combination.  If he hadn't gone off the rails as a 20 year old he'd be comfortably regarded as the best 10 in the world now.

10 kicking is largely a confidence thing.  At most levels the 10 tends to get the spot because they can kick, which makes it a big part of the game for them, not letting them kick can really damage their game, I fully support it.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm nervous about the game tonight, but quite excited as well. If we had Launchbury, Lawes and Wood I'd be pretty happy with this team. I think that Ford and Cipriani are a great fly half pairing and I'm excited to see what our backline can do. It's just worrying that we might be overpowered by Wales' physical game.

[paul_e]

I'm nervous about the game tonight, but quite excited as well. If we had Launchbury, Lawes and Wood I'd be pretty happy with this team. I think that Ford and Cipriani are a great fly half pairing and I'm excited to see what our backline can do. It's just worrying that we might be overpowered by Wales' physical game.

I'd be happy with Wood and one or the other of the 2nd rows, Attwood is fine, it's Kruis that worries me, he's the only player I'm not happy with in the 15.  I'd have liked to see a genuine 2nd row on the bench but I can understand why they've gone as they have and I think croft might have to look at switching to there if he wants to make squads going forward, he needs to get stronger but with Billy at 8 we can sacrifice a bit of grunt for the extra mobility.

[PaulWinch again]

I like Croft and I think versatility could be a big plus for him, covering a few positions is very useful.

[peter w]

I'm not nervous at all for tonight. The pressure is on Wales not us. Naming their side early only adds that. England were always going to be under strength and always going to be blooding lesser experienced players. Wales naming their side early now makes them have to produce. England have got nothing to lose and can try and play their more expansive game. Lose by 20 and everyone will say it was expected and we'll learn from it. Lose by 10 or less and the plaudits will go to England and questions will be posed of the Welsh. I don't know who will win but I wouldn't be surprised if we did. the back line looks very dynamic and one that will take the game to Wales. If the defend well we'll win because whichever pack we put on show will always be up to the job.

[paul_e]

The key tonight is to get Billy V, Haskell and Robshaw carrying around the fringes early and effectively. However good Wales think their backline is they don't want to leave JJ, Brown, May and Watson with any space or we'll tear them to pieces, if they have to constantly worry about the fringe the spaces will open up for Burrell and Ford and both of them are great at picking lines right through those gaps at pace.

On top of that if things are close at the hour and it comes down to the benches I'd back ours, Brookes, Mako, Youngs, Croft and Cipriani offer some serious dynamism off the bench, they're all great ball carriers, all have good skills and they're all very quick for their respective positions.  If we had Morgan, Manu and Simpson instead of Easter, 12trees and Wigglesworth it would be around about the greatest bench ever assembled, 8 genuine game changers there.

[PaulWinch again]

I support that thinking Peter, but this year is a bit different. England can't afford to lose heavily really and we need to perform.

[PaulWinch again]

The key tonight is to get Billy V, Haskell and Robshaw carrying around the fringes early and effectively. However good Wales think their backline is they don't want to leave JJ, Brown, May and Watson with any space or we'll tear them to pieces, if they have to constantly worry about the fringe the spaces will open up for Burrell and Ford and both of them are great at picking lines right through those gaps at pace.

On top of that if things are close at the hour and it comes down to the benches I'd back ours, Brookes, Mako, Youngs, Croft and Cipriani offer some serious dynamism off the bench, they're all great ball carriers, all have good skills and they're all very quick for their respective positions.  If we had Morgan, Manu and Simpson instead of Easter, 12trees and Wigglesworth it would be around about the greatest bench ever assembled, 8 genuine game changers there.

Yep it's why I'm quite excited. I think through injuries we've actually come across a seriously dynamic backline.

[bertlambshank]

I love the way Welsh are moaning and calling us cheats,bring it on.

[PaulWinch again]

Yet another reason why I'm desperate for us to win. I know we always get labelled this way, but I think the Welsh are comfortably the most arrogant team.