Hughes had a good game and we barely missed Vunipola. Clearly different players though as Hughes is less direct and would often drift sideways and ran out of pitch, which created some issues. Hughes is quicker though and I'd imagine covers more of the pitch.The simple fact that we were missing Vunipola, Haskell and Itoje from the forwards and matched them is pretty incredible.Add Watson and Daly (Tuilagi possibly) from the backs and there another 10-15 points potentially missing. Finally, the best bit, is that most of stand out performances are coming from the younger players and often with replacements coming through. They will be a better team by the time the world cup comes around.
Quote from: Dante Lavelli on December 04, 2016, 08:23:47 AMHughes had a good game and we barely missed Vunipola. Clearly different players though as Hughes is less direct and would often drift sideways and ran out of pitch, which created some issues. Hughes is quicker though and I'd imagine covers more of the pitch.The simple fact that we were missing Vunipola, Haskell and Itoje from the forwards and matched them is pretty incredible.Add Watson and Daly (Tuilagi possibly) from the backs and there another 10-15 points potentially missing. Finally, the best bit, is that most of stand out performances are coming from the younger players and often with replacements coming through. They will be a better team by the time the world cup comes around. Agree with that summary, Dante.Although, I find it hard to see where Tuilagi could fit in to the way we're playing at the moment.
Started watching the French Super 14 on Sky Mix, it's easy to see why the French national team are struggling. The last game I saw was Toulon v Bordeaux, I think you'd have had a job sorting a French XV from the two teams.
Just to put it out there, Gatland, Farrell, Howley and Borthwick is a fucking ridiculous coaching team. How Farrell is anywhere near a backs coach job after the abomination he was involved in at the world cup is beyond me. The only one of the 4 who deserves the job is Borthwick.
I'd give Gatland the benefit of the doubt.Borthwick, certainly.The other two, unbelievable. I'm just pleased Eddie wasn't asked. He can concentrate on England.