International Rugby

[cheltenhamlion]

Wyn Jones is a workhorse but that is really all he offers. He wouldn't get in the England squad.

[Dante Lavelli]

It might be that Gatland wants an inside man as his captain, someone he knows and has faith will completely buy into his management.  When trying to assimilate a group of people quickly it makes sense to appoint a deputy who is already on the same page. 

The sum of the parts being greater than...

[paul_e]

It might be that Gatland wants an inside man as his captain, someone he knows and has faith will completely buy into his management.  When trying to assimilate a group of people quickly it makes sense to appoint a deputy who is already on the same page. 

The sum of the parts being greater than...

I totally get that but if that's the case pick Warburton.  He's not the best 7 we have but he's not far off and picking him doesn't look 'wrong'.  AWJ ahead of Itoje, etc is just wrong, you're weakening the team significantly in that case.  Of course this may just be a rumour.  For what it's worth Farrell would be my captain because he's the only person who is guaranteed to play who has the experience and leadership needed for it.  Hartley would be better but Gatland won't pick him.

[cheltenhamlion]

The four Locks we can pick from are better than anything the rest can put out on the field. Starting AWJ would be mental.

[paul_e]

The four Locks we can pick from are better than anything the rest can put out on the field. Starting AWJ would be mental.

If he takes a 40-45 man squad you're looking at 5-6 locks. For me the 4 english boys and richie grey are the 5 and awj is competing with toner to make the squad.

[Rotterdam]

Does anyone know when the dates for next 6 Nations are out?
Some fellas from work and I fancy Rome for the Italy v England match.

[Jon Crofts]

Does anyone know when the dates for next 6 Nations are out?
Some fellas from work and I fancy Rome for the Italy v England match.

Best you start saving up now. We went about 5 years ago, flights were eye wateringly expensive that weekend as were hotels. Organised trips cost the same as a reasonable package holiday to Morocco for a fortnight.

[AV82EC]

Can't you get to Rome on the train in one day? You need to leave on the first train from St Pancras but can be in Rome that night, I'm sure if you book it far in advance you'll be able to get some decent prices.

[Dante Lavelli]

Does anyone know when the dates for next 6 Nations are out?
Some fellas from work and I fancy Rome for the Italy v England match.

Best you start saving up now. We went about 5 years ago, flights were eye wateringly expensive that weekend as were hotels. Organised trips cost the same as a reasonable package holiday to Morocco for a fortnight.

I looked a few years ago too and experience the same, however I put that down to it being a weekend close to valentines day.  Can a rugby match with 20,000 English supporters influence the price that much?

[Jon Crofts]

Does anyone know when the dates for next 6 Nations are out?
Some fellas from work and I fancy Rome for the Italy v England match.

Best you start saving up now. We went about 5 years ago, flights were eye wateringly expensive that weekend as were hotels. Organised trips cost the same as a reasonable package holiday to Morocco for a fortnight.

I looked a few years ago too and experience the same, however I put that down to it being a weekend close to valentines day.  Can a rugby match with 20,000 English supporters influence the price that much?

20,000?  I think when we went the RFU allocation was about 6000.

[Rotterdam]

Thanks. I'll keep an eye out.

[nigel]

Quote paul-e
On the subject of the lions, it's looking increasingly likely that Wyn-Jones as captain is the worst kept secret in NH rugby.  My issue with that is how do you justify him making the 23 ahead of Itoje, Launchbury, Lawes and Richie Grey (and very possibly Kruis and Devin Toner as well)?
[/quote]
...

I think Jonny Grey could be added to that list, Paul. He's having a really good 6 nations, too

*bit of a quote fail. Tried to shrink a long thread* 

[Rotterdam]

AJW should, at best, be in the squad.

[paul_e]

Quote paul-e
On the subject of the lions, it's looking increasingly likely that Wyn-Jones as captain is the worst kept secret in NH rugby.  My issue with that is how do you justify him making the 23 ahead of Itoje, Launchbury, Lawes and Richie Grey (and very possibly Kruis and Devin Toner as well)?

...

I think Jonny Grey could be added to that list, Paul. He's having a really good 6 nations, too

*bit of a quote fail. Tried to shrink a long thread* 
[/quote]

indeed, bit inexperienced though was my thinking.

[Jon Crofts]

Haskell in at Flanker, Te'o starts and Mako on the bench.

50 point + margin has to be on the cards.  Looking forward to Sunday and a few Guinness at Twickenham but not to the rail replacement service on the way home.