Plenty of praise for Farrell and Ford as well. When they are that flat I would back us to destroy any opposition.
In years gone by I would expect us to falter when we play Ireland but with Jones in charge I think we will win...He has changed many things but it's the mentality that he really seems to have changed...An incredible self belief that if you stick at it the result will come.
The bench was going to be my other point. We empty ours and win. There isn't a team in the Northern Hemisphere (possibly the world) that can cope with what we bring on with splinters in their arse.On the captain bit Saturday, it wasn't just Hartley. Via the ref mic you could hear our players screaming for discipline at each other long before the ref got involved."Dylan, release""Slow it, slow it, off your feet".And so on.
Billy V and Watson back. Tough on Hughes.
I'd be very surprised to see Billy V come off. I'd rather him be the finisher against a tiring irish side than Hughes. i think Watson for Nowell is a huge statement of intent.
Quote from: peter w on March 16, 2017, 02:27:46 PMI'd be very surprised to see Billy V come off. I'd rather him be the finisher against a tiring irish side than Hughes. i think Watson for Nowell is a huge statement of intent.Billy isn't fit enough for 80 minutes at this level yet, about 55-60 at most. I also think Hughes is better in a more open game because he's a great ball player and has an ability to open holes around the fringes with quick passes and offloads.Watson is in because he's very good under the high ball and Ireland plan their game around an effective kick and chase, the hope is that Watson and Daly carry a few back and make them kick for safety more than to attack us.
Long term I expect that'll be the plan.