International Rugby

[AV84]

Hon Portugal!

[paul_e]

I really hope they can hold on for this, they've been easily the best side from what I've seen.

[AV84]

Boo!

[paul_e]

I'd love a replay of where the ball crossed the line, the Portugal players were convinced it went over the tryline first. Silly penalty that led to it though, that's the inexperience that hurts smaller nations.

[AV84]

Oh Portugal ☹️ what a time to be sensible at the end there choosing to kick.

[paul_e]

Awww, what a shame for the kicker, he never looked confidant of that one.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Gutted. Lots of positives to take from the game but right now it feels like a defeat. God knows what would have happened here if Guedes had scored with the final kick. Oh well, they gave it a right go and it's a very young team. The experience will no doubt help in the future. The important thing is as a sport rugby continues to grow down here.

[PaulWinch again]

Farrell and Smith are linking nicely.

[paul_e]

Accounting for the clear "it's only Chile" this has still been much better from England, mostly because Smith and Arundell are looking for the line rather than worrying about territory. Dan has been good as well, he just looks like a modern hooker in a way that George just doesn't.

[Gareth]

Have enjoyed this England performance, shame they will go back to the usual dirge and then boot it away next game

[PaulWinch again]

Smith, Farrell and Arundell all did great in the backs.

[PaulWinch again]

Is Arundell unselectable for England after the World Cup?

[AV84]

Is Arundell unselectable for England after the World Cup?

I think so, yeah. The rule was only relaxed for the teams that folded, and presumably only for the WC.

[PaulWinch again]

That’s a blow.

I know it’s only Chile, but some comments I’ve seen basically still having a go at England are a bit ridiculous. I think you can acknowledge they’ve done quite nicely for 5 out of 6 halves this World Cup and also understand there are much sterner tests to come which will ultimately prove whether we are progressing or not.

[AV84]

I dunno, I think England could make it all the way to the SF or Final without having to beat an actual good team, so it's very difficult to judge anything. But they're winning, regardless, which is what matters.