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Also french squad 10 tested +ve now. and 4 staff.
Well, that’s not good news. By Thursday they will be struggling to field a team, the decision arguments will then be will the game be forfeited or postponed?
Autumn 6N anyone?
I'd prefer autumn.
Guardian just posted "match in doubt" yes I get the infectious nature but if no more positives between now and Friday then is it any different to having a load of unfortunate injuries?
Obviously I'm just trying to avoid a potential humiliation but playing preferably a U18 scratch french squad.
Its reaching the point where to me it needs to be postponed simply not to devalue the tournament. Much as i want an away win for Scotland I do not want it against a badly weakened team
Lose more front rowers and it'll need to be unopposed scrums.
French will still win 😉
One problem with postponing it is when? We have players in France and England where the clubs will not release them outside of international windows
Next week is a fallow week so some players may be cleared by then?
Yes but All the scots players who play outside of scotland would be unavailable. Russell, Hogg, JGray, Skinner, Bayliss, etc etc. that would be unfair on Scotland
I was under the impression the postponed games would be attempted during the fallow weekends as TimP suggests. Fingers crossed
There were England bubble players not playing at the weekend but Scotland and Welsh Gallagher league players playing.
Makes the bubbles a bit silly. Also those players will be more fatigued.
tjagain
Full Member
One problem with postponing it is when?
IdleJon
My 17 year old daughter who doesn’t watch rugby asked me if there are ‘overrun’ weekends provisionally booked in case of problems with Covid. It’s not ideal but why would they not pencil this in?
From several pages ago. It was bound to happen - why would they not have some contingency planned?
No contingency needed players will be bubbled/follow strict protocols. Everyone will be sensible and safe.
I know.
that would be unfair on Scotland
After what happened during the World Cup and supposedly Scotland planning to appeal the length of Fagerson's ban, I expect Scotland have got their lawyers warming up already.
In retrospect it should go ahead. If strict protocols were followed then spread should have been minimised in the squad.
Scotland would be punished by delays France would not be and given its their squad that have messed up then they should be the ones to suffer.
Or turn the competition off this weekend with no national squad training and restart in autumn with all players available.
There was a similar incident earlier this season Glasgow played Exeter. Glasgow were unhappy at what they regarded as breaches of covid protocols amongst Exeter players and staff some of whom later tested positive. Glasgow players later tested positive they were unable to fulfil a European fixture and forfeited the match 24-0
I https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/glasgow-take-aim-at-exeter-over-covid-19-protocol-breaches/633935
I don't think that it's good for the tournament but can't see any justification for changing the procedure should France be unable to fulfil the fixture this weekend.
Edited
Seemed this past weekend that all England squad players were not back at clubs but other nations were. That would really mess a delay to the competition if English clubs didn't release players to teams, especially are RFU seem to have the clout to have England players off the playing rota.
the PRL extorted the RFU into paying for extended player release but refuse point blank to allow this to other nations even if its written into contracts and the clubs are happy to do so
the RFU do not have the clout hence the massive payments to secure release
So what is going on with Fagerson? Looks like his appeal was heard yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon but I can't see any outcomes
So what is going on with Fagerson? Looks like his appeal was heard yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon but I can’t see any outcomes
They keep breaking their calculators trying to tot up how many weeks to add onto his ban.
Scotland / France game is on ( apparently)
Scotland / France game is on ( apparently)
Excellent!
C’mon Scotland 😀
did anyone see this Nigel Owens opinion on Fagerson/POM
https://twitter.com/s4cchwaraeon/status/1364265291195297795?s=21
Luckily there are subtitles otherwise Anagallis would need to get his welsh knot on.
European cup has been simplified again. A 16 team knockout. same for the minnows cup
I guess it makes some sort of sense
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56184748
France cancel todays training after another player tests positive.
Google translate:
Update on the health situation of #XVdeFrance
Following the RT-PCR tests carried out this Wednesday, February 24 and the appearance of a positive case in the player s' strength, the FFR Medical Committee met this morning and decided to suspend training today.
The whole group is in isolation in accordance with the health protocol. The FFR is closely linked to the Six Nations Committe
Apparently another french player has returned a positive covid test.
Time to call it and award win to Scotland.
They will postpone it,the games have to be played for the TV.Unfortunately for us that means a week outside of the agreed timetable so no international release for anybody in England or France. That will be a sore one for us.
England:
15. Elliot Daly
14. Anthony Watson
13. Henry Slade
12. Owen Farrell
11. Jonny May
10. George Ford
9. Ben Youngs
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Maro Itoje
5. Jonny Hill
6. Mark Wilson
7. Tom Curry
8. Billy Vunipola
FINISHERS
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Ellis Genge
18. Will Stuart )
19. Charlie Ewels
20. George Martin
21. Ben Earl
22. Dan Robson
23. Max Malins
Glad to see Ford at 10 after I watched Squides video, but WTF did Lawes do to get dropped? He was on social media just yesterday saying he was looking to get stuck in to Biggar!
Max Malins, whilst he has potential, are we sure he's ready?
I thought he looked a bit lost last game, he was on at the end.
If they postpone it to next week it will make little differnce to the infection risk and without world rugby ensuring player release it would be a farce. Postponement should be until after the season or next autumn
We'll end up playing full strength France against a second XV Scotland. We'll go from 2nd on the table to 5th in defeat and points difference.
it is postponed..date tba
welsh team for Saturday
Liam Williams; Louis Rees-Zammit, George North, Jonathan Davies, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Kieran Hardy; Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Rhodri Jones, Leon Brown, Cory Hill, James Botham, Gareth Davies, Callum Sheedy, Willis Halaholo
the backs look like an exciting attacking threat, although perhaps a little defensively weak?. little surpised that JD2 got the start as well, given recent injuries / lack of game time? would of preferred to see sheedy start, but guess they've gone with bigs for kicking
perhaps a little defensively weak?.
Who are you concerned about. I don't know much about Zammit but the others are all good defenders, North and JD2 are like brick walls. I don't watch much club so dunno about Adams that much either. He's good isn't he?
I'm not looking forward to this, its going to be bigger scoreline so even more embarrassing than losing to Scotland.
I'm gonna refresh my Irish passport and become a plastic paddy at least they lost with a red card against wales, and against the fantastic French.
Jonathan Davies and Josh Adams included reputation rather than form maybe? Lucky we don't have any proper 12's running at them. I'll be surprised if Navidi lasts long, surely an injury risk?
Equally I'm concerned about Daly vs Rees-Zammit, Daly will be targeted in a foot race with a kick over I feel.
Rees-Zammit, Daly will be targeted in a foot race with a kick over I feel.
Oh God I've just imagined this. Cringe.
Who are you concerned about.
lack of 1/2p covering the space behind / under the high ball. Liam's good, and a more attacking threat than 1/2p, but he also has a tendency to be a little reckless. north's defensive work, although better than it was can also blow a little hot and cold imho. LRZ will get targeted by england, and although i'm not saying he's bad in defence, he's just got a lot to learn so will be a big test. if we let england have as much possession as we did against scotland & ireland, it could be a long afternoon
it could be a long afternoon
Only if England use this new vs Italy shape to vary the attack. Hopefully we've learned our lesson with Scotland in that running at forwards and kicking to Williams & Zammit all afternoon is likely losing strategy.
Having set that, I think England likely have a more settled set piece first 60 mins.
lack of 1/2p covering the space behind / under the high ball. Liam’s good, and a more attacking threat than 1/2p,
Perception is a funny thing, I'm more concerned about Liams attack and forgot about how good 1/2p is. LW is pretty good under high ball when he is switched on.
if we let england have as much possession as we did against scotland & ireland
We lost it within 2 phases almost every time against Scotland.
WTF is Farrell doing at 12? Seeing that selection I have Wales as favourites. He just stops the England attack everytime and kicks the ball away. englands best attacks came in both games when they missed Farrell out
i really rate Loopy Liam - he is a more than competent defensive full back and a great attacker. I wonder tho if he will have a punch up with Farrell?
It is a lot better than having him at 10. TBH that selection is a positive for me.
scotland france now officially postponed to god knows when!
scotland france now officially postponed to god knows when!
i said that an hour ago...keep up!
Jonathan Davies and Josh Adams included reputation rather than form maybe? Lucky we don’t have any proper 12’s running at them. I’ll be surprised if Navidi lasts long, surely an injury risk?
Equally I’m concerned about Daly vs Rees-Zammit, Daly will be targeted in a foot race with a kick over I feel.
There's one point in this that might be valid the rest is plain bobbins.
Oh and Liam is a better fullback in every department than 2021 1/2p who is so far past his best its not funny.
J Davies at 12 or even in the 23 is bizarre given how shit he was in his comeback game for Scarlets.
Adams is a quality winger who has been playing pretty well for Cardiff. Navidi played really well v Ireland for almost the whole game, he may get injured but that's just the way he plays. Oh and Daly may not be as quick as Zammo, few are but he is a proper quick player!himself.
Farrell is going to fancy going low on JD2, he also is upright to try and strip the ball. He was a good player but I think he's been overtaken by the last two seasons. He'll get frustrated and do something silly.
Oh and I have Stage 3 of The Vueltina Astrias on RGT booked in for 4pm Saturday so when England are 20:0 up after 10mins don't post expecting me to respond I'll be watching on catch up.
Shame England picked Ford at ten, I was hoping for a full blown Jones brain fart and see him return Fax to ten!!!
Navidi is probaly my fave Welsh player. He's always stuck in, plays clean and doesn't seem to make any mistakes.
I'm glad to see he's playing, but I do worry he's over-doing it, considering past injuries.
Would be nice to see Halfpenny, as he's a legendary penatly kicker, so that's a shame, but the new guy kicking in the last Welsh game seems to be potentialy just as good. Some nice new blood on the Welsh side.
So Wales’s game plan will be to wind Sinkler up, win a penalty, repeat until yellow card?
Shame England picked Ford at ten, I was hoping for a full blown Jones brain fart and see him return Fax to ten!!!
My main hope for a Wales sneaky win was Farrell playing at 10! Now I’m clinging on to Farrell picking up a red card, although Liam Williams just as likely which you can’t say about 1/2p.
So Wales’s game plan will be to wind Sinkler up, win a penalty, repeat until yellow card?
No, we've already paid for the red card that Farrell will get, but have not factored in the red card that Loopy Liam will inevitably be given.
Ha ha this is so funny, all the partisans think our own teams are going to lose.
So Wales’s game plan will be to wind Sinkler up, win a penalty, repeat until yellow card?
Undoubtedly, it’s one of AWJ’s greatest strengths from what I can see. All team’s seem to try this though. I think Sinckler is far less volatile nowadays, but someone else will get attention even if he doesn’t. All Eddie Jones’ talk of passion and brutality has a tendency to send England players into their games a little hot headed imho, on top of the pressure for them to not only win but win emphatically.
Jonathan Davies moves to 12. What skills does a 12 need compared to a 13? It seems common opinion is he’s been off form for a while, but like 100 cap North he is a big game player, hopefully they’ll both be on song.
So Wales’s game plan will be to wind Sinkler up, win a penalty, repeat until yellow card?
Spoken like a true England fan 😉
Narrow victory for Wales, I think.
Let's go for broke, Farrell and Williams to have a punch up and both get red carded.
Let’s go for broke, Farrell and Williams to have a punch up and both get red carded.
This would be fun, they both look brain dead so could probably take loads of punishment.
I think Sinckler is far less volatile nowadays, but someone else will get attention even if he doesn’t.
True Sinkler has calmed down a lot, was it two years ago he lost the plot? If Genge was starting they'd go after him.
Jonathan Davies moves to 12. What skills does a 12 need compared to a 13?
Davies has been bought in to try and headbut Faz's shoulder at every opportunity.
Welsh midfield has the combined passing ability of Abu Hamzar and Dr Richard Kimble's nemesis.
When williams got carded recently the commentators said something like " I'd ask what he was thinking but I don't think there is anything much going on upstairs"
I’d ask what he was thinking but I don’t think there is anything much going on upstairs”
Have you read "The inner game of tennis", the less you think the better you play.
So Wales’s game plan will be to wind Sinkler up, win a penalty, repeat until yellow card?
Spoken like a true England fan 😉
Err, wrong end of the M4. I’ve never been coy about who I support, I’m just a little less one eyed than our myopic brothers-in-arms, TJ, AA, Krytron.
Wales to strangle the life out of the game and win by less than a score. I might start hiding behind the sofa, sans TJ.
Wales to strangle the life out of the game and win by less than a score
I am hoping so but England could hit form. I expect it will be very tight and error strewn to start with as neither team is playing that well and lacking confidence.
Let’s go for broke, Farrell and Williams to have a punch up and both get red carded
i think your money would be fairly safe on port talbots favourite scaffolder
Sinkler has calmed down now
Why did he miss the first game again?
Why did he miss the first game again?
Shouting at the ref, which is absolutely fine and it was just the blazers being ****s that got him banned. Good god don't start him off again!!
I wonder if AWJ will miss the intimate contact from Joe Marler this year? All those years looking at Marler and thinking he was a bell end and there he is; demonstrating to the whole of the BBC the importance of regular health checks for men. I don't have any skin in this game but let's be clear, I want you both to lose. Ideally with an outbreak of a new variant of Covid called "boil inducing Covid."
Oh and a red card for Wales for a contact please.One-eyed jiffy's commentary on it would be for the ages. "Yes, I know he decapitated him, but for me the player was dropping."
Wales to strangle the life out of the game and win by less than a score. I might start hiding behind the sofa, sans TJ.
I'd be ecstatic with a 3-0 win to Wales. Possibly describing it as the game of the decade.
I must be the only Welsh man confident of a decent win! I'm glad Pivac has picked the team he has.... Adams is gonna be desperate to score, LRZ is a try machine, Sanjay offers more in attack than halfpenny and I'm looking forward to JD and North playing together.... England will have to watch that pair and defend a great pair of wings....can't wait!😊
Let’s go for broke, Farrell and Williams to have a punch up and both get red carded.
Seeing as Scotland have a weekend off now would you like to borrow Ryan Wilson as "fight director / technical consultant"
Well, thats lucky/unlucky. I had in mind that the England v Wales games was Sunday, which fitted in with my 2 x training rides and then beers Sunday afternoon.
Now that I know its on Saturday I can't get all drunk and raucous over an England win* 😉
* although it could work out well on the basis alcohol is a depressant....
Scores? 13-15 England.
Does every red card lead to a hats on meeting? Just watched yendal getting a red which was a bit meh (and definitely highlighted by the aggrieved party in a manner which would have been heavily frowned upon not lon ago).
Scores? 13-15 England.
Wales 18-25 England
Italy 15-15/18 Ireland
Does every red card lead to a hats on meeting?
I think so - they have to decide how long a suspension IIRC
Is it loopy Liam thats known as Sanjay? why?
So a win for Fagerson/Scotland, ban stands but allowed to include the two pro12 games in it which he wouldn't have been playing in.
Is it loopy Liam thats known as Sanjay? why?
Apparently it was because he looked like the Eastenders character - Sanjay. It's tenuous at best.
On a related note I was watching a replay of Wales v England 2005, with Shanklin and Flats commentating. Shanklin ran through the Wales team nicknames. Nearly everyone had something other than the typical English job of adding an er, o, or y to the end of their surname. Wilko, Johno, Backyard, etc.
A selection of the Welsh, Melon, Billy Bonfire, Jughead, Nugget, The Count, and the best was Fish Lips - Dafydd Jones.
I really feel for Scotland, they’ve be given the shitty end of the stick in all this. There is talk now however, of the French government pulling France from the Tournament.
Do Italy have a chance today? About 1 in 5 I think, so not too ridiculous to hope for. I’d love to see them win a game sometime soon. So, c’mon Italy.
For me however Wales v England in the 6 Nations is the most exciting game of all. However strong or weak the Wales team is I never see us as favourites, nor truly without hope. So many great games. This has put me even more in the mood:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nQKr90cw8JA
Scots team nicknamnes ( mainly created on a furum I am on but passing into general usage
Ragnar
Rambo
Shrek
Batman
the crayon
Big bad bob
Mish frae the glen or "the mish"
Mbawsa
Frodo ( now retired)
Dancer
Beaker
etc etc
Italy 15-15/18 Ireland
Close call on that game 😂😳. Wales v England could go either way as far as I can tell at the moment, I’ve no idea. Still think England are favourites though.
I hope George North has a good 100th with a try or three.
So tense