You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
WalesOnline is reporting that World Rugby are appealing the Farrel decision
good. Hope its true
If rugby world are appealing who are they and who made the decision. I don't really get it!
The only voice that thinks it's a "commonsense decision" is Eddie Jones.
Fagerson was banned after a six nation game when he hit a ruck and as he arrived an Irish head popped up. Under the Farrell argument that should not have been a ban. This decision basically undoes years of bans and the potential reeducation of players. The ref in the bunker should be fuming also.
<p style="text-align: left;">An Irish head popped up as Fagerson hit the ruck?? Not how I see it.
It’s also a completely different set of reasons why Farrell’s was over turned.</p>
Ridiculous decision to over turn it though. Farrell should have been given a lengthy ban based on the shoulder to head contact and on past cheap shots. But let’s not compare other cheap shots and say they should also be ok if Farrells was.
The decision to overturn it absolutely stinks. Just shows money talks. I can’t believe the RFU and their lawyers even contested it. Well I can, but it’s disgusting that they did.
To me it’s all about the IRC being scared of the RFU legal team. Player welfare is a secondary concern for both the RFU and the IRC.
(I’m pretty neutral rugby wise, born in England to a Welsh dad and Irish mum, growing up I liked the forward control of England during the amateur era, so I’m no anti English person getting knickers in a twist!)
England fan here - It doesn't sit well that Farrell got off with that and I'm actually glad World Rugby are appealing it.
The panel decision was made by an independent board commissioned by six nations rugby, which is why world rugby can appeal, I think.
It was a bad tackle that didn't look good in the stadium, once we saw the replay everyone around us thought it could have been a straight red. Even my rugby league loving GF who knows sweet FA about Union rules went 'that's a red' on seeing the replay.
If the appeal works i can't see any mitigating circumstances and Farrell will be out well into the tournament
The question is who would replace him in the squad?
I would have kept Liam and Wainwright wrapped in cotton wool!
@anagallis_arvensis Liam Williams was the best player on the pitch at Twickenham - I' wouldn't let that f***er near a rugby pitch until the tournament starts.
Liam Williams was the best player on the pitch at Twickenham – I’ wouldn’t let that f***er near a rugby pitch until the tournament starts.
Indeed and with Faletau still injured Wainwright is the only option that can do a passable impersonation of an 8.
I can’t believe the RFU and their lawyers even contested it.
If the shoulder doesn't dip, you must acquit.
If rugby world are appealing who are they and who made the decision.
AA as far as I know the disciplinary committee was under six nations authority because both teams are six nations members.
Is that the sound of the shit hitting the fan at Twickers?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66531764
England: Steward; Watson, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Ford, Youngs; Genge, George, Stuart, Itoje, Ribbans, Lawes (capt), Earl, B Vunipola.
Replacements: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Chessum, Willis, Care, Smith, Lawrence
Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Byrne, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Beirne, Ryan, O'Mahony, van der Flier, Prendergast.
Replacements: Herring, Loughman, Bealham, McCarthy, Doris, Murray, Crowley, Earls.
England fan here - Farrell is fast becoming a liability & an increasing danger to others. I'm appalled that he's been let off - hopefully the appeal will result in a reinstatement of the ban.
The only voice that thinks it’s a “commonsense decision” is Eddie Jones.
And Sean Edwards
With the Wales v England games being pretty poor and pretty close, what do we expect from Ireland v England this weekend? Ireland should win by 15 to 25 pts.
If Wales lose by less than 15pts I think I'll be fairly content.
Scotland need to not get any injuries to their key players! 🤞🤞🤞
Edit: I hadn't realised that Scotland v Georgia is the following weekend.
And his dad, although he does seem to be saying don't ask me I'm his dad so.....
@w00dster completely different situations but they are saying that there was a dynamic change. So movement from the victim which made the tackle more dangerous. Anyway it's a farce.
Farrell needs to go for a sit on the naughty step. It's dragging the side down making him the king pin of the playbook it's his kicking game that's keeping him around I'm sure.
That looks very like England first XV if Farrell is not available
. Wrong Predergast.
Liam and Biggar removed from Wales team. Cai Evans and Costello bought in. Will be lucky if Wales can keep in under a 30pt thumping imo.
Wrong Predergast
Looks good to me. He's a six who can also play 5 or 7.
Great wc squad option if it works out that he can cover 8 too .
Younger P will be there next time.
Should be a good match. Englands size always makes possession tough.
Ireland were ok v Italy but could improve attack.
Can someone explain why there are so many warm up games? Do people really need them?
It's cost France dearly. Losing Ntamack is a massive blow.
Another thing - suspensions should be from competitive matches not just meaningless friendlies. I'm surprised that England didn't just organise an extra fixture that Farrell couldn't play in so he'd be available for Argentina. Or maybe they will if WR loses the appeal.
Looks good to me. He’s a six who can also play 5 or 7.
What I meant before editing was I thought it was Sam Predergast who I'd love to see get a full cap. Great player in the under 20's. I'm sure Cian will give a good account of himself.
Arse, can’t access Prime Video where I am, please keep the commentary running!
Anyone give Wales or England any chance?
Welsh scrum going backwards at a rate of knots...
I think "Joy" needs a new job. She replayed that 27 times and still got it wrong.
Wrong decision I reckon. Looks like it hits green hand not red chest but it's already gone through greens hands long before red gets there.
Er, but i doubt it's gonna make a huge difference in this game
Riding the Rebellion Way with my son, at a campsite. Can't watch the game 😀😀. Anyway blah blah blah I'm not listening Wales are great!
😭😭😭😭😭 stop the game now!!!!
Oh dear.....half century on the way
Century at this rate 😱
Oof. Only saw the second half but SA look very powerful (again!).
Wales creamed ..... As England probably would have been also.
Rusty Ireland pumping ponderous England
Well, at least Billy V has done something in this game now
Does this new system mean the onfield ref never has to make a red card decision again?
That seemed an obvious red to me
England keeping their lawyer busy.
I think they've generally played a lot more fluidly today.
Two good tries from Ireland (so far).
That seemed an obvious red to me
Clear red to me too. I know they want to keep things moving with the reviews, but I get the impression the refs also like not having to get grief from the player receiving the red card - so go yellow & review.
England could hardly be worse than last week - more coherent this week but still ponderous and not really threatening anything
I think they’ve generally played a lot more fluidly today.
I'd hate to see them when they're shit 🙄
... on the he red card. Yes definitely
I don't have a problem with giving yellow under review even in pretty obvious cases - keeps the game moving.
Also, is there a way to downgrade a red under a review - if not then I can't see refs giving many straight reds
Ireland - efficient but not inspiring
refs also like not having to get grief from the player
When has that ever happened?
It’s more about wanting the decision to be correct and not wasting going over replays while the game could be going on.
I know someone getting a red shouldn't be "exciting" as such, but to me it takes away some of the drama.....you have the crowd "baying for blood", and you get an insipid "oh we'll think about it and let you know in ten minutes"
When has that ever happened?
It’s more about wanting the decision to be correct and not wasting going over replays while the game could be going on.
Yes, you're right - but, if not from the players, I can feel the pressure of the crowd and the millions of TV viewers, as the countless replays are made whilst a decision is made. Maybe the refs are less wussy than me 😃
Youngs. For the love of God can someone explain to me why he is still playing for England?
Youngs and Care - why have no other scrum halves had a look-in for the last 15yrs? Care, despite his experience, doesn't seeem to know where the touchline is.
It's under your foot, Danny...
Billy should be fine, Porter clearly changed direction while running earlier in the game.
England players over-celebrating irelands wonky line out throw again during todays game. What’s that all about? It’s like Ben Earls managed to put a hex on the Ireland hooker and he’s celebrating his own success in doing that.
Byrne non too impressive with those bananas he was wearing. Friend who knows more than me said Ireland were content to just go through some plays. I'd imagine South Africa won't be too nervous.
I’d imagine South Africa won’t be too nervous.
Oh,I don’t know; Ireland play at a pace that teams struggle to match and keep their shape against. If Ireland can get parity in the scrum the Saffers are in trouble.
There doesn't half look to be a gulf between the top 4 sides and the rest. Scotland the best of the rest.
Yep. This should be NZ, France, SA and Ireland contesting the final.
Hints from Borthwick in the press that Wigglesworth isn’t doing his job properly, so already the politics and cracks are starting to show for England, and the tournament hasn’t started yet. This has all the hallmarks of the Andy Farrell-gate era with fractured coaches and player performance leading to a post RWC meltdown. In some ways I hope it does, I think the whole England setup needs disbanding and re-forming right now for RWC2027.
Weird they've named a squad of 32
Wales squad picked by Gatland looks like progress since he returned. We have youth, pace and power...if he can just teach them to play rugby in the next few weeks we may escape the group!!
Israel Folou not named by Tonga as he is injured. Such a shame!
Aw, that's too bad. Still, it must be God's will.
Four match ban for Farrell....
Probably should be 6 given his record but certainly better than getting off scot free which was the original verdict!
See it is backdated to include Ireland game also!
Still don't understand the ban should be the standard six weeks no mitigation and no admission of foul play.
That means Billy must be two weeks for a pretty bad hit.
Finally reached a viable conclusion. Bet World Rugby are praying nobody gets carded this weeekend coming.
Personally feel the ban should have been longer given the multitude of factors. Struggle with the remorse aspect given he/england squad went in to argue case to have it downgraded at the original hearing ie not a full admission of guilt. Good charcater given his previous ban for this same issue earlier his year also smells a bit.
Still leaves taste in the mouth suggesting Farrell gets treated differently which is why he hasn’t been carded and banned for this issue before now. I’m sure that led to a lot of the social media backlash
However given the clear sign from World Rugby with the bans to Sexton ( oh look just in time to play in WC) and even Fagerson maybe that’s more of a Tier 1 thing.
Anyway. Done now and time to draw a line under it and move forward to what should be a great World Cup.
should be a great World Cup.
Or "could" be a great RWC.
The likelihood is that we'll probably spend more time watching the officials watching TV, discussing tackle height & mitigating circumstances or crossing our fingers hoping that the decent, competitive game we're watching doesn't get suddenly reduced to a farce by red card lottery.
The draw has totally spoiled it. with 3 of the top five teams in the world knocking lumps out of each other to get out of the pool while in the lower half of the draw the highest ranked team is 7th in the world with a far easier path to the semis
there should be some good matches for sure but this has wrecked it
Not just a winge as a Scots fan - its also spoiled it for NZ France and Ireland and SA
Should be an interesting WC. I expect to see a couple of surprise 1/4 finalists and maybe even a surprise 1/2 finalist.
Hell, Wales could make the final. Or lose 3 of their group games. I don't think there will be a middle ground.
I was watching some YouTube analysis of the England team yesterday. The basic conclusion is that they are either deliberately hiding and confusing their playing style, or the team structure is of the monumental **** up of the Brian Ashton/player mutiny days.
Most bets are on the latter. https://theflanker.co.uk/all/brian-ashton-2007-world-cup
On another note, Steward very lucky not to be cited for the tackle on Ringrose - high and around the neck. Watch it again.
There was definitely an element of either not playing your full team against the big boys or some strange tactics when Borthwick was HC at Tigers, but I'm not convinced this is the only factor here as the first half of last season before he took the England job we (Tigers) were just shite!
I'm hoping that they are holding something back but I don't have any real confidence that Eng will get past the 1/4ers....
As for the bans for Farrell and Vunipola, it seems that most people (Inc Eng fans) think they have both got off lightly, Farrell espescially, considering he took the tackle course not that long ago!
The draw has totally spoiled it. with 3 of the top five teams in the world knocking lumps out of each other to get out of the pool
On the flip side - it means some decent games to watch in the pool stages and the guarantee of two cracking lineups for the ¼ finals.
Thats true I guess 🙂
I have a bit of sympathy for Scotland. They've finally put a good side together and have played some decent rugby the last few years but now they have to get through Ireland & SA only to be rewarded with a ¼ final against France or NZ!
Scotland team v Georgia. I would have used a lot more cotton wool.
15. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) 5 caps
14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby) 35 caps
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 38 caps
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 18 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 30 caps
10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby) – Vice-Captain – 71 caps
9. Ben White (Toulon) 15 caps
1. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 31 caps
2. Dave Cherry (Edinburgh Rugby) 9 caps
3. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 55 caps
4. Sam Skinner (Edinburgh Rugby) 27 caps
5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) - Vice-captain - 64 caps
6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) - Captain - 42 caps
7. Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) 10 caps
8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps
Replacements
16. Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby) 8 caps
17. Rory Sutherland (unattached) 25 caps
18. Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh Rugby) 5 caps
19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 28 caps
20. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 35 caps
21. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 22 caps
22. Ben Healy (Edinburgh Rugby) 2 caps
23. Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby) 43 caps
The draw has totally spoiled it. with 3 of the top five teams in the world knocking lumps out of each other to get out of the pool while in the lower half of the draw the highest ranked team is 7th in the world with a far easier path to the semis
Totally spoiled it? Surely not.
The draw was done fairly early, too early some might say. But, even if it was left as late as January, England were 5th whilst Scotland were 7th. The current top 5 teams play each other in the earlier rounds I believe, but that is in large part down to the luck of the draw - pools B & C could have swapped for example, giving a very different outlook. To focus too much on the unfairness of the draw will put teams in the wrong frame of mind imho, forget about it and focus on each game as it comes.
I would have used a lot more cotton wool.
Indeed, pray no-one gets an injury, nor a red card.
Totally spoiled it? Surely not.
yes - the bottom half of the draw do not meet a top team until the semis. France, NZ, SA Ireland will have played another top team twice or three times by then and will have the injuries and exhaustion that entails.
its totally unbalanced and means we will not see all the best teams progress
I watched the England match yesterday looking out for the Billy head shot and to be honest there were a lot of shoulder tackles with no wrap.
Wales could easily lose to Fiji or even Georgia, that would be very disappointing, but the World Cup as a whole will still be great to watch.
Cannae wait 😃
Watson out of the World Cup squad with calf injury, not sure it makes a massive difference, great player but doesn't see much ball at the moment.
Dan Sheehan's injury for Ireland potentially a bigger issue, looks like he could miss group stages, Kellher is still injured, Rob Herring is a good solid alternative but doesn't have Sheehan's X Factor!
its totally unbalanced and means we will not see all the best teams progress
It isn't good I'll agree but it was a totally transparent process.