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Bloody hell Osprey where did that come from?
Borthwick (Head) and Sinfield (defence) to be confirmed as England coaches tomorrow.
Hamish Watson "stood down" from rugby due to a series of head knocks. Toonie doesn't know if he'll be back playing.
That's shite, hope he is ok. The game still needs serious change
Yep. The current red card regime hasn’t really changed behaviour at all. Forwards constantly smashing into rucks and tackle zones head first must add up over time.
I would like to see a total team weight limit for pro rugby. The supersizing of modern players is crazy. You want 2 monster props? That’s fine but you will need to balance that elsewhere in your squad.
WRU are allowing 12 a side games to be played to get the season finished, apparently 200 games cancelled because of lack of players this year. It’s the same up here, my local leagues have lost 2 teams and will lose two more this season. Is this the same in England with its greater population density?
i just think tackling should be belwo the waist. Yellow for waist to nipples, red for above.
Well well Edinburgh,out fought by the Warriors, in the second half. Edinburgh 25- Glasgow 32
Marlee given a two week ban for his latest bout of bellendry he has
also been ordered to give a presentation to a local club or school, and to a Premiership academy, on the core values of the game.
What are these racial abuse? Sexual assault?
I’m not sure about that one AA; remarks like that have gone on for ever. I have never found him or the stuff he spouts especially funny or edgy and his gypsy boy comments were disgusting,although a surprising number on here defended them. His remarks were tasteless; especially as the players Mother was ill, but I don’t like that being sanctioned with a ban.
BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY
West is best…TJ; get it right up you!
WE thought we would be kind and let you win for once - bloody soapdodgers
Given Marler is setting himself up as an advocate for mental health he does himself no favours. If you watch any prem match he's playing in he spends a lot of time niggling folk, pulling them back, blocking, being mouthy. He definitely knows his star is waning and is going to be the player that was good but now is a just a dick.
WE thought we would be kind and let you win for once
On reflection my earlier post should have just said Nah, nah nah nah nah nah ☺️
😉
I’m not sure about that one AA
I know what you mean and kind of agree, he's still a bell end though! It's the punishment that makes him have to give a talk on 'rugby valyes' to kids that strikes me as particularly stupid!
I wouldn't want the **** anywhere near my son spouting that shite...anyway, as I always tell him the best way to annoy aggressive ****s is to laugh at them! I was so proud when earlier this season some kid got up swinging after my boy tackled him and my boy looked confused then asked him if he was ok and if he needed a hug!!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1609152946985385984
What pisses me off here is that uses the red is completely ****ing deaf why is he asking what started it?
It's ok though he managed to apologise in twitter.
Yeah,first time I have heard it and that is piss poor, certainly worth a yellow. For all the folk on the Twitter thread suggesting it’s part of the game,it wasn’t when I played or whistled, especially as you moved up in standard.You would get the odd personal insult, but nothing like that. His previous was taken into account; so why isn’t he in the actual jail?
Anyway, happy new year everybody, I’m off with the roadies for #doddieaid then a dook in the sea my eldest convinced me was a good idea.
Teej; we are visiting Edinburgh for a couple of days this week, is Murrayfield open for a tour? I fancy getting my pic taken with the 1872 cup. It will be in Edinburgh,right?
Yeah,first time I have heard it and that is piss poor, certainly worth a yellow
Had the red just told him to shut it a lot of hassle could have been saved.
Liam Williams returns for Cardiff today, shame LRZ seems out of six nations. Going to be really interesting to see what Garland does with the team. Does he gamble on the likes of Grady and Hawkins as centres in the hope that they can make the grade in time for the world cup? Who backs up Biggar at 10 Owen Williams looks the best bet at the moment which is a massive turn up for the books. At least we can be pretty sure Gatland won't pick 3 7's in the backrow but not sure Tipuric and Jac Morgan will fit in a Gatland backrow, we could see Tipuric on way out.
Dewi Lake is back for Ospreys too, if he can get his lineout chucking sorted he will be a massive boost for Wales.
Ospreys hold on to beat Cardiff.
Some proper punches in the Scarlets Dregs game....Kalamifoni sent off, Moriarty yellow
Any of our Scottish contingent care to comment on the Ben Healy to Scotland story that is in the Irish rugby press. Decent player could be great if he added a bit of running threat to his passing range and huge boot, he is an impressive physical specimen but often doesn't play to his size, he did however when crashing over in the 80th minute to hand Munster a rare win away win Vs Ulster on NYD.
Healy try hands win to Munster
I doubt it. I have not even heard of Healy being a Scotland target, What would he bring that Russell, Hastings, Kinghorn, thompson do not? Same as Cooney. IMO its self promotion
Not heard that either.
To say nothing of what POM would do to him 🙂
Just read up a bit on Healy. Looks like its being discussed that he could play for one of the scots clubs as both could do with another fly half that is not going to be away at internationals. Maybe the carrot of qualifying for scotland has been dangled but I do not see him getting a game for scotland
Seems to have legs, Cooney definitely is self promotion but Healy hasn't said anything publicly, Graham Rowntree a man not known to wild speculation pretty much confirmed their interest. Good luck to him if he goes for it, not like we in Ireland can claim any high moral ground.
Healy confirmed as coming to Edinburgh. That I am fine with. I don't want him parachuted into the Scotland team tho. I am still hoping the idea of a scotland squad place is a carrot dangled to him rather than a firm promise
Healy confirmed as coming to Edinburgh. That I am fine with. I don’t want him parachuted into the Scotland team tho. I am still hoping the idea of a scotland squad place is a carrot dangled to him rather than a firm promise
Is that him in particular or anyone newly arrived and qualifying through Granny rule? Interested as we regularly have the same debate in Ireland about players like Mack Hansen which pretty much disappear if they go on to perform well in International team. Latest debate is about Antoine Frisch or Tony Fresh as he is now being called in Munster.
Its clear that he is coming to Scotland because he can't get a place in the Irish team and wasn't the starter 10 at Munster. If he actually wanted to play for Scotland then this would not be how he went about it. Its obviously his second choice
thats my issue. i want players who commit to the country. WP Nel style not Martin Leslie style
Farrell looking at another citing for shoulder to head. Probably get away with it as he did his usual of "hurting" himself whenever he thinks it's dodgy.
https://twitter.com/btsportrugby/status/1611475671079092224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1611475671079092224%7Ctwgr%5E3fd8ca760c16cfc6196a70c849aabea3c5943b39%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-31024041381668049442.ampproject.net%2F2212151632002%2Fframe.html
Did he not get a red for that? Its as clear as can be. Upright and direct shoulder to head
Nope Karl Dickson said that as phase was over they couldnt look at it. I guess he'll be doing his "how many phases" homework this week.
Edinburgh have just served up a large steaming pile of mince just beating Zebre in the last phase of the game.
Cardiff Scarlets actually been a decent game first half!!
That Farrell tackle is massively out of order as you can see the downward turn of the elbow as he deliberately uses his shoulder. Farrell was being wound up by the crowd all game and we all know he can be a hot-head.
The Saints vs Exeter game is showing the perils of long studs at the moment. Great for not falling over, but not so good for knee/ankle ligaments with a combined 35 stones of rugby player pushing on them whilst the foot is anchored in the turf.
The shed will ee-awr anyone who messes up and especially if you show signs it gets to you.
How did Christ and Jenkins go?
Scarlets beat Cardiff, I have now officially joined the Mason Grady for Wales campaign
It’s tough with the new laws regarding tackling. As a shorter player myself that was one of the ways we would try and knock a larger heavier player backwards….or try to. Both attacker and defender have dipped, defender has then tried to wrap the attacker and drive, the attacking player being about six inches lower than expected gets the shoulder above the permitted height.
I completely get it’s not allowed and should have been a red. I’d put it down to poor skills rather than malicious or the crowd winding him up.
His technique has been poor for ever - thats why he is known as shoulder boy. He hasn't changed his technique so its more than accidental and in that particular one he tucks his arm - definitely deliberate. Its well known that if he gets rattled the red mist descends. its a weakness in his game
he has got away with it much too often.
The funny thing is the Scots fans on the rugby forum are hoping he is not banned for the calcutta match game because we have a better chance of winning when he plays 🙂
Scots fans on the rugby forum are hoping he is not banned for the calcutta match game
His ban will end the day before the six nations starts
perfect result. Undercooked and back in the side 🙂 MInd you Ryan Wilson will not be there to wind him up
Pretty sure that's twice in about a month that Farrell should have been sitting on the naughty step but wasn't and he kicked the winning points in the last few minutes.
RIP David Duckham, always liked watching him playing. Great runner .
Well Farrell must have a good biscuit supplier. The independent committee have managed to wangle the mid range punishment down to 3weeks so he's free for 6N. Exactly the stackle that should be punished. The more you commit them the punishment should go above the mid range punishment.
Or all sorts of things according to the rumour mill. shame its 5 years too late and really who would take him on his CV?
Hundredth; did you really think Farrell would be banned for any of the 6n 😂 England have a shortage of 10’s just now, don’t you know?
Broken system, used to make me angry ten years ago now all you can do is laugh.
Surely Toonie can't be joining the French national set up. Even their self destruct button isn't that big.. and I was a townsend fan till the recent Russell debacles.
It'll be interesting I don't think Farrell can operate in a Nick Evans attacking back line. Sarries and England are very structured
Christ, sounds like a great kid, just wish Exeter would stop playing him at 7.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jan/13/christ-tshiunza-rugby-union-exeter-wales-interview
It’s interesting that England are having a Live on-screen reveal of the 6N squad on Monday. Previously it was social media. I wonder why, does Borthwick have some explaining to do?
What's the betting Booth is saying "you just can't coach that!"
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lVNIIiPuwf0
Tipuric. The best centre never to play in the centre.
Looks like he’s coming back in to some form.
AA - I’m not sure you do coach those skills in an openside. The surprising thing is he keeps running the same line and doesn’t go towards the ball. He is a freak of a player.
Rennie to Scotland?
I hope not
Scotland will never be a top job. That leaves us with either failed coaches or up and coming ambitious ones looking to make their name before they get a top job. I'd rather have the latter
Assuming Townsend moves on are there any candidates that know about Scottish rugby and have international management experience(edit) other than Rennie?
Nope - but why is that a precondition?
I would go for a young coach who has proved themselves at the next tier down either a minor international coach or one with a good record in a high quality league.
If yo limit us to that then its a very short list of candidates. In fact Rennie may be the only one
Eddie Jones becomes Aussie coach!!
Oh balls, WC revenge, earliest we could meet them is in the 1/4.
Interesting!!
England Six Nations squad
Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Jonny Hill, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, George McGuigan, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis.
Backs: Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Dan Kelly, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Ben Youngs.
At last - on form players! Can we also assume Borthwick will play people in their club position? He's enough players to do so, and some exciting talent in the backs for Nick Evans to play with.
Assuming Townsend moves on are there any candidates that know about Scottish rugby and have international management experience(edit) other than Rennie"
Richard Cockerill, if he's dropped by Borthwick. Dragged Edinburgh up from its usual slouched lazy can't-be-arsed self until Jockland ean out of cash. Coached in France. And obvs coaching (though not head coach) with Ingurlund.
Assuming Townsend moves on are there any candidates that know about Scottish rugby and have international management experience(edit) other than Rennie?
Franco Smith is going to be moved into the Scotland job after the WC, I reckon. Glasgow will be given whoever they are given.
I didn't really rate Rennie as a Glasgow coach and I was surprised he got the Australia job. Not surprised he was sacked and also not all that surprised they gave the job to Jones. I just think it's really funny and I'm looking forward to the press going into complete meltdown when Australia knocks England out of the WC.
Because we all know that's what's going to happen, right? 🙂
Cockerill did a good job with Edinburgh but hit his limits. Its a no to him
I don't want a second rate coach . I want someone who is young and ambitious who is well proven but still on the upward path of their career
The general (Franco smith) might be a good call tho - he certainly seems to have done well with the soapdodgers
The general (Franco smith) might be a good call tho – he certainly seems to have done well with the soapdodgers
I can't help but think the Scotland job was dangled (or just flat out promised) before he took the Glasgow job. He seems a bit above the level that the SRU thinks Glasgow deserve.
Richard Cockerill, if he’s dropped by Borthwick
No chance, he was literally offering to fight Embra players while in charge there. Cotter back pretty please.
Not Cockerill please, he hit the buffers at Edinburgh. I wouldn't mind Cotter or Rennie.
Aye Cockers did a lot of good at Edinburgh as by 'eck they were soft when he arrived but it quickly became clear he could take them no further. Not that Blair is exactly looking good right now either.
Its always going to be difficult as the SRU does not have the funds to pay the very best and also that the Scotland job will always be less attractive than the big countries which is why IMO the best coaches we can get will be up and coming ambitious ones looking to make a name for themselves before moving onto a top job
We were really lucky to get Cotter- an exception to that. Best coach we have had in the pro era
But most recently at Fiji, I hope we could compete with them financially.
Can we also assume Borthwick will play people in their club position? He’s enough players to do so, and some exciting talent in the backs for Nick Evans to play with.
It looks like a specialist 6 at 6 for me but will have to see.
Cotter back pretty please.
Cotter for the Scotland job with Franco staying at Glasgow could be an ideal combination.
Not going to happen though. Cotter would be well within his rights to tell the SRU to swivel if they offered him the job.
It looks like a specialist 6 at 6 for me but will have to see.
That’d be novel, I don’t think it’s been a regular feature (for England) since Richard Hill played the position. That’s 20 years ago!
Wales squad
Forwards: Rhys Carre (Cardiff), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Dewi Lake (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets, capt), Bradley Roberts (Dragon), Leon Brown (Dragons), Tomas Francis (Ospreys), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Rhys Davies (Ospreys), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Teddy Williams (Cardiff), Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff), Jac Morgan (Ospreys), Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).
Backs: Kieran Hardy (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Tomos Williams (Cardiff), Dan Biggar (Toulon), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Owen Williams (Ospreys), Mason Grady (Cardiff), Joe Hawkins (Ospreys), George North (Ospreys), Nick Tompkins (Saracens), Keiran Williams (Ospreys), Josh Adams (Cardiff), Alex Cuthbert (Ospreys), Rio Dyer (Dragons), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester), Liam Williams (Cardiff).
Some interesting decisions in this!!! Grady, Tshinza and Jenkins for example. No idea what 1/2p offers but who else is there?
I also see Scotland have had a nibble at Aussie cast offs, like what they taste and are now at England cast offs...... How do supporters feel about this. If Wales were picking ex players of other international teams it wouldn't sit right with me tbh
If Wales were picking ex players of other international teams it wouldn’t sit right with me tbh
If Scotland couldn't find a Scottish coach it wouldn't sit right with me...
I'm going to keep using that one as long as I can 🙂
If Wales were picking ex players of other international teams it wouldn’t sit right with me tbh
It doesn't sit well with me but its not a major issue. Wales have plenty of previous for attracting folk who qualify for more than one country.
Which players are you thinking of?
Which players are you thinking of?
Jack Dempsey 10 (ish) caps for Australia and
Former England wing Ruaridh McConnochie is one of four uncapped players named in Scotland's Six Nations squad.
Bath's McConnochie, 31, appeared at the last World Cup, but earned the second of his two England caps three years ago so is eligible to switch nationalities.
So uncapped apart from his two caps for England.
Seems a step too far to me.
Not bothered about non Welsh coaches, they are not on the pitch.