The Rugby Thread

[Irishnev]

Scotland really turning the screw - v impressive ruck speed and making yards off every carry

[Irishnev]

Game on - Scotland look really really good

[Irishnev]

Last min try for France - that’s the game

[Buzzo]

What a match.

We had France on the ropes second half but their defence was outstanding. We just have ourselves too much to do. That over thrown line out on half way when we were within 4 was a killer…

Both definite red cards, but the second one, given the game situation was absolutely mental. Feels frustrating that the best Scotland team in the modern era occurs at the same time as Ireland and France being 1 and 2 in the world.

The last few weeks of the tournament are set up very nicely.

[Irishnev]

What a match.

We had France on the ropes second half but their defence was outstanding. We just have ourselves too much to do. That over thrown line out on half way when we were within 4 was a killer…

Both definite red cards, but the second one, given the game situation was absolutely mental. Feels frustrating that the best Scotland team in the modern era occurs at the same time as Ireland and France being 1 and 2 in the world.

The last few weeks of the tournament are set up very nicely.

So……. it’s obvious but the start killed ye and you lost your heads in that time. Russel is great….. BUT today we wasted a lot of good chances with low percentage plays. If I was a Scottish fan I’d actually feel that was one that got away

Not sure I agree on their defence - they had two turnovers in big moments but you made yards at every phase and their line speed was poor to meet you on the gain line. It’s the first full Scottish game I’ve watched this tournament so it was a real eye opener for me.

I play down every game but deep inside I expect to win and before seeing today I’d have thought we’ll do what we usually do and beat ye up in the tight and set piece. I got an unpleasant surprise at how good lineout, scrum and ruck speed (most impressive) was.

We need the two weeks to get the front line lads back and it’s a genuine 50/50 in Murrayfield. Everyone talking about the WC groups and no mention of ye…… that must be such fuel for you guys come WC

[Buzzo]

Something has clicked within the team since the autumn and things we’ve hinted at on the past we are showing consistently. We have strength and are competitive in all aspects of our game. Doesn’t mean we win - but we compete and you need at least that.

Agree with Finn, was the full box of tricks. I think at times we were forcing it a bit as they were ahead on the scoreboard. But the second half was really impressive. A couple of members of poor execution cost us really. We have good centres now (and options) but Jones and Tiopolotu are an exciting paring.

Win lose or draw, I love watching this team. We play great Rugby. I’d say this is the best version of the team we’ve been building for about 5 years.

It will be a classic eat Murrayfield, that mush is guaranteed and I’d have you as favourites because of your form, you being World Number 1 and you guys going for a Slam. But we will give you a hell of a game.

The players you have returning are crucial imo. They will make a massive difference.

[Irishnev]

Something has clicked within the team since the autumn and things we’ve hinted at on the past we are showing consistently. We have strength and are competitive in all aspects of our game. Doesn’t mean we win - but we compete and you need at least that.

Agree with Finn, was the full box of tricks. I think at times we were forcing it a bit as they were ahead on the scoreboard. But the second half was really impressive. A couple of members of poor execution cost us really. We have good centres now (and options) but Jones and Tiopolotu are an exciting paring.

Win lose or draw, I love watching this team. We play great Rugby. I’d say this is the best version of the team we’ve been building for about 5 years.

It will be a classic eat Murrayfield, that mush is guaranteed and I’d have you as favourites because of your form, you being World Number 1 and you guys going for a Slam. But we will give you a hell of a game.

The players you have returning are crucial imo. They will make a massive difference.

We could have Furlong, Sheehan, Gibson Park, Sexton, Henshaw and Ringrose all back….. depends on match fitness etc. What it gives us at a minimum is a v strong bench

[Irishnev]

I wonder if he can declare for Ireland now

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[Buzzo]

He is going to be the new Danny Cipriani isnt he?

[Irishnev]

He is going to be the new Danny Cipriani isnt he?

He looks more rounded than Cipriani tbh

On another note - listening to a lot of podcasts post game. Scotland the real deal according to everyone worth listening to over here - a lot of apprehension about the game. Injuries now a real issue that you are set up to exploit - particularly in the centre. We’ve no 13 fit right now

[Buzzo]

I mean in terms of him not getting a game. He’s ****ing brilliant imo.

I’d also argue that England played there best Rugby vs us with Smith at 10. Having him and Farrell is the Rugby version of Gerrard Lampard. The way Rugby is moving, I’d pick Smith every time.

Yeah we are getting a lot of plaudits… but we lost. And we could easily lost to you lot. Meaning we could have an amazing tournament and still just get 3 (assuming we can beat the Italians) wins.

Us being the best we’ve been coinciding with the best Irish and French teams in generations is a real sickener. Nice that people are recognising the fruition of a sustained period of growth though, not being viewed as plucky underdogs is a new challenge for us.

[Irishnev]

I mean in terms of him not getting a game. He’s ****ing brilliant imo.

I’d also argue that England played there best Rugby vs us with Smith at 10. Having him and Farrell is the Rugby version of Gerrard Lampard. The way Rugby is moving, I’d pick Smith every time.

Yeah we are getting a lot of plaudits… but we lost. And we could easily lost to you lot. Meaning we could have an amazing tournament and still just get 3 (assuming we can beat the Italians) wins.

Us being the best we’ve been coinciding with the best Irish and French teams in generations is a real sickener. Nice that people are recognising the fruition of a sustained period of growth though, not being viewed as plucky underdogs is a new challenge for us.

As you know all these things go in cycles, while the game is speeding up now at some point it might change again. England will always have physicality and if they focus on their core basics of set piece dominance and a powerful pack then you imagine Smith behind a dominant pack would be the perfect solution. Borthwick likes Ford and tbh I expect a Ford 10 and Farrell 12 way forward for England.

With regards to you guys - you are on the same trajectory we were on. Now it’s all about depth and having the structure in place underneath to feed it. We have the schools system here while facilitates the provinces and central contract structure. The only issue I have is that it is Leinster centric. Also success breeds success - kids see a winning side and they take up rugby as opposed to shinty . The big challenge here is GAA and so many good Gaelic footballers would be excellent rugby players

[Irishnev]

End of the world Buzzo - been told we are skiing next weekend…… shocking poor internet there so will he virtually impossible to stream the rugby

[Buzzo]

Haha, noooooooooo. It feels like it could be a classic as well.

Skiing though

[Irishnev]

Haha, noooooooooo. It feels like it could be a classic as well.

Skiing though

So I am convincing her to go the weekend after for 4 days…… looking good at the moment