The Rugby Thread

[Irishnev]

There has been a lot of talk about the red here - ranging from some saying he meant it to others saying it wasn’t even a penalty. This clearly shows there is still an element of subjectivity in these situations - I can understand why a red was given but I thought it looked harsh

The WC will be totally different with England and Aus dark horses. “Our” side of the draw is a disaster and with Scotland in our pool as well….. at least we’ve two weeks between the SA game and the Scotland game

[Buzzo]

It was definitely a red in terms of the rules as they stand. No attempt to tackle. Blow to head. But in terms of what had actually happened (chasing a knock on) it was harsh.

I definitely dont recall any of this level of debate after the numerous dodgy reds we have received over the years. There is definitely an apologist approach towards England from their press (not saying fanbase but press).

It was refreshing to read in the Guardian that 2 wins and the improvement in 'not being absolutely thrashed by Ireland', was more of a sign of how far England have fallen than anything else.

Gatland is already talking up the Welsh at the WC.

Both teams have 1 dimensional attacks that do not seem to trouble defences that much fixing that in 6 months and 3 warm up games is a challenge... but then the easier run through the group phases is a massive boost to this development.

[Irishnev]

It was definitely a red in terms of the rules as they stand. No attempt to tackle. Blow to head. But in terms of what had actually happened (chasing a knock on) it was harsh.

I definitely dont recall any of this level of debate after the numerous dodgy reds we have received over the years. There is definitely an apologist approach towards England from their press (not saying fanbase but press).

It was refreshing to read in the Guardian that 2 wins and the improvement in 'not being absolutely thrashed by Ireland', was more of a sign of how far England have fallen than anything else.

Gatland is already talking up the Welsh at the WC.

Both teams have 1 dimensional attacks that do not seem to trouble defences that much fixing that in 6 months and 3 warm up games is a challenge... but then the easier run through the group phases is a massive boost to this development.

World Cup is different to the 6 Nations though - it’s knock out rugby so sides will be more careful. I think 3 months in camp over the summer will bring England, Wales and Aus (under Jones) a long way. The top 5 sides are on the other side of the draw and we’ll kick the **** out of each other.

Any side will need luck on the injury front - depth will be huge and SA have the most depth for me. RG Snyman is back playing now - he’d be s massive addition to them as well

[Buzzo]

Didn’t see this coming. One of the best we’ve ever had. He’s dragged the country up from a fairly dark and dismal place.

[ame]https://twitter.com/stuartwhogg_/status/1640330636652101632[/ame]

[Irishnev]

10 Irish and Dupont won player of the championships

[ame="https://twitter.com/sixnationsrugby/status/1641069479298736130"]https://twitter.com/sixnationsrugby/status/1641069479298736130[/ame]

[Buzzo]

Probably fairly similar to your initial team! Hard to argue to be honest. I’d have Finn in ahead of Sexton, but that’s obvious a biased call and I can 100% understand why he is not.

Huwipolotu

[Buzzo]

DuPont is ridiculous. I think he is on track to be the greatest player of all time. He just has everything. He is a joy to watch even as opposition.

[Irishnev]

DuPont is ridiculous. I think he is on track to be the greatest player of all time. He just has everything. He is a joy to watch even as opposition.

Yes and I hate him

[Irishnev]

Munster whooped away to the Sharks

[Buzzo]

You lost at home to Glasgow last week also. 28-0 down at HT before fighting back to make it respectable.

Edinburgh have been ****e this season.

[Irishnev]

You lost at home to Glasgow last week also. 28-0 down at HT before fighting back to make it respectable.

Edinburgh have been ****e this season.

While rugby is flying in Ireland but it is all Leinster centric - they have guys who dont make their bench that’d walk into the Munster team. Those lads are happy to play URC while the internationals are away.

Some talent coming from the school system as well (back to back u-20 grand slams) but we risk them not advancing if they just want to stay in Leinster. In NZ they move guys around the provincial sides - Ireland should do the same

[Irishnev]

Leinster thumped Leicester

[Buzzo]

Toulouse v Leinster in the semis is a mouthwatering tie.

[Buzzo]

In Dublin

[Irishnev]

In Dublin

And so is the final - it’s set up for Leinster if they perform