2023 Six Nations

[dkm57]

Well at least England only have Ireland B next week.

[Tichtheid]

Chris Harris on and nearly gifts them a try.

It's been a humbling second half for Scotland.

I’m not sure humbling is the right word, they were better than us in that second period and they won it two tries to nil

It certainly shows us the kind of level of accuracy that is needed ti be the best side in the world

[Uncle fester]

Well done Ireland. Remarkable ability to absorb all that pressure and suffer all those injuries so early on. Far from the best performance as a result, but a very professional one in the end.

Scotland... will they get a better chance at the Triple Crown? A few players got badly exposed today and they crumbled a fair bit in the 2nd half.

That could be their 2003 moment. They are a good side but just a little short of the attitude required to complete their good work.

[dkm57]

Well done Ireland.

[Jim Lahey]

I'd say Ringers jaw is broken again

I'd say he'd take that if thats the worst he's done. Looked like a concussion, broken jaw and probably a fucked neck all in one.

[GogLais]

Did Hansen call Cian Healey church? How clever. Or I wasn’t paying attention.

[Blackmac]

Was always going to be an interesting weekend to find out where everyone stands.

I’m sorry, I just don’t see Scotland as anywhere bear the same bracket as the top 4. Let’s not beat around the bush, it was an entertaining game but they’ve just had their arses handed to them. Ireland made all the running out wide, through the middle and in the pack. Scotland got done in the scrum and failed to put any pressure on a 7 throwing in to the lineout. VdM was show to be the lump that he is. Russell was kept at bay. Only Huw Jones looked like causing problems.

Ireland didn’t really get out of third gear and have won by 15 away, not looking forward to our trip to Dublin. Italy’s trip to Edinburgh is intriguing.

Much as you were arguing after the England game, who has ever suggested we are top 4. I also think you are talking absolute shite about Ireland not getting out of third gear and I reckon every Irish player would say the same. Suddenly Scotland are a shite side after being the first side to deny them a bonus point even though we didn't play great. That's a really shit post by your standards.

[Big D]

Best of the rest is probably the best we could hope for but it is frustrating to see the same fucking errors.

[JM2K6]

Chris Harris on and nearly gifts them a try.

It's been a humbling second half for Scotland.

I’m not sure humbling is the right word, they were better than us in that second period and they won it two tries to nil

It certainly shows us the kind of level of accuracy that is needed ti be the best side in the world

It was pretty shambolic given the disruption that Ireland went through. The players will be under no illusions about how badly they were outplayed and beaten up at home by a patchwork side in that half.

[Big D]

Well done to Ireland. Another grad slam on the horizon for Ireland for the Irish posters to enjoy.

[JM2K6]

Did Hansen call Cian Healey church? How clever. Or I wasn’t paying attention.

It's his nickname (and his DJ name ) so probably

[Deveron Boy]

Well done Ireland. Remarkable ability to absorb all that pressure and suffer all those injuries so early on. Far from the best performance as a result, but a very professional one in the end.

Scotland... will they get a better chance at the Triple Crown? A few players got badly exposed today and they crumbled a fair bit in the 2nd half.

I think we might see a bigger crumbling in Dublin next Saturday….

[PCPhil]

Well done to Ireland. Another grad slam on the horizon for Ireland for the Irish posters to enjoy.

Any team can win on the day. If we can just have a functional scrum, a working lineout, speed and aggression at the ruck, a clear game plan, backs who can pass, an ability to keep a low penalty count etc…..we can easily beat Ireland.

[Paddington Bear]

Was always going to be an interesting weekend to find out where everyone stands.

I’m sorry, I just don’t see Scotland as anywhere bear the same bracket as the top 4. Let’s not beat around the bush, it was an entertaining game but they’ve just had their arses handed to them. Ireland made all the running out wide, through the middle and in the pack. Scotland got done in the scrum and failed to put any pressure on a 7 throwing in to the lineout. VdM was show to be the lump that he is. Russell was kept at bay. Only Huw Jones looked like causing problems.

Ireland didn’t really get out of third gear and have won by 15 away, not looking forward to our trip to Dublin. Italy’s trip to Edinburgh is intriguing.

Much as you were arguing after the England game, who has ever suggested we are top 4. I also think you are talking absolute shite about Ireland not getting out of third gear and I reckon every Irish player would say the same. Suddenly Scotland are a shite side after being the first side to deny them a bonus point even though we didn't play great. That's a really shit post by your standards.

‘Anywhere near the top 4’. Scotland are firmly in the bracket with Australia, Argentina and our good selves. Capable of good days no doubt. I’m referencing that there’s been a large amount of talk of Scotland pulling *closer* to the top 2 than they are to England/Wales etc, others may disagree but I just don’t see it. I didn’t say shite side - just that was a performance that reflects their position which I think is hard to argue. Likewise my analysis of various parts of the Scotland performance.

Re: Third gear - Sexton was basically walking up and down the pitch, Murray was painful, they didn’t have a hooker and uncharacteristically kept fumbling the ball. They got better as the game went on.

[Tichtheid]

Chris Harris on and nearly gifts them a try.

It's been a humbling second half for Scotland.

I’m not sure humbling is the right word, they were better than us in that second period and they won it two tries to nil

It certainly shows us the kind of level of accuracy that is needed ti be the best side in the world

It was pretty shambolic given the disruption that Ireland went through. The players will be under no illusions about how badly they were outplayed and beaten up at home by a patchwork side in that half.

That doesn’t give enough credit to Ireland, they were very very good in that second half

The truth is that our depth isn’t up to this level, we were short of a few starters and it showed

[JM2K6]

Well done Ireland. Remarkable ability to absorb all that pressure and suffer all those injuries so early on. Far from the best performance as a result, but a very professional one in the end.

Scotland... will they get a better chance at the Triple Crown? A few players got badly exposed today and they crumbled a fair bit in the 2nd half.

I think we might see a bigger crumbling in Dublin next Saturday….

Yes, that seems likely - England got smashed yesterday and their coaching team seems all at sea. Playing an Irish side in Dublin gunning for a Grand Slam is going to be hell on earth.

Not sure what any of that has to do with today's game.

[Blackmac]

Let's face it, the France, Ireland, Scotland games have been an entirely different level than the rest, apart from maybe the Italy-France game.

[Jock42]

Was always going to be an interesting weekend to find out where everyone stands.

I’m sorry, I just don’t see Scotland as anywhere bear the same bracket as the top 4. Let’s not beat around the bush, it was an entertaining game but they’ve just had their arses handed to them. Ireland made all the running out wide, through the middle and in the pack. Scotland got done in the scrum and failed to put any pressure on a 7 throwing in to the lineout. VdM was show to be the lump that he is. Russell was kept at bay. Only Huw Jones looked like causing problems.

Ireland didn’t really get out of third gear and have won by 15 away, not looking forward to our trip to Dublin. Italy’s trip to Edinburgh is intriguing.

That'll be they're 5th, which isn't in the top btw.

Well done Ireland, even with injuries you'll smash England for the GS.

[Big D]

No complaints as its how the scrum is reffed but losing the hooker isn't an issue for the scrums as they don't need to hook and props can push.

Cummings, Gray and Ritchie were a disgrace on defensive line outs but all credit to JVdF on his throwing.

[Blackmac]

Was always going to be an interesting weekend to find out where everyone stands.

I’m sorry, I just don’t see Scotland as anywhere bear the same bracket as the top 4. Let’s not beat around the bush, it was an entertaining game but they’ve just had their arses handed to them. Ireland made all the running out wide, through the middle and in the pack. Scotland got done in the scrum and failed to put any pressure on a 7 throwing in to the lineout. VdM was show to be the lump that he is. Russell was kept at bay. Only Huw Jones looked like causing problems.

Ireland didn’t really get out of third gear and have won by 15 away, not looking forward to our trip to Dublin. Italy’s trip to Edinburgh is intriguing.

Much as you were arguing after the England game, who has ever suggested we are top 4. I also think you are talking absolute shite about Ireland not getting out of third gear and I reckon every Irish player would say the same. Suddenly Scotland are a shite side after being the first side to deny them a bonus point even though we didn't play great. That's a really shit post by your standards.

‘Anywhere near the top 4’. Scotland are firmly in the bracket with Australia, Argentina and our good selves. Capable of good days no doubt. I’m referencing that there’s been a large amount of talk of Scotland pulling *closer* to the top 2 than they are to England/Wales etc, others may disagree but I just don’t see it. I didn’t say shite side - just that was a performance that reflects their position which I think is hard to argue. Likewise my analysis of various parts of the Scotland performance.

Re: Third gear - Sexton was basically walking up and down the pitch, Murray was painful, they didn’t have a hooker and uncharacteristically kept fumbling the ball. They got better as the game went on.

Mate you are just doubling down with your nonsense. Who has been talking about Scotland pulling close to the top two. Also the Irish players and coach have just confirmed how much crap you are talking. Scotland had a ragged 20 minutes in the second half, a couple of key players underperformed and we struggled to cope with the odd situation that developed in the set pieces, but otherwise we stood toe to toe with the best team in the world by a distance which France barely managed.

[JM2K6]

Technique is hugely important for hookers, Healy's a strong guy but it's not something any prop can do without issue.

[Blackmac]

Technique is hugely important for hookers, Healy's a strong guy but it's not something any prop can do without issue.

He didn't need to hook though, not once and good luck finding his brake foot.

[JM2K6]

Technique is hugely important for hookers, Healy's a strong guy but it's not something any prop can do without issue.

He didn't need to hook though, not once and good luck finding his brake foot.

No I know, but angles and binds and how you coordinate with your props is worth something.

On a completely different note, this has been a great 6N... Very few games have been a disappointment

[Blackmac]

Technique is hugely important for hookers, Healy's a strong guy but it's not something any prop can do without issue.

He didn't need to hook though, not once and good luck finding his brake foot.

No I know, but angles and binds and how you coordinate with your props is worth something.

On a completely different note, this has been a great 6N... Very few games have been a disappointment

Agreed, and feel free to pop back into the Scotland thread with your irritating shite.

[Tichtheid]

I thought there was an "interesting photos" thread but I can't find it.

This came up on FB

[Tichtheid]

Bugger, I thought I'd resized that

[JM2K6]

He didn't need to hook though, not once and good luck finding his brake foot.

No I know, but angles and binds and how you coordinate with your props is worth something.

On a completely different note, this has been a great 6N... Very few games have been a disappointment

Agreed, and feel free to pop back into the Scotland thread with your irritating shite.

food has arrived, time to stuff my face while watching The Wire!

[Paddington Bear]

Much as you were arguing after the England game, who has ever suggested we are top 4. I also think you are talking absolute shite about Ireland not getting out of third gear and I reckon every Irish player would say the same. Suddenly Scotland are a shite side after being the first side to deny them a bonus point even though we didn't play great. That's a really shit post by your standards.

‘Anywhere near the top 4’. Scotland are firmly in the bracket with Australia, Argentina and our good selves. Capable of good days no doubt. I’m referencing that there’s been a large amount of talk of Scotland pulling *closer* to the top 2 than they are to England/Wales etc, others may disagree but I just don’t see it. I didn’t say shite side - just that was a performance that reflects their position which I think is hard to argue. Likewise my analysis of various parts of the Scotland performance.

Re: Third gear - Sexton was basically walking up and down the pitch, Murray was painful, they didn’t have a hooker and uncharacteristically kept fumbling the ball. They got better as the game went on.

Mate you are just doubling down with your nonsense. Who has been talking about Scotland pulling close to the top two. Also the Irish players and coach have just confirmed how much crap you are talking. Scotland had a ragged 20 minutes in the second half, a couple of key players underperformed and we struggled to cope with the odd situation that developed in the set pieces, but otherwise we stood toe to toe with the best team in the world by a distance which France barely managed.

Fair point re: France. What I’ve said about different facets of the Scotland performance isn’t so different to what you and a lot of the Scottish posters are saying, and I referenced the Irish performance as being very ominous to what they will likely do to us next week.

[Torquemada 1420]

Just caught up with the game.

Sco's attempts to destructure the game paid some dividends in the sense Ire struggled to play their possession patterns. However, I felt it also hampered Sco when they had some decent positions which required structure to optimise their chances.

Not sure what Hogg and VDM were doing because between the 2 of them they had some blame for all 3 Ire trys:
1) Hogg was too narrow leaving VDM covering too much space to cover and his valiant but questionable tackle attempt wasn't enough.
2) Where was Hogg for the bomb? VDM made little effort to get off the ground which resulted in Ire recovering the ball via Hansen: who is smaller and much lighter than VDM.
3) Again, VDM is the last man but the Sco defence has manned up...... until VDM bites in unnecessarily and gives a front rower a walk to the line.

Also some dim by Sco (as ever): coughing up 10m twice for yapping at Pearce. Not attacking the Ire lineouts when VDF was throwing. Not properly policing their own, wide breakdowns, resulting in the lightweight Hansen having a field day as an extra flanker.

[Yr Alban]

No complaints as its how the scrum is reffed but losing the hooker isn't an issue for the scrums as they don't need to hook and props can push.

Cummings, Gray and Ritchie were a disgrace on defensive line outs but all credit to JVdF on his throwing.

Having both hookers going off actually helped Ireland. Suddenly having three props in the front row made it very difficult for us at scrum time, and the advantage of having a 7 throwing in was negated by the fact that Brown’s throwing in was, if anything, worse. (As it has been for a really long time).

Basically, Scotland matched Ireland for 40-50 minutes, but as soon as Ireland got their 2nd try we turned into the hapless Scotland of old. Errors all over the place, bad decision making, inability to secure our own ball, we had the lot. We almost managed to gift Ireland the bonus point by screwing up an attacking lineout with the clock red.

[Ymx]

Just caught up with the game.

Sco's attempts to destructure the game paid some dividends in the sense Ire struggled to play their possession patterns. However, I felt it also hampered Sco when they had some decent positions which required structure to optimise their chances.

Not sure what Hogg and VDM were doing because between the 2 of them they had some blame for all 3 Ire trys:
1) Hogg was too narrow leaving VDM covering too much space to cover and his valiant but questionable tackle attempt wasn't enough.
2) Where was Hogg for the bomb? VDM made little effort to get off the ground which resulted in Ire recovering the ball via Hansen: who is smaller and much lighter than VDM.
3) Again, VDM is the last man but the Sco defence has manned up...... until VDM bites in unnecessarily and gives a front rower a walk to the line.

Also some dim by Sco (as ever): coughing up 10m twice for yapping at Pearce. Not attacking the Ire lineouts when VDF was throwing. Not properly policing their own, wide breakdowns, resulting in the lightweight Hansen having a field day as an extra flanker.

Did you just write a critical post about Scotland, and not once mention Russell?

[Big D]

Just caught up with the game.

Sco's attempts to destructure the game paid some dividends in the sense Ire struggled to play their possession patterns. However, I felt it also hampered Sco when they had some decent positions which required structure to optimise their chances.

Not sure what Hogg and VDM were doing because between the 2 of them they had some blame for all 3 Ire trys:
1) Hogg was too narrow leaving VDM covering too much space to cover and his valiant but questionable tackle attempt wasn't enough.
2) Where was Hogg for the bomb? VDM made little effort to get off the ground which resulted in Ire recovering the ball via Hansen: who is smaller and much lighter than VDM.
3) Again, VDM is the last man but the Sco defence has manned up...... until VDM bites in unnecessarily and gives a front rower a walk to the line.

Also some dim by Sco (as ever): coughing up 10m twice for yapping at Pearce. Not attacking the Ire lineouts when VDF was throwing. Not properly policing their own, wide breakdowns, resulting in the lightweight Hansen having a field day as an extra flanker.

Would need to go back and watch but on point 2 it is always VdM defensive responsibility not the full backs in that scenario. That's the system they seem to use. The widger drops and 15 covers the other 2/3 of the pitch.

[Yr Alban]

Just caught up with the game.

Sco's attempts to destructure the game paid some dividends in the sense Ire struggled to play their possession patterns. However, I felt it also hampered Sco when they had some decent positions which required structure to optimise their chances.

Not sure what Hogg and VDM were doing because between the 2 of them they had some blame for all 3 Ire trys:
1) Hogg was too narrow leaving VDM covering too much space to cover and his valiant but questionable tackle attempt wasn't enough.
2) Where was Hogg for the bomb? VDM made little effort to get off the ground which resulted in Ire recovering the ball via Hansen: who is smaller and much lighter than VDM.
3) Again, VDM is the last man but the Sco defence has manned up...... until VDM bites in unnecessarily and gives a front rower a walk to the line.

Also some dim by Sco (as ever): coughing up 10m twice for yapping at Pearce. Not attacking the Ire lineouts when VDF was throwing. Not properly policing their own, wide breakdowns, resulting in the lightweight Hansen having a field day as an extra flanker.

Did you just write a critical post about Scotland, and not once mention Russell?

He had other targets available. Russell was as guilty as anyone though for trying to force things in the second half.

[Uncle fester]

Call it sticking in the boot if you want but Hogg was pretty poor. Russell was fine I thought.

[Jim Lahey]

Call it sticking in the boot if you want but Hogg was pretty poor. Russell was fine I thought.

Agreed.
Scotland's front row were good in the first half but their locks and backrow got blown away in the 2nd half.

[Yr Alban]

Call it sticking in the boot if you want but Hogg was pretty poor. Russell was fine I thought.

None of our back 3 were great today.

Russell didn’t do anything awful, it was more that the whole team lacked composure after Ireland’s second, and instead of doing the things that had worked in the first half, they started trying things that never had any chance of working.

[Uncle fester]

Call it sticking in the boot if you want but Hogg was pretty poor. Russell was fine I thought.

Up to 40 mins. Starting shovelling the ball a bit then. I am.confused why they didn't play the same way in the second d half but Gregor said they were fatigued.

During first half, I had a hunch that Scotland wouldn't be able to keep that pace up.

[Uncle fester]

Well done Ireland. Remarkable ability to absorb all that pressure and suffer all those injuries so early on. Far from the best performance as a result, but a very professional one in the end.

Scotland... will they get a better chance at the Triple Crown? A few players got badly exposed today and they crumbled a fair bit in the 2nd half.

I think we might see a bigger crumbling in Dublin next Saturday….

Ireland being raging hot favourites might suit this England team just fine.

[JM2K6]

Well done Ireland. Remarkable ability to absorb all that pressure and suffer all those injuries so early on. Far from the best performance as a result, but a very professional one in the end.

Scotland... will they get a better chance at the Triple Crown? A few players got badly exposed today and they crumbled a fair bit in the 2nd half.

I think we might see a bigger crumbling in Dublin next Saturday….

Ireland being raging hot favourites might suit this England team just fine.

The only thing that will suit England is the journey home

[Big D]

Call it sticking in the boot if you want but Hogg was pretty poor. Russell was fine I thought.

Up to 40 mins. Starting shovelling the ball a bit then. I am.confused why they didn't play the same way in the second d half but Gregor said they were fatigued.

During first half, I had a hunch that Scotland wouldn't be able to keep that pace up.

We just aren't that side. I am not sure we ever will be the side who can put 80min in at that intensity when the other side can absorb it for the 1st half and give you it back.

Once the intensity drops there is no way to beat a side like us as organised and professional as Ireland.