The Official English Rugby Thread

[Paddington Bear]

Meanwhile Sarries are less of a flaming clown car this week, two very good tries

It's it being streamed anywhere?

Sorry, bit late now but yes all Sarries games are streamed through the Saracens website. £10 a game and stream is decent quality

[sockwithaticket]

Ludlam's carrying pretty ineffectively at the moment, he needs to try passing before contact or going in lower, he's at risk of being held up and turned over every time.

[sockwithaticket]

It wasn't pretty, but you'd think Saints will take some heart frim gritting that out.

[Oxbow]

Thought Saints were going to blow yet another game, I'll take any kind of win.

[sockwithaticket]

Pretty pleased with that. A much improved performance.

Fair play to Youngs he had one of the best games I can recall against someone other than Italy.

[Paddington Bear]

Youngs was very good, clearly raised his game when opposing Dupont. Things to improve on but that really was the standard to set, beating a team who were a shoe in for a grand slam who actually played pretty well can’t be argued with.

Have to say have been finding this lockdown pretty awful and this has been the first positive thing since Christmas for me. Apologies to my neighbour’s budgie

[Un Pilier]

Youngs was very good, clearly raised his game when opposing Dupont. Things to improve on but that really was the standard to set, beating a team who were a shoe in for a grand slam who actually played pretty well can’t be argued with.

Have to say have been finding this lockdown pretty awful and this has been the first positive thing since Christmas for me. Apologies to my neighbour’s budgie

What did you do to it

(Hope things are picking up for you now.)

[sockwithaticket]

Youngs was very good, clearly raised his game when opposing Dupont. Things to improve on but that really was the standard to set, beating a team who were a shoe in for a grand slam who actually played pretty well can’t be argued with.

Have to say have been finding this lockdown pretty awful and this has been the first positive thing since Christmas for me. Apologies to my neighbour’s budgie

Good to hear that something's warmed your cockles.

I wouldn't say I've been awful during this lockdown, but definitely a sense of ennui and general malaise has crept in. There certainly hasn't been much to actively enjoy until now.

[JM2K6]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/ ... ix-nations

English sporting media having an entirely normal one I see

[Raggs]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/ ... ix-nations

English sporting media having an entirely normal one I see

Read the title and sub-title.

It's right in that it should silence people a bit, he's had 2 good games in a row (ignoring high tackle). Where it's very wrong is his attacking game is very much a new development. We had one brief glimpse of it ages ago, and it disappeared again, hopefully this time it sticks.

[JM2K6]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/ ... ix-nations

English sporting media having an entirely normal one I see

Read the title and sub-title.

It's right in that it should silence people a bit, he's had 2 good games in a row (ignoring high tackle). Where it's very wrong is his attacking game is very much a new development. We had one brief glimpse of it ages ago, and it disappeared again, hopefully this time it sticks.

He gives Farrell credit for things other players did, and seems almost physically angry that anyone could ever have criticised him.

[Raggs]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/ ... ix-nations

English sporting media having an entirely normal one I see

Read the title and sub-title.

It's right in that it should silence people a bit, he's had 2 good games in a row (ignoring high tackle). Where it's very wrong is his attacking game is very much a new development. We had one brief glimpse of it ages ago, and it disappeared again, hopefully this time it sticks.

He gives Farrell credit for things other players did, and seems almost physically angry that anyone could ever have criticised him.

Yeah, I'm not willing to read most writers opinions on Farrell. I like Charlie Morgan a lot, probably because he keeps agreeing with my comments on Farrell :D.

[Margin__Walker]

Teams for LI v Worcester about to KO

[JM2K6]

Read the title and sub-title.

It's right in that it should silence people a bit, he's had 2 good games in a row (ignoring high tackle). Where it's very wrong is his attacking game is very much a new development. We had one brief glimpse of it ages ago, and it disappeared again, hopefully this time it sticks.

He gives Farrell credit for things other players did, and seems almost physically angry that anyone could ever have criticised him.

Yeah, I'm not willing to read most writers opinions on Farrell. I like Charlie Morgan a lot, probably because he keeps agreeing with my comments on Farrell :D.

Yes, I've seen the chats on Twitter!

[Margin__Walker]

Odd game at Brentford. Worcester have had all the ball and territory, but looking really blunt in attack. LI with two tries from two visits to the Worcester 22.

17 - 3 at HT

[Paddington Bear]

Where I think the Guardian is on more solid ground is on France. I suspect as and when they win a grand slam and when they’re contenders for the world cup they will mention yesterday a lot in the growth process

[Random1]

Where I think the Guardian is on more solid ground is on France. I suspect as and when they win a grand slam and when they’re contenders for the world cup they will mention yesterday a lot in the growth process

Yeah, their potential is something I’m really mindful about - do we actually have anyone coming through our ranks that can match them?

Leaving aside Eddie not actually picking them.

[Raggs]

He gives Farrell credit for things other players did, and seems almost physically angry that anyone could ever have criticised him.

Yeah, I'm not willing to read most writers opinions on Farrell. I like Charlie Morgan a lot, probably because he keeps agreeing with my comments on Farrell :D.

Yes, I've seen the chats on Twitter!

Makes me feel like we're not completely insane when one of the best newspaper analysts is willing to admit to his weaknesses. I mean he's never going to bad mouth him like we do, but the fact he's happy to agree on him having his best attacking game, after in reality, just making a few forward runs :D, then it's fair to assume he didn't rate the attacking game that highly before.

He's also quite a decent chap too from the interactions we've had in DMs.

[Paddington Bear]

Where I think the Guardian is on more solid ground is on France. I suspect as and when they win a grand slam and when they’re contenders for the world cup they will mention yesterday a lot in the growth process

Yeah, their potential is something I’m really mindful about - do we actually have anyone coming through our ranks that can match them?

Leaving aside Eddie not actually picking them.

I think we can and will match them, but I think the centre of power shifts in their direction. Wins in Paris will be gold dust

[SaintK]

Odd game at Brentford. Worcester have had all the ball and territory, but looking really blunt in attack. LI with two tries from two visits to the Worcester 22.

17 - 3 at HT

Worcester so much territorry and possession just can't execute and get over the line

[SaintK]

Odd game at Brentford. Worcester have had all the ball and territory, but looking really blunt in attack. LI with two tries from two visits to the Worcester 22.

17 - 3 at HT

Worcester so much territorry and possession just can't execute and get over the line

......but finally get over the line 17-17 with 10 to go

[Random1]

Where I think the Guardian is on more solid ground is on France. I suspect as and when they win a grand slam and when they’re contenders for the world cup they will mention yesterday a lot in the growth process

Yeah, their potential is something I’m really mindful about - do we actually have anyone coming through our ranks that can match them?

Leaving aside Eddie not actually picking them.

I think we can and will match them, but I think the centre of power shifts in their direction. Wins in Paris will be gold dust

Who you thinking that’s coming through?

I can only think of smith and barbeary who are in their league.

It was one of the few times yesterday where the opposition would have had a substantial majority of players in a combined team. And I can’t see that changing for a while.

Having said that, I don’t get to watch much premiership rugby, so if there’s anyone coming through that can match the drench, then happy days.

[Margin__Walker]

Odd game at Brentford. Worcester have had all the ball and territory, but looking really blunt in attack. LI with two tries from two visits to the Worcester 22.

17 - 3 at HT

Worcester so much territorry and possession just can't execute and get over the line

......but finally get over the line 17-17 with 10 to go

LI win 20 - 17

I have no idea how we won that game.

Cowan with a premiership record (assuming not adjusted) 35 tackles

[SaintK]

Worcester so much territorry and possession just can't execute and get over the line

......but finally get over the line 17-17 with 10 to go

LI win 20 - 17

I have no idea how we won that game.

Cowan with a premiership record (assuming not adjusted) 35 tackles

Unbelievable tackling stats from Irish

[Ovals]

Yeah, their potential is something I’m really mindful about - do we actually have anyone coming through our ranks that can match them?

Leaving aside Eddie not actually picking them.

I think we can and will match them, but I think the centre of power shifts in their direction. Wins in Paris will be gold dust

Who you thinking that’s coming through?

I can only think of smith and barbeary who are in their league.

It was one of the few times yesterday where the opposition would have had a substantial majority of players in a combined team. And I can’t see that changing for a while.

Having said that, I don’t get to watch much premiership rugby, so if there’s anyone coming through that can match the drench, then happy days.

Possibly add Randall and Odogwu to the mix.

[sockwithaticket]

Yeah, their potential is something I’m really mindful about - do we actually have anyone coming through our ranks that can match them?

Leaving aside Eddie not actually picking them.

I think we can and will match them, but I think the centre of power shifts in their direction. Wins in Paris will be gold dust

Who you thinking that’s coming through?

I can only think of smith and barbeary who are in their league.

It was one of the few times yesterday where the opposition would have had a substantial majority of players in a combined team. And I can’t see that changing for a while.

Having said that, I don’t get to watch much premiership rugby, so if there’s anyone coming through that can match the drench, then happy days.

As a Wasps fan I'm really wary of everyone over-hyping a supposed hooker who's so far had the luxury of playing a more or less carrying only role as a makeshift number 8...

If we want to talk up an 8 Dombrandt looks like he could be the absolute nuts if given a chance.

There's always a stream of kids coming through, whether any of them will be good enough of not very much remains to be seen. For example, at fullback we've got the likes of 19 year olds Steward and Freeman who could prove to be excellent based on their early showings.

[Rhubarb & Custard]

It's not just whether a bunch of kids need to be picked, it's whether a bunch of players in their mid to late 20s need to be dropped.

[JM2K6]

Odogwu doesn't look at all in the same class.

I think it's possibly a bit silly to be going "where are the English players coming through to match the French?" when all that's happened is the French have managed to match us. We already have players like Mako, Sinckler, Itoje, Curry, Underhill, Willis, Ford, Watson, etc. Yeah, we haven't found a Dupont yet, and it'd be great if we had another Itoje, but the moment France matches us (and loses, don't forget. We did beat them.) people lose their minds.

Outside of the regulars there's Randall, Spencer, Smith, Simmonds x2, Dombrandt, Ben Curry, Ted Hill, Luke James as players who are really very good but not currently England players. Then there's a heap of youngsters - mostly backs, admittedly - who look like they could be brilliant: Raffi Quirke, Jack van Poortfliet, Tom Parton, Freddie Steward, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Hassell-Collins, and the sale front rowers Bevan Rodd and Curtis Langdon (and probably Ewan Ashman too). Plus there's probably a heap of young Exeter talent I've not mentioned.

[Margin__Walker]

van Poortfliet looks a really smart 9.

Could really do with someone else coming through and really challenging there with Randall.

[JM2K6]

van Poortfliet looks a really smart 9.

Could really do with someone else coming through and really challenging there with Randall.

Yup. Quirke looks really good too.

[Kawazaki]

I think we can and will match them, but I think the centre of power shifts in their direction. Wins in Paris will be gold dust

Who you thinking that’s coming through?

I can only think of smith and barbeary who are in their league.

It was one of the few times yesterday where the opposition would have had a substantial majority of players in a combined team. And I can’t see that changing for a while.

Having said that, I don’t get to watch much premiership rugby, so if there’s anyone coming through that can match the drench, then happy days.

As a Wasps fan I'm really wary of everyone over-hyping a supposed hooker who's so far had the luxury of playing a more or less carrying only role as a makeshift number 8...

If we want to talk up an 8 Dombrandt looks like he could be the absolute nuts if given a chance.

There's always a stream of kids coming through, whether any of them will be good enough of not very much remains to be seen. For example, at fullback we've got the likes of 19 year olds Steward and Freeman who could prove to be excellent based on their early showings.

Dombrandt reminds a bit of Thomas Waldrom albeit with a slimmer physique. Sadly, I don't think he has a prayer of getting capped while Jones remains head coach.

[Hal Jordan]

As a Quins comparison, I see Nick Easter with better pace - he shares a lot of Easter's traits, good brain to be in the right place, great hands and can carry well in the tight if needed.

[JM2K6]

He doesn't have Easter's ability to turn slow backfoot ball into front foot ball, and can be a little lazy in defence sometimes. Really good creative 8 though. Picks some great lines, can create space for himself or other people, has excellent ball-handling ability, and is a good jackal. Far from the finished product but I do enjoy watching him every week!

[sockwithaticket]

Dombrandt reminds a bit of Thomas Waldrom albeit with a slimmer physique. Sadly, I don't think he has a prayer of getting capped while Jones remains head coach.

Low bar to clear!

That ability to read the game and be in the right place at the right time with an offload at the ready is quite Waldrom-esque. As you'd expect from the more streamlined model, Dombrandt's running game is better - cuts angles from a greater distance and is more likely to make a break or keep up in support of one.

[sockwithaticket]

Signing rumours that I've come across.

Irish and Bath in a bidding war for Cokanasiga's signature. Seems odd to me given how flawed his game is and how many injuries he's picked up in his short career thus far. Not a bad signing, but not worth getting into a bidding war over.

Wasps eyeing up Hougaard as he's about to leave Worcester. Potentially useful to bridge the gap between Robson and the two young guys behind him if we're going to keep losing him to England. Wouldn't want to be spending much on him, though, as a bit more top quality in the pack would be a better use of funds.

[Raggs]

Signing rumours that I've come across.

Irish and Bath in a bidding war for Cokanasiga's signature. Seems odd to me given how flawed his game is and how many injuries he's picked up in his short career thus far. Not a bad signing, but not worth getting into a bidding war over.

Wasps eyeing up Hougaard as he's about to leave Worcester. Potentially useful to bridge the gap between Robson and the two young guys behind him if we're going to keep losing him to England. Wouldn't want to be spending much on him, though, as a bit more top quality in the pack would be a better use of funds.

Replacement for Vellacott, and if Wusty and Porter are on long term deals, we should be able to hold onto both of them if Hougaard is only on 2 seasons.

I've not seen him recently, but he was fantastic for Wuss in the past, and very much a Dan Robson replacement I feel. Keep him in the sheds most the time, with Wusty/Porter benching for Robson, then start to give him gametime as the internationals come along to warm him up for taking over :D.

[SaintK]

Signing rumours that I've come across.

Irish and Bath in a bidding war for Cokanasiga's signature. Seems odd to me given how flawed his game is and how many injuries he's picked up in his short career thus far. Not a bad signing, but not worth getting into a bidding war over.

Wasps eyeing up Hougaard as he's about to leave Worcester. Potentially useful to bridge the gap between Robson and the two young guys behind him if we're going to keep losing him to England. Wouldn't want to be spending much on him, though, as a bit more top quality in the pack would be a better use of funds.

Not eyeing Hougaard up but signing him. Good business I reckon

Wasps are delighted to announce the signing of Francois Hougaard, who will join the Club at the end of the season from Worcester Warriors.

https://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps-sign ... ougaard/

[sockwithaticket]

Signing rumours that I've come across.

Irish and Bath in a bidding war for Cokanasiga's signature. Seems odd to me given how flawed his game is and how many injuries he's picked up in his short career thus far. Not a bad signing, but not worth getting into a bidding war over.

Wasps eyeing up Hougaard as he's about to leave Worcester. Potentially useful to bridge the gap between Robson and the two young guys behind him if we're going to keep losing him to England. Wouldn't want to be spending much on him, though, as a bit more top quality in the pack would be a better use of funds.

Not eyeing Hougaard up but signing him. Good business I reckon

Wasps are delighted to announce the signing of Francois Hougaard, who will join the Club at the end of the season from Worcester Warriors.

https://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps-sign ... ougaard/

Bloody hell, that was quick. Only saw the rumour last night!

[Margin__Walker]

Pretty sure I heard that the Cokanasiga thing was a non starter. We'll see though. Would only really have made sense if Naholo was leaving as Joe would likely be a bit cheaper than him.

If we are spending money, outside backs really aren't the priority. We've got tons coming through in those positions at the moment.

[SaintK]

Slade injured in training on Monday. Marchant called up as squad cover
Sounds doubtful for Ireland. Shame if true, had one of his best matches for England last weekend