NPR

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:34 am**

Scotland's big issue is their lack of cutting edge in attack.

Evident against NZ in November, who they really should've put away given the chances and pressure they had. Even the other night in the Embra Sharks game, Embra were 7-0 down but building pressure nicely in the Sharks' 22 with a pen advantage. I had to nip out of the room to take a phone call and when I came back in it was 14-0 to the Sharks . . .

No Darcy Graham intensifies this problem.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 12:19 pm**

Jim Lahey wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:34 am Scotland's big issue is their lack of cutting edge in attack.

Evident against NZ in November, who they really should've put away given the chances and pressure they had. Even the other night in the Embra Sharks game, Embra were 7-0 down but building pressure nicely in the Sharks' 22 with a pen advantage. I had to nip out of the room to take a phone call and when I came back in it was 14-0 to the Sharks . . .

No Darcy Graham intensifies this problem.

Look mate, despite mounting evidence that you may be around for a while, I’m too old and been watching rugby too long to take any advice or helpful hints from the Irish without anything but anger and derision.

YOU WERE SHITE FOR 100 YEARS!

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 12:33 pm**

Slick wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 12:19 pm
Jim Lahey wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:34 am Scotland's big issue is their lack of cutting edge in attack.

Evident against NZ in November, who they really should've put away given the chances and pressure they had. Even the other night in the Embra Sharks game, Embra were 7-0 down but building pressure nicely in the Sharks' 22 with a pen advantage. I had to nip out of the room to take a phone call and when I came back in it was 14-0 to the Sharks . . .

No Darcy Graham intensifies this problem.
Look mate, despite mounting evidence that you may be around for a while, I’m too old and been watching rugby too long to take any advice or helpful hints from the Irish without anything but anger and derision.

YOU WERE SHITE FOR 100 YEARS!

Tbf Scotland are nearly a quarter of the way there. Things pick up once you arrive

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:07 pm**

Jim Lahey wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:34 am Scotland's big issue is their lack of cutting edge in attack.

I'm not sure I agree with that. I suppose one could say that getting turned over after a break is lack of a cutting edge, I'd argue that we do makes those line breaks, but don't follow it up with efficient clean outs.

The problem, imo, lies with accuracy at the breakdown and discipline - we scored eight against Argentina, four against Fiji and two in each of the matches against Australia and New Zealand.
We do get pinged a hell of a lot.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:21 pm**

Sir Clive Woodward believes Warren Gatland's Wales will provide an early upset by beating Ireland in their Six Nations opener this coming weekend.

The Irish head to the Principality Stadium as the number one ranked team in the world, with major scalps to their name and hoping to win the tournament in World Cup year.

However, Woodward reckons Wales will put an immediate dent in those hopes with victory thanks to the Gatland factor, the Cardiff crowd and the stellar form of Ospreys stars like Justin Tipuric who have shone in Europe.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:34 pm**

fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:21 pm
Sir Clive Woodward believes Warren Gatland's Wales will provide an early upset by beating Ireland in their Six Nations opener this coming weekend.

The Irish head to the Principality Stadium as the number one ranked team in the world, with major scalps to their name and hoping to win the tournament in World Cup year.

However, Woodward reckons Wales will put an immediate dent in those hopes with victory thanks to the Gatland factor, the Cardiff crowd and the stellar form of Ospreys stars like Justin Tipuric who have shone in Europe.

It wouldn't be like us to shit the bed in Cardiff in a World Cup year now would it. . . .

And for those hardy souls that say maybe its not a bad time to lose a game as there is plenty of time to remedy the issues (I know a few of these types), they should look at the history books. Ireland need to win and win well.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:43 pm**

fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:21 pm
Sir Clive Woodward believes Warren Gatland's Wales will provide an early upset by beating Ireland in their Six Nations opener this coming weekend.

The Irish head to the Principality Stadium as the number one ranked team in the world, with major scalps to their name and hoping to win the tournament in World Cup year.

However, Woodward reckons Wales will put an immediate dent in those hopes with victory thanks to the Gatland factor, the Cardiff crowd and the stellar form of Ospreys stars like Justin Tipuric who have shone in Europe.

Is he putting any money on us?

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:08 pm**

sockwithaticket wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:24 am
Slick wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:12 am
sockwithaticket wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:08 am

They will, but I think other teams will have taken note of their improvement over the last year or so and treat them accordingly, so their results will still be rubbish. Their only win last year was Wales and frankly I wouldn't expect the Welsh approach to this year's game to be anywhere near as flat and lacadaisical even without Gatland returning to give them a kick up the arse.
I think France, Scotland and Wales are all in danger against them. I think Twickenham is a step too far though, if not the England team.
Fair enough, you clearly have a more positive view of them than me, I don't think they'll pose France any trouble at all.

They got royally humped by SA in their last game. They'll have to have improved drastically from last year's 6N to have any real impact - even England squashed them 33 zip away.

This must be the 1st time that we've played a 6N with the top two ranked sides in it. That, and two sides sporting new coaches, makes for a really interesting tournament. For Wales, England and Scotland, 3 wins would be a result (even 2 wins might) - for France and Ireland, anything less than winning the Championship/Grand Slam, will be a big let down.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:10 pm**

I'd forgotten about Clive.

I'll get back onto that.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:03 pm**

Ovals wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:08 pm
sockwithaticket wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:24 am
Slick wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:12 am

I think France, Scotland and Wales are all in danger against them. I think Twickenham is a step too far though, if not the England team.
Fair enough, you clearly have a more positive view of them than me, I don't think they'll pose France any trouble at all.
They got royally humped by SA in their last game. They'll have to have improved drastically from last year's 6N to have any real impact - even England squashed them 33 zip away.

This must be the 1st time that we've played a 6N with the top two ranked sides in it. That, and two sides sporting new coaches, makes for a really interesting tournament. For Wales, England and Scotland, 3 wins would be a result (even 2 wins might) - for France and Ireland, anything less than winning the Championship/Grand Slam, will be a big let down.

With away games against Ireland and England, It’ll be tough for France to get the Grand Slam this time, I’ve the feeling that nobody will this year.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:22 pm**

Marylandolorian wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:03 pm
Ovals wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:08 pm
sockwithaticket wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:24 am

Fair enough, you clearly have a more positive view of them than me, I don't think they'll pose France any trouble at all.
They got royally humped by SA in their last game. They'll have to have improved drastically from last year's 6N to have any real impact - even England squashed them 33 zip away.

This must be the 1st time that we've played a 6N with the top two ranked sides in it. That, and two sides sporting new coaches, makes for a really interesting tournament. For Wales, England and Scotland, 3 wins would be a result (even 2 wins might) - for France and Ireland, anything less than winning the Championship/Grand Slam, will be a big let down.
With away games against Ireland and England, It’ll be tough for France to get the Grand Slam this time, I’ve the feeling that nobody will this year.

I suspect that Ireland will need a GS to win the Championship - could come down to BPs I suppose but I can't see them losing to anyone other than France who'll then be most likely to take the title.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:17 pm**

Ovals wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:22 pm
Marylandolorian wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:03 pm
Ovals wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:08 pm

They got royally humped by SA in their last game. They'll have to have improved drastically from last year's 6N to have any real impact - even England squashed them 33 zip away.

This must be the 1st time that we've played a 6N with the top two ranked sides in it. That, and two sides sporting new coaches, makes for a really interesting tournament. For Wales, England and Scotland, 3 wins would be a result (even 2 wins might) - for France and Ireland, anything less than winning the Championship/Grand Slam, will be a big let down.
With away games against Ireland and England, It’ll be tough for France to get the Grand Slam this time, I’ve the feeling that nobody will this year.
I suspect that Ireland will need a GS to win the Championship - could come down to BPs I suppose but I can't see them losing to anyone other than France who'll then be most likely to take the title.

Ireland are the most complete side IMO, but so reliant on Sexton.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:22 pm**

Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:35 pm**

OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:22 pm Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.

It’s truly theirs to lose!

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:15 pm**

Ymx wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:35 pm
OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:22 pm Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.
It’s truly theirs to lose!

The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !

.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:42 pm**

fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:15 pm
Ymx wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:35 pm
OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:22 pm Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.
It’s truly theirs to lose!
The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !

.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....

SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:47 pm**

OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:42 pm
fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:15 pm
Ymx wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:35 pm

It’s truly theirs to lose!
The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !

.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....
SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.

That's often the problem !

Sexton gets clothes-lined, or hit late, & the ref waves play on.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:49 pm**

fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:47 pm
OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:42 pm
fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:15 pm

The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !

.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....
SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.
That's often the problem !

Sexton takes a dive & the ref waves play on.

Fixed that for you.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:10 pm**

Guy Smiley wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:49 pm
fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:47 pm
OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:42 pm

SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.
That's often the problem !

Sexton takes a dive & the ref waves play on.
Fixed that for you.

Always love it when the New Zealanders are bitter, it means we're doing something right

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:27 pm**

Ymx wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:35 pm
OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:22 pm Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.
It’s truly theirs to lose!

Too early for that. We're saving the flopping for the world cup.

Posted: **Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:55 pm**

fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:10 pm
Guy Smiley wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:49 pm
fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:47 pm

That's often the problem !

Sexton takes a dive & the ref waves play on.
Fixed that for you.
Always love it when the New Zealanders are bitter, it means we're doing something right

I’m not bitter about it. We’ve got Ian Foster and you’ve got a flopping Prima Donna. We all have our crosses to bear

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:31 am**

EnergiseR2 wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:09 am We are nailed on as usual. So boring

If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 5:34 am**

fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:47 pm
OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:42 pm
fishfoodie wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:15 pm

The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !

.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....
SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.
That's often the problem !

Sexton gets clothes-lined, or hit late, & the ref waves play on.

He throw so many tantrums, the SH ref know how to deal with Aussies like Nick White.

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 6:22 am**

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:11 am**

Uncle fester wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:27 pm
Ymx wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:35 pm
OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:22 pm Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.
It’s truly theirs to lose!
Too early for that. We're saving the flopping for the world cup.

Given that the QF is your ceiling, are you seriously suggesting Ireland will fail to get out of the group? I mean, as a Scot I'm delighted but surely that's an unwarranted level of despair?

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:50 am**

Jim Lahey wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:51 am Are Scotland darker horses than ever this year, or are they lighter horses?

One could argue they are lighter horses as they had a decent autumn and their clubs are doing well in Europe.

Or are they darker because they have England and France away?

Or are they the same dark horses as per usual?

Discuss.

Darker than a dark thing.

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:17 am**

fishfoodie wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:31 am
EnergiseR2 wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:09 am We are nailed on as usual. So boring
If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.

Big picture FF, big picture. We need a NH WC win so best if you don't dent their confidence this year.

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:43 pm**

Welsh side for Ireland 952 caps in their starting line up. 12 Spreys in the matchday squad

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets – 97 caps)
14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 43 caps)
13. George North (Ospreys – 109 caps)
12. Joe Hawkins (Ospreys – 1 cap)
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons – 3 caps)
10. Dan Biggar (Toulon – 103 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 40 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 17 caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets – 86 caps) captain
3. Tomas Francis (Ospreys – 67 caps)
4. Adam Beard (Ospreys – 41 caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys – 155 caps)
6. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 6 caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys – 89 caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 95 caps)

Replacements

16. Scott Baldwin (Ospreys – 34 caps)
17. Rhys Carre (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Rugby – 45 caps)
19. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 1 cap)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 4 caps)
21. Rhys Webb (Ospreys – 36 caps)
22. Owen Williams (Ospreys – 3 caps)
23. Alex Cuthbert (Ospreys – 55 caps)

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:44 pm**

Decent side that.

How has Biggar been playing in France?

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:45 pm**

I looked at that side and thought there's some old fellas knocking about in that team, then I remembered we'd brought Dan Cole back...

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:47 pm**

Ireland GS [/EOT]

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:00 pm**

Torquemada 1420 wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:47 pm Ireland GS [/EOT]

It wouldn't be like the French to surrender this early . . .

But yeah, you're right. The rest of you carnts may as well not bother showing up, or else you'll just have your arses handed to you's by a bunch of privately educated Dublin schoolboys and a couple of Kiwis. And PoM with his angry face.

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:20 pm**

Raggs wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:45 pm I looked at that side and thought there's some old fellas knocking about in that team, then I remembered we'd brought Dan Cole back...

With a couple of exceptions it doesn’t feel like that side has changed in decades

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:22 pm**

6. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 6 caps)

There's a forename crying out for a prosthetic K.

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:23 pm**

I see the bookies are giving geriatric Wales a better chance of beating Ireland than they're giving Scotland to beat England.

Based on the Autumn Internationals, this would appear to be bollocks (not that I expect Scotland to win, of course).

But home advantage and new coach bounce seem to move the dial an awful lot...

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:27 pm**

Slick wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:20 pm
Raggs wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:45 pm I looked at that side and thought there's some old fellas knocking about in that team, then I remembered we'd brought Dan Cole back...
With a couple of exceptions it doesn’t feel like that side has changed in decades

I don’t know whether Gatland failed in not bringing players on the late 2010s or whether the talent wasn’t there.

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 2:50 pm**

Slick wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:17 am
fishfoodie wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:31 am
EnergiseR2 wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:09 am We are nailed on as usual. So boring
If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.
Big picture FF, big picture. We need a NH WC win so best if you don't dent their confidence this year.

No chance in hell I would see an England or Wales (pffrrrttt) RWC victory as a good thing. France, yes. Ireland, very grudgingly, yes - it's amazing how they've turned their fortunes around and probably deserve the ultimate prize for that. But not the other two.

I mean, Georgia winning it would be a great story but realistically there isn't another NH side that could win it.

If England or Wales make the RWC final (and due to the ludicrous draw, they could), I'm definitely supporting whichever SH side they're up against.

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:09 pm**

GogLais wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:27 pm
Slick wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:20 pm
Raggs wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:45 pm I looked at that side and thought there's some old fellas knocking about in that team, then I remembered we'd brought Dan Cole back...
With a couple of exceptions it doesn’t feel like that side has changed in decades
I don’t know whether Gatland failed in not bringing players on the late 2010s or whether the talent wasn’t there.

It is the big conundrum, why change a team that was being far more successful than anyone expected i guess, but my guess is it's coming back to bite them on the arse

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:11 pm**

clydecloggie wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 2:50 pm
Slick wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:17 am
fishfoodie wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:31 am

If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.
Big picture FF, big picture. We need a NH WC win so best if you don't dent their confidence this year.
No chance in hell I would see an England or Wales (pffrrrttt) RWC victory as a good thing. France, yes. Ireland, very grudgingly, yes - it's amazing how they've turned their fortunes around and probably deserve the ultimate prize for that. But not the other two.

I mean, Georgia winning it would be a great story but realistically there isn't another NH side that could win it.

If England or Wales make the RWC final (and due to the ludicrous draw, they could), I'm definitely supporting whichever SH side they're up against.

Ah, one of the ABE brigade.

Posted: **Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:23 pm**

clydecloggie wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 2:50 pm
Slick wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:17 am
fishfoodie wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:31 am

If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.
Big picture FF, big picture. We need a NH WC win so best if you don't dent their confidence this year.
No chance in hell I would see an England or Wales (pffrrrttt) RWC victory as a good thing. France, yes. Ireland, very grudgingly, yes - it's amazing how they've turned their fortunes around and probably deserve the ultimate prize for that. But not the other two.

I mean, Georgia winning it would be a great story but realistically there isn't another NH side that could win it.

If England or Wales make the RWC final (and due to the ludicrous draw, they could), I'm definitely supporting whichever SH side they're up against.

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