NPR

Precious much Biffer?

Wales were a banana skin because they were first up, new coach and in a stadium where we hadn't won in the six nations since 2013. They were also in shit form and not expected to challenge. And we were missing some key players, including a couple who pulled out after being named in the side.

A banana skin isn't a side in form, who you're playing away from home.

Sexy out for Italy, Ryan to Capitano.

Quite happy that we're having stress the system now, as historically the IRFU has kept the coach on a short leash during the 6N, as performance was always prioritised ahead of building a squad.

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:31 pm Sexy out for Italy, Ryan to Capitano.

Quite happy that we're having stress the system now, as historically the IRFU has kept the coach on a short leash during the 6N, as performance was always prioritised ahead of building a squad.

What’s wrong with him? Any chance of it lasting more that 2 weeks

Not that I’d wish an injury on a player etc…

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:43 pm

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:31 pm Sexy out for Italy, Ryan to Capitano.

Quite happy that we're having stress the system now, as historically the IRFU has kept the coach on a short leash during the 6N, as performance was always prioritised ahead of building a squad.

What’s wrong with him? Any chance of it lasting more that 2 weeks

Not that I’d wish an injury on a player etc…

Groin injury , Antonio fell on him so he's lucky he wasn't squashed flat. Abundance of caution, & all that ......

He knows the Scots love to hate him, so he wants to break your hearts in a few weeks time

Rumoured Irish side:

IRELAND (possible v Italy): Hugo Keenan (Leinster); Mack Hansen (Connacht), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Bundee Aki (Connacht), James Lowe (Leinster); Ross Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster); Andrew Porter (Leinster), Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht); Iain Henderson (Ulster), James Ryan (Leinster, capt); Caelan Doris (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster).

Replacements: Dan Sheehan (Leinster), David Kilcoyne (Munster)/Cian Healy (Leinster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Conor Murray (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster).

In both the Irish Times and Independent so probably close enough.

CM11 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 9:51 pm Rumoured Irish side:

IRELAND (possible v Italy): Hugo Keenan (Leinster); Mack Hansen (Connacht), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Bundee Aki (Connacht), James Lowe (Leinster); Ross Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster); Andrew Porter (Leinster), Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht); Iain Henderson (Ulster), James Ryan (Leinster, capt); Caelan Doris (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster).

Replacements: Dan Sheehan (Leinster), David Kilcoyne (Munster)/Cian Healy (Leinster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Conor Murray (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster).

In both the Irish Times and Independent so probably close enough.

That's a serious side; no half measures for Italy this year.

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 9:54 pm

CM11 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 9:51 pm Rumoured Irish side:

IRELAND (possible v Italy): Hugo Keenan (Leinster); Mack Hansen (Connacht), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Bundee Aki (Connacht), James Lowe (Leinster); Ross Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster); Andrew Porter (Leinster), Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht); Iain Henderson (Ulster), James Ryan (Leinster, capt); Caelan Doris (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster).

Replacements: Dan Sheehan (Leinster), David Kilcoyne (Munster)/Cian Healy (Leinster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Conor Murray (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster).

In both the Irish Times and Independent so probably close enough.

That's a serious side; no half measures for Italy this year.

That's a strength in depth reaction though. 7 first choice players not starting with only two on the bench.

From t'other place, because it's a beautiful picture, & why it's so important that the Professional game doesn't lose it's connection to the grass roots.

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:59 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:43 pm

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:31 pm Sexy out for Italy, Ryan to Capitano.

Quite happy that we're having stress the system now, as historically the IRFU has kept the coach on a short leash during the 6N, as performance was always prioritised ahead of building a squad.

What’s wrong with him? Any chance of it lasting more that 2 weeks

Not that I’d wish an injury on a player etc…

Groin injury , Antonio fell on him so he's lucky he wasn't squashed flat. Abundance of caution, & all that ......

He knows the Scots love to hate him, so he wants to break your hearts in a few weeks time

I’m a big fan actually. Bit would prefer he had even more abundant caution this year

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 10:28 pm

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:59 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:43 pm

What’s wrong with him? Any chance of it lasting more that 2 weeks

Not that I’d wish an injury on a player etc…

Groin injury , Antonio fell on him so he's lucky he wasn't squashed flat. Abundance of caution, & all that ......

He knows the Scots love to hate him, so he wants to break your hearts in a few weeks time

I’m a big fan actually. Bit would prefer he had even more abundant caution this year

It isn't really clear yet when he'll be fit, which is a bit of a feature of groin injuries. All we know is he didn't train at all this week, & they aren't going to risk him.

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 10:17 pm From t'other place, because it's a beautiful picture, & why it's so important that the Professional game doesn't lose it's connection to the grass roots.

I saw that on Twitter, it's really cool.



He changed rugby.

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:43 pm

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:31 pm Sexy out for Italy, Ryan to Capitano.

Quite happy that we're having stress the system now, as historically the IRFU has kept the coach on a short leash during the 6N, as performance was always prioritised ahead of building a squad.

What’s wrong with him? Any chance of it lasting more that 2 weeks

Not that I’d wish an injury on a player etc…

Sexton ?

Got the full force of Atonio landing on his groin. Looked very painful in slo-mo.

15 Ange CAPUOZZO (Stade Toulousain, 9 caps)
14 Edoardo PADOVANI (Benetton Rugby, 42 caps)
13 Juan Ignacio BREX (Benetton Rugby, 20 caps)
12 Tommaso MENONCELLO (Benetton Rugby, 8 caps)
11 Pierre BRUNO (Zebre Parma, 9 caps)

10 Paolo GARBISI (Montpellier, 21 caps)
9 Stephen VARNEY (Gloucester Rugby, 18 caps)

8 Lorenzo CANNONE (Benetton Rugby, 5 caps)
7 Michele LAMARO (Benetton Rugby, 23 caps) – capitano
6 Sebastian NEGRI (Benetton Rugby, 42 caps)
5 Federico RUZZA (Benetton Rugby, 38 caps)
4 Niccolò CANNONE (Benetton Rugby, 27 caps)
3 Simone FERRARI (Benetton Rugby, 42 caps)
2 Giacomo NICOTERA (Benetton Rugby, 9 caps)
1 Danilo FISCHETTI (London Irish, 27 caps)

A disposizione:

16 Luca BIGI (Zebre Parma 44 caps)
17 Federico ZANI (Benetton Rugby, 18 caps)
18 Marco RICCIONI (Saracens Rugby, 18 caps)
19 Edoardo IACHIZZI (Vannes, 2 caps)
20 Giovanni PETTINELLI (Benetton Rugby, 9 caps)
21 Alessandro FUSCO (Zebre Parma, 7 caps)
22 Luca MORISI (London Irish, 41 caps)
23 Tommaso ALLAN (Harlequins, 68 caps)

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 27 caps
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht/Corinthians) 11 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 49 caps
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 43 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 17 caps
10. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 16 caps
9. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 9 caps

8. Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 35
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 47 caps
6. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 25 caps
5. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 50 caps (c)
4. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 70 caps
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 29 caps
2. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 19 caps
1. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 50 caps

A disposizione
16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 14 caps
17. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians) 50 caps
18. Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 6 caps
19. Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 8 caps
20. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 91 caps
21. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 102 caps
22. Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution) 2 caps
23. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 11 caps

Would have liked to have seen Keenan get a rest/given someone else some gametime. Same with Doris. But I assume they probably judged that as being too many changes in one team which I suppose is fair enough. Obviously don't want to be taking Italy lightly either, especially in Rome.

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 10:17 pm From t'other place, because it's a beautiful picture, & why it's so important that the Professional game doesn't lose it's connection to the grass roots.

This response has me in stitches

Scotland team to face France in the Guinness Six Nations on Sunday 26 February at Stade de France, Paris, kick-off 3pm GMT, live on ITV Sport:

15. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) 98 caps
14. Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors) 7 caps
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 33 caps
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 13 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 25 caps

10. Finn Russell (Racing 92) 67 caps
9. Ben White (London Irish) 11 caps

1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 18 caps
2. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps
3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 55 caps
4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 71 caps
5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – Vice-Captain – 61caps
6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain – 38 caps
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) 54 caps
8. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 30 caps

Replacements

16. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 59 caps
17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 27 caps
18. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 52 caps
19. Jonny Gray (Exeter Chiefs) 74 caps
20. Sam Skinner (Edinburgh Rugby) 23 caps
21. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 6 caps
22. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) 58 caps
23. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 40 caps

Bad news Scotland, everyone will be fit for the last two games.

Andy Farrell says he expects Ireland to have Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Furlong all back for the Round 4 Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield in just over two weeks.

Sexton will sit out Saturday's visit to Italy at Stadio Olimpico due to a groin injury suffered in the win against France in Round 2, but the captain travelled with the squad to Rome on Thursday, and has been heavily involved in preparing the group throughout the week at the high performance centre in Abbotstown.

When asked how confident he is, on a scale of 1-10, that the captain will return for the trip to Scotland on 12 March, Farrell was adamant in his response of '10'.

And he says Gibson-Park and Furlong will also be available for selection, with the pair yet to feature in the championship. Furlong hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Leinster's win against Ulster in early December, picking up a calf issue in January which has delayed his return. Gibson-Park, meanwhile, had been due to start Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff, before a hamstring injury on the eve of the game.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2023/022 ... -scotland/

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:16 am Bad news Scotland, everyone will be fit for the last two games.

Andy Farrell says he expects Ireland to have Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Furlong all back for the Round 4 Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield in just over two weeks.

Sexton will sit out Saturday's visit to Italy at Stadio Olimpico due to a groin injury suffered in the win against France in Round 2, but the captain travelled with the squad to Rome on Thursday, and has been heavily involved in preparing the group throughout the week at the high performance centre in Abbotstown.

When asked how confident he is, on a scale of 1-10, that the captain will return for the trip to Scotland on 12 March, Farrell was adamant in his response of '10'.

And he says Gibson-Park and Furlong will also be available for selection, with the pair yet to feature in the championship. Furlong hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Leinster's win against Ulster in early December, picking up a calf issue in January which has delayed his return. Gibson-Park, meanwhile, had been due to start Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff, before a hamstring injury on the eve of the game.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2023/022 ... -scotland/

That is good news for Scotland.

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:16 am Bad news Scotland, everyone will be fit for the last two games.

Andy Farrell says he expects Ireland to have Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Furlong all back for the Round 4 Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield in just over two weeks.

Sexton will sit out Saturday's visit to Italy at Stadio Olimpico due to a groin injury suffered in the win against France in Round 2, but the captain travelled with the squad to Rome on Thursday, and has been heavily involved in preparing the group throughout the week at the high performance centre in Abbotstown.

When asked how confident he is, on a scale of 1-10, that the captain will return for the trip to Scotland on 12 March, Farrell was adamant in his response of '10'.

And he says Gibson-Park and Furlong will also be available for selection, with the pair yet to feature in the championship. Furlong hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Leinster's win against Ulster in early December, picking up a calf issue in January which has delayed his return. Gibson-Park, meanwhile, had been due to start Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff, before a hamstring injury on the eve of the game.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2023/022 ... -scotland/

To be honest, being completely confident that a 37 year old will completely recover from a groin strain in any time period is a bit daft, as I think pretty much everyone on here could testify to.

Biffer wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:40 am

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:16 am Bad news Scotland, everyone will be fit for the last two games.

Andy Farrell says he expects Ireland to have Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Furlong all back for the Round 4 Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield in just over two weeks.

Sexton will sit out Saturday's visit to Italy at Stadio Olimpico due to a groin injury suffered in the win against France in Round 2, but the captain travelled with the squad to Rome on Thursday, and has been heavily involved in preparing the group throughout the week at the high performance centre in Abbotstown.

When asked how confident he is, on a scale of 1-10, that the captain will return for the trip to Scotland on 12 March, Farrell was adamant in his response of '10'.

And he says Gibson-Park and Furlong will also be available for selection, with the pair yet to feature in the championship. Furlong hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Leinster's win against Ulster in early December, picking up a calf issue in January which has delayed his return. Gibson-Park, meanwhile, had been due to start Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff, before a hamstring injury on the eve of the game.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2023/022 ... -scotland/

To be honest, being completely confident that a 37 year old will completely recover from a groin strain in any time period is a bit daft, as I think pretty much everyone on here could testify to.

True !

None of them will be playing the full 80, it'll just be a case of wanting to have a more or less full squad to pick from for the final match.

I have a feeling it'll be a cracker for those lucky enough to have tickets sorted out.

Biffer wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:40 am

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:16 am Bad news Scotland, everyone will be fit for the last two games.

Andy Farrell says he expects Ireland to have Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Furlong all back for the Round 4 Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield in just over two weeks.

Sexton will sit out Saturday's visit to Italy at Stadio Olimpico due to a groin injury suffered in the win against France in Round 2, but the captain travelled with the squad to Rome on Thursday, and has been heavily involved in preparing the group throughout the week at the high performance centre in Abbotstown.

When asked how confident he is, on a scale of 1-10, that the captain will return for the trip to Scotland on 12 March, Farrell was adamant in his response of '10'.

And he says Gibson-Park and Furlong will also be available for selection, with the pair yet to feature in the championship. Furlong hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Leinster's win against Ulster in early December, picking up a calf issue in January which has delayed his return. Gibson-Park, meanwhile, had been due to start Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff, before a hamstring injury on the eve of the game.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2023/022 ... -scotland/

To be honest, being completely confident that a 37 year old will completely recover from a groin strain in any time period is a bit daft, as I think pretty much everyone on here could testify to.

I would say Sexton is already recovered and they're just not risking him this weekend. It was allegedly pretty minor and they're going to not risk anything that's still raw with Sexton's body this year.

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:57 am

Biffer wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:40 am

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:16 am Bad news Scotland, everyone will be fit for the last two games.



https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2023/022 ... -scotland/

To be honest, being completely confident that a 37 year old will completely recover from a groin strain in any time period is a bit daft, as I think pretty much everyone on here could testify to.

True !

None of them will be playing the full 80, it'll just be a case of wanting to have a more or less full squad to pick from for the final match.

I have a feeling it'll be a cracker for those lucky enough to have tickets sorted out.

Don't forget the U20s are all on tonight as well !

Under-20 Six Nations

Italy U20 19:15 Ireland U20
Wales U20 19:15 England U20
France U20 20:00 Scotland U20

Beeb Red button, Virgin Media etc for coverage

BBC iPlayer app

*remember*
Don’t use search

Click on categories >> sport

I know we (England) don't exactly struggle to produce back three talent, so why are we fielding a player who, according to the commentators, openly wants to play for Wales at senior level?

5 - 7 in Treviso

Is that Brian Ashton I see?

sockwithaticket wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:21 pm I know we (England) don't exactly struggle to produce back three talent, so why are we fielding a player who, according to the commentators, openly wants to play for Wales at senior level?

Who’s that than? I was guessing Aneurin Thomas but he seems to be a 9.

GogLais wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:39 pm

sockwithaticket wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:21 pm I know we (England) don't exactly struggle to produce back three talent, so why are we fielding a player who, according to the commentators, openly wants to play for Wales at senior level?

Who’s that than? I was guessing Aneurin Thomas but he seems to be a 9.

Josh Hathaway, the English 11.

After 5 successive rucks where Eng have lain on the wrong side to obstruct the Welsh SH, the ref finally awards a pen.

sockwithaticket wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:40 pm

GogLais wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:39 pm

sockwithaticket wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:21 pm I know we (England) don't exactly struggle to produce back three talent, so why are we fielding a player who, according to the commentators, openly wants to play for Wales at senior level?

Who’s that than? I was guessing Aneurin Thomas but he seems to be a 9.

Josh Hathaway, the English 11.

Ah ok, Aberystwyth apparently. That’s properly Welsh, well nearly.

On this showing, Welsh rugby is f**ked for a generation.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:52 pm On this showing, Welsh rugby is f**ked for a generation.

It feels like they're always pretty poor at this level.

England teams always have a few who look the genuine article mixed among the ones you'll never hear of again.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:52 pm On this showing, Welsh rugby is f**ked for a generation.

Tbh I’m not sure that the U20s were up to much even during peak Gatland. We’re late developers.

GogLais wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:56 pm

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:52 pm On this showing, Welsh rugby is f**ked for a generation.

Tbh I’m not sure that the U20s were up to much even during peak Gatland. We’re late developers.

I remember some pretty decent ones including a side that gave the ABs a hard time.

8 - 27 HT in Italy

Enjoying the Phil Kearns tribute act from the co commentator.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:58 pm

GogLais wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:56 pm

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:52 pm On this showing, Welsh rugby is f**ked for a generation.

Tbh I’m not sure that the U20s were up to much even during peak Gatland. We’re late developers.

I remember some pretty decent ones including a side that gave the ABs a hard time.

Sorry but that isn’t the official line.

So does Ashton have an official role with the U20s or is he merely an adviser?