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the game


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Les grenouilles


Les Rosbiffs

Thanks, I hate it

So England's game plan will be to throw the kitchen sink at us up front, try to bully penalties out of us, and use a lot of kicking to pin us in our camp.

Wales kept France honest by being bloody aggressive around the ruck giving little time to Dupont and his men to get any momentum. England will look to repeat this.

I am sure Galthie will have done his homework and the French will be ready for it.

I also expect the French to raise their levels of intensity to the level they played against Ireland and New Zealand.

It will be a massive game.

TheFrog wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 2:22 am So England's game plan will be to throw the kitchen sink at us up front, try to bully penalties out of us, and use a lot of kicking to pin us in our camp.

Wales kept France honest by being bloody aggressive around the ruck giving little time to Dupont and his men to get any momentum. England will look to repeat this.

I am sure Galthie will have done his homework and the French will be ready for it.

I also expect the French to raise their levels of intensity to the level they played against Ireland and New Zealand.

It will be a massive game.

Honestly, i dont think England will get within a country mile of France.

I'm glad Ford isn't starting for Eng because his kicking game would expose Ntamack in a similar way that Biggar did. The hope is Smith stays true to type and largely keeps ball in hand.

Galthie better not try the same liberty taking of picking unfit players like he did v Wales. Aldritt had been ill all week and Dupont had an injury that made him a doubt........ and it showed. The Aldritt one was a huge error because he and Cros have been carrying Jelonch which meant Cros was almost on his own at the weekend.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:00 am I'm glad Ford isn't starting for Eng because his kicking game would expose Ntamack in a similar way that Biggar did. The hope is Smith stays true to type and largely keeps ball in hand.

Galthie better not try the same liberty taking of picking unfit players like he did v Wales. Aldritt had been ill all week and Dupont had an injury that made him a doubt........ and it showed. The Aldritt one was a huge error because he and Cros have been carrying Jelonch which meant Cros was almost on his own at the weekend.

I am starting to come around to your view on Ntamack, he has been pretty woeful this campaign, 1 good game against the AB's aside what else has he done? he seems to hamstring the French attack a lot.

ASMO wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:13 am

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:00 am I'm glad Ford isn't starting for Eng because his kicking game would expose Ntamack in a similar way that Biggar did. The hope is Smith stays true to type and largely keeps ball in hand.

Galthie better not try the same liberty taking of picking unfit players like he did v Wales. Aldritt had been ill all week and Dupont had an injury that made him a doubt........ and it showed. The Aldritt one was a huge error because he and Cros have been carrying Jelonch which meant Cros was almost on his own at the weekend.

I am starting to come around to your view on Ntamack, he has been pretty woeful this campaign, 1 good game against the AB's aside what else has he done? he seems to hamstring the French attack a lot.

He has an iconic rugby father and he plays for Toulouse = automatic selection.

1977. Now there's a team:
Première ligne : Gérard Cholley, Alain Paco, Robert Paparemborde

Deuxième ligne : Jean-François Imbernon, Michel Palmié

Troisième ligne : Jean-Pierre Rives, Jean-Claude Skrela, Jean-Pierre Bastiat

Demi de mêlée : Jacques Fouroux (cap)

Demi d’ouverture : Jean-Pierre Romeu

Centres : François Sangalli, Roland Bertranne

Ailiers : Jean-Luc Averous, Dominique Harize

Arrière : Jean-Michel Aguirre



Palmie

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:41 pm 1977. Now there's a team:
Première ligne : Gérard Cholley, Alain Paco, Robert Paparemborde

Deuxième ligne : Jean-François Imbernon, Michel Palmié

Troisième ligne : Jean-Pierre Rives, Jean-Claude Skrela, Jean-Pierre Bastiat

Demi de mêlée : Jacques Fouroux (cap)

Demi d’ouverture : Jean-Pierre Romeu

Centres : François Sangalli, Roland Bertranne

Ailiers : Jean-Luc Averous, Dominique Harize

Arrière : Jean-Michel Aguirre



Palmie

That pack was fucking awesome!!!!

ASMO wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:13 am

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:00 am I'm glad Ford isn't starting for Eng because his kicking game would expose Ntamack in a similar way that Biggar did. The hope is Smith stays true to type and largely keeps ball in hand.

Galthie better not try the same liberty taking of picking unfit players like he did v Wales. Aldritt had been ill all week and Dupont had an injury that made him a doubt........ and it showed. The Aldritt one was a huge error because he and Cros have been carrying Jelonch which meant Cros was almost on his own at the weekend.

I am starting to come around to your view on Ntamack, he has been pretty woeful this campaign, 1 good game against the AB's aside what else has he done? he seems to hamstring the French attack a lot.

Don't encourage him!

ASMO wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:13 am

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:00 am I'm glad Ford isn't starting for Eng because his kicking game would expose Ntamack in a similar way that Biggar did. The hope is Smith stays true to type and largely keeps ball in hand.

Galthie better not try the same liberty taking of picking unfit players like he did v Wales. Aldritt had been ill all week and Dupont had an injury that made him a doubt........ and it showed. The Aldritt one was a huge error because he and Cros have been carrying Jelonch which meant Cros was almost on his own at the weekend.

I am starting to come around to your view on Ntamack, he has been pretty woeful this campaign, 1 good game against the AB's aside what else has he done? he seems to hamstring the French attack a lot.

Again, who would you put instead?

I’m happy with Ntamack, he may not “shine” enough in the view of some but does his job and he’s the most reliable one that we have right now, the team hasn’t lost any game because of him

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 4:37 pm

I’m happy with Ntamack, he may not “shine” enough in the view of some but does his job and he’s the most reliable one that we have right now, the team hasn’t lost any game because of him

I've probably noted this before, but perhaps the two most similar attacks in the 6N are France and England's. And both sides put a huge amount of pressure on the 10 because it floods the person in the role with much more information than some other systems. Smith gets some help from Slade (and also from us not being as good at support play and coughing up the ball by turnover/penalty which I suppose at least reduces pressure on attack by defending instead), but Ntamack is pretty much left to do it by himself. If actually considering what Ntamack is being asked to do in decision making, and keeping in mind just how flat France play to the line he's not doing badly at all.

Not that I can say I'd be fussed if someone else got a chance, and not just because I'm not a France or Ntamack fan as such, but it does seem really harsh to criticise him in such fashion, even more so when the pack were much bigger culprits losing so many lineouts against Wales. Dan Carter wouldn't look good on attack when his pack can't secure 1st phase ball

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 4:37 pm Again, who would you put instead?

I’m happy with Ntamack, he may not “shine” enough in the view of some but does his job and he’s the most reliable one that we have right now, the team hasn’t lost any game because of him

The team hasn't lost any game because of me either.

Rhubarb & Custard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 5:07 pm I've probably noted this before, but perhaps the two most similar attacks in the 6N are France and England's. And both sides put a huge amount of pressure on the 10 because it floods the person in the role with much more information than some other systems. Smith gets some help from Slade (and also from us not being as good at support play and coughing up the ball by turnover/penalty which I suppose at least reduces pressure on attack by defending instead), but Ntamack is pretty much left to do it by himself. If actually considering what Ntamack is being asked to do in decision making, and keeping in mind just how flat France play to the line he's not doing badly at all.

Not that I can say I'd be fussed if someone else got a chance, and not just because I'm not a France or Ntamack fan as such, but it does seem really harsh to criticise him in such fashion, even more so when the pack were much bigger culprits losing so many lineouts against Wales. Dan Carter wouldn't look good on attack when his pack can't secure 1st phase ball

All this ignores the errors unrelated to your defence. I threw them up as they arose on the Wales match thread but even I could not keep up. It was an abysmal performance.

Rhubarb & Custard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 5:07 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 4:37 pm

I’m happy with Ntamack, he may not “shine” enough in the view of some but does his job and he’s the most reliable one that we have right now, the team hasn’t lost any game because of him

I've probably noted this before, but perhaps the two most similar attacks in the 6N are France and England's. And both sides put a huge amount of pressure on the 10 because it floods the person in the role with much more information than some other systems. Smith gets some help from Slade (and also from us not being as good at support play and coughing up the ball by turnover/penalty which I suppose at least reduces pressure on attack by defending instead), but Ntamack is pretty much left to do it by himself. If actually considering what Ntamack is being asked to do in decision making, and keeping in mind just how flat France play to the line he's not doing badly at all.

Not that I can say I'd be fussed if someone else got a chance, and not just because I'm not a France or Ntamack fan as such, but it does seem really harsh to criticise him in such fashion, even more so when the pack were much bigger culprits losing so many lineouts against Wales. Dan Carter wouldn't look good on attack when his pack can't secure 1st phase ball

He's made mistakes, and can improve. But he can also get our backline going quite well.

And he doesn't try to force destiny on his own, attacking the line for the sake of attacking the line.

Plus his defense is top notch.

What's Le Petit Guildford when it's a maison? Looks like it's promoting a bingo-style drinking game, which would be fun.

And how do you get the accents to work from your keyboard? Usual Ctrl / Alt approach isn't working on my Rosbif set.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 5:56 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 4:37 pm Again, who would you put instead?

I’m happy with Ntamack, he may not “shine” enough in the view of some but does his job and he’s the most reliable one that we have right now, the team hasn’t lost any game because of him

The team hasn't lost any game because of me either.

Stupid answer, always criticizing but never offer a solution.
Again, who ?

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:00 am I'm glad Ford isn't starting for Eng because his kicking game would expose Ntamack in a similar way that Biggar did. The hope is Smith stays true to type and largely keeps ball in hand.

Galthie better not try the same liberty taking of picking unfit players like he did v Wales. Aldritt had been ill all week and Dupont had an injury that made him a doubt........ and it showed. The Aldritt one was a huge error because he and Cros have been carrying Jelonch which meant Cros was almost on his own at the weekend.

Smith's kicked loads for England, far more than he does for Quins. It's Eddie's gameplan, especially away from home. It's not true that he largely keeps ball in hand; England and Smith have been kicking it away a lot this tournament (and kicked the leather off it in the losses to Ireland and Scotland)

TheFrog wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 6:04 pm

Rhubarb & Custard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 5:07 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 4:37 pm

I’m happy with Ntamack, he may not “shine” enough in the view of some but does his job and he’s the most reliable one that we have right now, the team hasn’t lost any game because of him

I've probably noted this before, but perhaps the two most similar attacks in the 6N are France and England's. And both sides put a huge amount of pressure on the 10 because it floods the person in the role with much more information than some other systems. Smith gets some help from Slade (and also from us not being as good at support play and coughing up the ball by turnover/penalty which I suppose at least reduces pressure on attack by defending instead), but Ntamack is pretty much left to do it by himself. If actually considering what Ntamack is being asked to do in decision making, and keeping in mind just how flat France play to the line he's not doing badly at all.

Not that I can say I'd be fussed if someone else got a chance, and not just because I'm not a France or Ntamack fan as such, but it does seem really harsh to criticise him in such fashion, even more so when the pack were much bigger culprits losing so many lineouts against Wales. Dan Carter wouldn't look good on attack when his pack can't secure 1st phase ball

He's made mistakes, and can improve. But he can also get our backline going quite well.

And he doesn't try to force destiny on his own, attacking the line for the sake of attacking the line.

Plus his defense is top notch.

Glad to see most posters can talk rugby and not classify players as Shit or Freak

Of course he makes mistakes, even Bauden Barrett and others top FH make mistakes, but he’s still much better and reliable than the ones (like Trin-duc, lopes etc.) we had for the last 12 years .
Personally I prefer Jalibert’ style but he’s out for 4-5 months.

Woddy wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 6:40 pm What's Le Petit Guildford when it's a maison? Looks like it's promoting a bingo-style drinking game, which would be fun.

And how do you get the accents to work from your keyboard? Usual Ctrl / Alt approach isn't working on my Rosbif set.

I use a French keyboard (basically cheating). In linux I can set a compose key with the windows keys (custom layouts) in windows maybe that works too.

The Guilford is a drinking game in the same mold as Dai Lama's.
Works mostly with French TV (Dai's is better for the English TV commentary)

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 7:11 pm Personally I prefer Jalibert’ style but he’s out for 4-5 months.

Where did you see it being that long?

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 6:56 pm

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 5:56 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 4:37 pm Again, who would you put instead?

I’m happy with Ntamack, he may not “shine” enough in the view of some but does his job and he’s the most reliable one that we have right now, the team hasn’t lost any game because of him

The team hasn't lost any game because of me either.

Stupid answer, always criticizing but never offer a solution.
Again, who ?

Your point was the argument that was stupid. There are gazillions of instances of team games where sides win despite one or more players**. It's hardly a rationale for continuing the same. If your car windows leaked, would you just leave it like that? After all, getting wet isn't preventing you getting to your destination.

** Toulouse won things for many years despite Poitrenaud..... although it came to bite then on the arse eventually.

sturginho wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:59 pm

ASMO wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:13 am

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:00 am I'm glad Ford isn't starting for Eng because his kicking game would expose Ntamack in a similar way that Biggar did. The hope is Smith stays true to type and largely keeps ball in hand.

Galthie better not try the same liberty taking of picking unfit players like he did v Wales. Aldritt had been ill all week and Dupont had an injury that made him a doubt........ and it showed. The Aldritt one was a huge error because he and Cros have been carrying Jelonch which meant Cros was almost on his own at the weekend.

I am starting to come around to your view on Ntamack, he has been pretty woeful this campaign, 1 good game against the AB's aside what else has he done? he seems to hamstring the French attack a lot.

Don't encourage him!

My sources tell me Finn Russell will be eligible for France by 2027.

PCPhil wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:25 am

sturginho wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:59 pm

ASMO wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:13 am

I am starting to come around to your view on Ntamack, he has been pretty woeful this campaign, 1 good game against the AB's aside what else has he done? he seems to hamstring the French attack a lot.

Don't encourage him!

My sources tell me Finn Russell will be eligible for France by 2027.

Ntamack is the White Russell.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 12:36 pm

PCPhil wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:25 am

sturginho wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 3:59 pm

Don't encourage him!

My sources tell me Finn Russell will be eligible for France by 2027.

Ntamack is the White Russell.

So that would make them dark and white chocolate flake?

ASMO wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 12:43 pm

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 12:36 pm

PCPhil wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:25 am
My sources tell me Finn Russell will be eligible for France by 2027.

Ntamack is the White Russell.

So that would make them dark and white chocolate flake?

Potential team


15. Jaminet ; 14. Penaud, 13. Fickou, 12. Danty, 11. Villière ; 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont (cap.) ; 7. Jelonch, 8. Alldritt, 6. Cros ; 5. Willemse, 4. Woki ; 3. Atonio, 2. Marchand, 1. Baille

Remplaçants : 16. Mauvaka, 17. Gros, 18. Haouas, 19. Taofifenua, 20. Flament, 21. Cretin (ou Lebel), 22. Lucu, 23. Ramos

Back to 6-2 bench

laurent wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:17 pm Potential team


15. Jaminet ; 14. Penaud, 13. Fickou, 12. Danty, 11. Villière ; 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont (cap.) ; 7. Jelonch, 8. Alldritt, 6. Cros ; 5. Willemse, 4. Woki ; 3. Atonio, 2. Marchand, 1. Baille

Remplaçants : 16. Mauvaka, 17. Gros, 18. Haouas, 19. Taofifenua, 20. Flament, 21. Cretin (ou Lebel), 22. Lucu, 23. Ramos

Back to 6-2 bench

Looks weak

SaintK wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:04 pm

laurent wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:17 pm Potential team


15. Jaminet ; 14. Penaud, 13. Fickou, 12. Danty, 11. Villière ; 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont (cap.) ; 7. Jelonch, 8. Alldritt, 6. Cros ; 5. Willemse, 4. Woki ; 3. Atonio, 2. Marchand, 1. Baille

Remplaçants : 16. Mauvaka, 17. Gros, 18. Haouas, 19. Taofifenua, 20. Flament, 21. Cretin (ou Lebel), 22. Lucu, 23. Ramos

Back to 6-2 bench

Looks weak

Calin ?

This game is building up like a proper final.

While victory in the tournament is now out of England's reach, the performance against Ireland has restored some pride and England absolutely want to finish on a high and send a message to the world by serving humble pie to a much hyped French team.

Since yesterday, England are already in France and they are preparing for this game like it were a world cup final.

France, obviously, have this 6N trophy and Grand Slam on their agenda, and want to deliver both to boost their confidence and build credibility ahead of the World Cup. It is also a matter of learning to win trophies and living with the favorites' tag.

So France are preparing this game as if there was no tomorrow too.

England's game plan is predictable. They'll use the boot to gain ground and their forwards to try to stop any French momentum and win penalties. I was impressed by the pinpointed up and under that landed just before the 22m line, with the chasers just under it as it fell. France are less reliable than Ireland under the high ball and if England can recycle these 50/50 balls when they fall their way, they could cause France a lot of problems.

The battle of the set piece will be fascinating. The French touch was wobbly against Wales but he was a lot down Woki calling all the throw in to himself. As we saw in the second half, when France varied the targets, the French touch became sound again.

At scrum time, England showed their power against Ireland, but images of Genge boring in have been circulating on social media and I have no doubt the French staff had a word with Jaco Peyper on that matter.

I think each team will have 1 to 3 opportunities to score a try, and it will come down to which team converts these. And, if England get ground advantage, how French discipline holds in front of English pressure.


It will be massively intense and I hope that the COVID crisis is over in the French camp and that the boys are back to their best fitness.

England, on their side, left a lot of juice on the pitch in Twickenham and have one less day to recover. Plus Curry will be missing for the battle of the rucks.

I believe France will prevail and will play at a whole better level than they did against Wales. We should see the team that best New Zealand take the pitch this time.

England will have to score trys to win, probably 3 minimum, just can’t see that happening from what we have seen so far

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 6:15 pm England will have to score trys to win, probably 3 minimum, just can’t see that happening from what we have seen so far

We’ve got the players to do it but unfortunately not the game plan or the coaching

SaintK wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 6:24 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 6:15 pm England will have to score trys to win, probably 3 minimum, just can’t see that happening from what we have seen so far

We’ve got the players to do it but unfortunately not the game plan or the coaching

Forwards, yes. Nothing says try fest about the backs I don’t think. Centres are not the right centres for wonderboy and the back 3 just don’t look like International standard try scorers.

I like a lot of them individually which goes back to your point really I guess, but none of them seem to complement each other

Weather forecast for Saturday, sunny 15dg during the day, around 11dg at 9pm No rain

This game suits Eddie Jones’ MO pretty perfectly.

Our pack should be able to take them on, Wales showed they can be vulnerable at the lineout as well so would expect us to compete for everything and try and deny them set piece ball.
Tries will likely have to come from well executed set moves, again, Eddie’s speciality.
Then we’ll see if they have the bottle and what the crowd do. If they are potentially the second NH team to win a World Cup they’ve got at least one more jib of a GS in them. Looking forward to it as I’d love to beat them but equally do not begrudge them the title at all

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 7:25 pm This game suits Eddie Jones’ MO pretty perfectly.

Our pack should be able to take them on, Wales showed they can be vulnerable at the lineout as well so would expect us to compete for everything and try and deny them set piece ball.
Tries will likely have to come from well executed set moves, again, Eddie’s speciality.
Then we’ll see if they have the bottle and what the crowd do. If they are potentially the second NH team to win a World Cup they’ve got at least one more jib of a GS in them. Looking forward to it as I’d love to beat them but equally do not begrudge them the title at all

Lineout can be fixed easily for France if they stop throwing every ball to Woki.

It's what they did in the second half against Wales.

As for the scrum, if the ref watches Genge, we should be safe.

SaintK wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 6:24 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 6:15 pm England will have to score trys to win, probably 3 minimum, just can’t see that happening from what we have seen so far

We’ve got the players to do it but unfortunately not the game plan or the coaching

Backline really lacks pace. Steward must be the slowest FB on the planet. Maclou would beat him over 100m giving him a 10m head start!

This one feels a bit like the game in 2016 when we won the Grand Slam; just get it done, don't care how. And I think the French will, they had their "dogshit but we won" game against Wales, the one all winning teams tend to have on their way to a championship.

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 6:53 pm

SaintK wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 6:24 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Mar 16, 2022 6:15 pm England will have to score trys to win, probably 3 minimum, just can’t see that happening from what we have seen so far

We’ve got the players to do it but unfortunately not the game plan or the coaching

Forwards, yes. Nothing says try fest about the backs I don’t think. Centres are not the right centres for wonderboy and the back 3 just don’t look like International standard try scorers.

I like a lot of them individually which goes back to your point really I guess, but none of them seem to complement each other

Perhaps I should have mentioned "selection" as well.