The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 6:57 am
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The England v Italy match thread
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Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:04 am
Reckon England will do enough to pinch a draw tomorrow.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:15 am
I'm not sure we can afford the luxury of resting our best players when playing against Italy any more. But scab-nose must know what he's doing.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:26 am
I hope you don’t think he is resting Ben Youngs.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:31 am
I hope to just see a bit of risk taken by England. The default tactic against Scotland when England were in their own half was to hoof the ball as far as possible, and keep repeating until there was a knock-on or the ball went out. Watching what Ireland, France and Italy are trying in attack looks light years ahead of where England are in terms of ambition and confidence.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:36 am
This will be the closest game between us in 7/8 years or so, I’d expect Italy to show a tonne of ambition. Interested how our defence plays after last week’s debacle
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:41 am
Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:36 am This will be the closest game between us in 7/8 years or so, I’d expect Italy to show a tonne of ambition. Interested how our defence plays after last week’s debacle
I want Capuozzo to have another great game. He's a 75kg boy and there's still a place for him in test rugby. It's bloody marvelous.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:45 am
Yeah I really admire the ambition they showed last week, a couple of balls going to hand would have changed a lot. I am as nervous for an Italy game as I have been since Hodgson’s charge down in the snowKawazaki wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:41 amPaddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:36 am This will be the closest game between us in 7/8 years or so, I’d expect Italy to show a tonne of ambition. Interested how our defence plays after last week’s debacle
I want Capuozzo to have another great game. He's a 75kg boy and there's still a place for him in test rugby. It's bloody marvelous.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:07 am
I hope it will be interesting. I’m thinking the natural instinct will be for England to keep it in the forwards and kick to grind out a win and say, “there you go, everything tickety-boo”. So hoping they come completely unstuck doing this and this Italy pack might be able to hold its own.Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:45 amYeah I really admire the ambition they showed last week, a couple of balls going to hand would have changed a lot. I am as nervous for an Italy game as I have been since Hodgson’s charge down in the snowKawazaki wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:41 amPaddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:36 am This will be the closest game between us in 7/8 years or so, I’d expect Italy to show a tonne of ambition. Interested how our defence plays after last week’s debacle
I want Capuozzo to have another great game. He's a 75kg boy and there's still a place for him in test rugby. It's bloody marvelous.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:24 am
I imagine we’ll see a similar game plan to last week which had teething problems but was far from turgid. Kicking long and inviting Italy to run it back runs the risk of a wonder try but you’d like to think it will give Willis a chance to get over the ball.PCPhil wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:07 amI hope it will be interesting. I’m thinking the natural instinct will be for England to keep it in the forwards and kick to grind out a win and say, “there you go, everything tickety-boo”. So hoping they come completely unstuck doing this and this Italy pack might be able to hold its own.Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:45 amYeah I really admire the ambition they showed last week, a couple of balls going to hand would have changed a lot. I am as nervous for an Italy game as I have been since Hodgson’s charge down in the snow
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:52 am
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:52 am
Only if our first up tackling is better, and kick chase more consistent. Have to hope that after the first runout last week the coaching setup have identified the areas needing the most work.Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:24 amI imagine we’ll see a similar game plan to last week which had teething problems but was far from turgid. Kicking long and inviting Italy to run it back runs the risk of a wonder try but you’d like to think it will give Willis a chance to get over the ball.PCPhil wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:07 amI hope it will be interesting. I’m thinking the natural instinct will be for England to keep it in the forwards and kick to grind out a win and say, “there you go, everything tickety-boo”. So hoping they come completely unstuck doing this and this Italy pack might be able to hold its own.Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:45 am
Yeah I really admire the ambition they showed last week, a couple of balls going to hand would have changed a lot. I am as nervous for an Italy game as I have been since Hodgson’s charge down in the snow
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 10:51 am
You'd bloody well hope so!!!geordie_6 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:52 amOnly if our first up tackling is better, and kick chase more consistent. Have to hope that after the first runout last week the coaching setup have identified the areas needing the most work.Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:24 amI imagine we’ll see a similar game plan to last week which had teething problems but was far from turgid. Kicking long and inviting Italy to run it back runs the risk of a wonder try but you’d like to think it will give Willis a chance to get over the ball.PCPhil wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:07 am
I hope it will be interesting. I’m thinking the natural instinct will be for England to keep it in the forwards and kick to grind out a win and say, “there you go, everything tickety-boo”. So hoping they come completely unstuck doing this and this Italy pack might be able to hold its own.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:28 am
Yes the reason I’m pretty bullish about England is that our issues are blindingly obvious, albeit ‘sort out the defence, line out and pick a 12’ are somewhat major issues.SaintK wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 10:51 amYou'd bloody well hope so!!!geordie_6 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:52 amOnly if our first up tackling is better, and kick chase more consistent. Have to hope that after the first runout last week the coaching setup have identified the areas needing the most work.Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:24 am
I imagine we’ll see a similar game plan to last week which had teething problems but was far from turgid. Kicking long and inviting Italy to run it back runs the risk of a wonder try but you’d like to think it will give Willis a chance to get over the ball.
Evans found a quick fix in attack of one of Smith or Faz basically sitting out a snap whilst the other ran the show, and suddenly we scored three tries, would like to think as this squad spends more time with coherent coaches there will be continued improvements. Still bricking it today
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 am
I think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.SaintK wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 10:51 amYou'd bloody well hope so!!!geordie_6 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:52 amOnly if our first up tackling is better, and kick chase more consistent. Have to hope that after the first runout last week the coaching setup have identified the areas needing the most work.Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:24 am
I imagine we’ll see a similar game plan to last week which had teething problems but was far from turgid. Kicking long and inviting Italy to run it back runs the risk of a wonder try but you’d like to think it will give Willis a chance to get over the ball.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:06 pm
I'll be interested to see how others fare against this Welsh team, because I think they might be even worse than last year.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 amI think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
Today the win is, of course, paramount. Surrendering our unbeaten record against even this hugely improved Italian side would set us on course for the wooden spoon with only beating Wales in Cardiff as our get out of jail card and be hugely embarassing. The noise from those who thought sacking Eddie was a bad idea would start to rise and the media will start spinning unhelpful narratives...
Aside from that, I just want to see some progress in the areas of deficieny. Signs that with more time together the team improves and that given time they'll be capable of mixing it with sides who are currently deeper into their progression.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:51 pm
I just want some on field clarity in the way they play. Identify where we have an advantages early, and push that ruthlessly, efficiently and with patience. I want Farrell to show some tactical flexibility as well. Here's hoping...sockwithaticket wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:06 pmI'll be interested to see how others fare against this Welsh team, because I think they might be even worse than last year.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 amI think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
Today the win is, of course, paramount. Surrendering our unbeaten record against even this hugely improved Italian side would set us on course for the wooden spoon with only beating Wales in Cardiff as our get out of jail card and be hugely embarassing. The noise from those who thought sacking Eddie was a bad idea would start to rise and the media will start spinning unhelpful narratives...
Aside from that, I just want to see some progress in the areas of deficieny. Signs that with more time together the team improves and that given time they'll be capable of mixing it with sides who are currently deeper into their progression.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:55 pm
Whereas losing to Italy would actually demonstrate just how badly EJ had let things get, and would be even more evidence that we were right to get shot of him.sockwithaticket wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:06 pmI'll be interested to see how others fare against this Welsh team, because I think they might be even worse than last year.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 amI think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
Today the win is, of course, paramount. Surrendering our unbeaten record against even this hugely improved Italian side would set us on course for the wooden spoon with only beating Wales in Cardiff as our get out of jail card and be hugely embarassing. The noise from those who thought sacking Eddie was a bad idea would start to rise and the media will start spinning unhelpful narratives...
Aside from that, I just want to see some progress in the areas of deficieny. Signs that with more time together the team improves and that given time they'll be capable of mixing it with sides who are currently deeper into their progression.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:58 pm
Err, they were playing Wales, 2013 vintage, at home.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 amI think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:06 pm
There is that ! However, it was still a fine performance and a record win. Always hard to to assess how good a team is when the other is poor but they did put them away well.PCPhil wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:58 pmErr, they were playing Wales, 2013 vintage, at home.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 amI think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:28 pm
I personally don't elieve the hype of the Scotand team. They seem average and played a disorganised new Wales team yesterday who were rudderless and devoid of any attacking or defensive structure.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:06 pmThere is that ! However, it was still a fine performance and a record win. Always hard to to assess how good a team is when the other is poor but they did put them away well.PCPhil wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:58 pmErr, they were playing Wales, 2013 vintage, at home.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 am
I think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
A few Wales players are living off reputation and others should be nowhere near our squad.
The biggest issues for me are the front row and the lack of attacking ability behing.
That said for the RWC I think Ball and Hill will be available from Japan. Rowlands and Lake will be back from injury and LRZ will be fit again.
I see us getting the wooden spoon with no wins this year and possibly make it out of the RWC group.
Gats is using the 6N as a trial to strip out the dead wood.
Unfortunately the green shoots are not coming through yet.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:39 pm
Yeah, but the Irish didn't manage to make the Welsh look any worse than the Scots did, which is encouraging.PCPhil wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:58 pmErr, they were playing Wales, 2013 vintage, at home.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 amI think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:20 pm
Mako and Cole offer an impact?Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 amI think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:21 pm
No less than last week, whereas Mitchell, Smith, earl and Arundel is a bit special.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:23 pm
I can see Farrell trying to prove to the world that he offers the same attacking threat as Smith and throwing a couple of intercepts.spike wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:51 pmI just want some on field clarity in the way they play. Identify where we have an advantages early, and push that ruthlessly, efficiently and with patience. I want Farrell to show some tactical flexibility as well. Here's hoping...sockwithaticket wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:06 pmI'll be interested to see how others fare against this Welsh team, because I think they might be even worse than last year.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 am
I think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
Today the win is, of course, paramount. Surrendering our unbeaten record against even this hugely improved Italian side would set us on course for the wooden spoon with only beating Wales in Cardiff as our get out of jail card and be hugely embarassing. The noise from those who thought sacking Eddie was a bad idea would start to rise and the media will start spinning unhelpful narratives...
Aside from that, I just want to see some progress in the areas of deficieny. Signs that with more time together the team improves and that given time they'll be capable of mixing it with sides who are currently deeper into their progression.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:26 pm
Hopefully the 'new look' midfield can channel this performance.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:27 pm
Should think this is dombrandt last chance, unless he has a blinder well see Ludlam, Willis, Earl.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:28 pm
Really looking forward to this game. I'm going with England by 15
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:44 pm
I think Italy spent too much against France...I just cannot see that same level again...
But will praying and hoping I am wrong :)
Forza Italia!!!!
But will praying and hoping I am wrong :)
Forza Italia!!!!
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:45 pm
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:53 pm
That is the nicest thing someone has said to me all day. SniffRaggs wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:39 pmYeah, but the Irish didn't manage to make the Welsh look any worse than the Scots did, which is encouraging.PCPhil wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:58 pmErr, they were playing Wales, 2013 vintage, at home.Ovals wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:32 am
I think we saw, yesterday, that the Scots are actually a pretty good side - and, despite our woeful defence, we weren't far away from beating them. We had the best of the game for 70 mins. With a midfield that looks, defensively, a bit more robust - and Willis in at 7, I think we'll go much better this weekend. We also have a bench that offers more impact.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:02 pm
Is Varney planning on attending a ruck this game?
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:03 pm
Counter rucking!
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:07 pm
We are passing the ball beyond the first man. What's going on. Is this a horses for courses tactic?
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:10 pm
Enjoyed the counter rucks.
England looking sharper despite the knock ons
England looking sharper despite the knock ons
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:11 pm
Varney is standing level with his loosehead's hips and is angled towards his own number.8 before he puts the ball in. It's ridiculous.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:12 pm
Italy damaging Eng in the scrum as they did to Fra.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:12 pm
Italy are crippled by this pair of half backs.
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:13 pm
Ref riding Italy
Re: The England v Italy match thread
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:13 pm
Yeah, got a bit lucky