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@Markyboy hits the nail on the head. Lots of superlatives being heaped on Scotland. They were ok. But ok was plenty good enough and that’s all you have to be.
I disagree. England are so one-dimensional if you really take on their pack and power game they don't have the ability to problem solve on the field because of the way Jones has coached them. Ok it may not make make for a beautiful game, but England have world class players throughout their pack (even with Mako and Underhill missing) so you have to be more than just good to neutralise them, but Scotland dominated them up front (I don't remember England getting a single turnover at the breakdown?). They also kicked really well to pin England back in their own half and keep the pressure on. Scotland varied their game nicely too when required, e.g. England put pressure on Ali Price early on, after that he faked to box kick, passed the other way which let to Redpath making a line break. Agree that Scotland will get better. The Russell / Redpath partnership is going to be exciting to see develop.
Prole.-
Who in that England team, ignoring yesterday’s performance, is genuinely world class apart from Itoje?
Scotland played well enough, but were against a team with Saracens players who aren’t playing any rugby and a team that couldn’t catch, couldn’t kick, struggled at the set piece and gave away 15 penalties. Much was self-inflicted and Scotland forced a lot of it, but with 70% possession and 68% territory, they scored 11 points and won by a single score...
And players not taking a knee before kick off
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Mako
Biggest loss in personnel were him and Sinckler. Any subtlety in England’s power game (if there can be any in that type of game) is lost when the carrying props can’t move the ball like those two. Couple that with key forwards (and a fly-half) who really aren’t at the races and need matches under their belts and that game doesn’t work against seasoned players.
With Scotland, I thought Hooker would be a problem position. But with Turner (who I’d not seen before) coming in, they lost nothing from having McInally or Brown.
I’m still with @Markyboy, 11 points return from that match was not good enough for Scotland. After the celebrations, Townsend is a savvy enough coach that he will surely hammer that point home too.
Markyboy
c00ps
England lucky to finish second...
Dreadful.
@Markyboy hits the nail on the head. Lots of superlatives being heaped on Scotland. They were ok. But ok was plenty good enough and that’s all you have to be. Both sides will get better and they’ll have to. This will be a massive boost for a Scotland side who have threatened to start something for a while (since Vern Cotter), despite their run of results.