Rugby

Glad to see Malins get a start too, he's just such a classy player. He really should have started against Italy as well.

Josh Adams seems to be enjoying himself today

Lovely try for Italy

Wales have been so clinical so far in the 6N so really annoying to give up two easy tries.

Cracking start to England France. Both sides looking really sharp.

Something I've not really thought about until now- when the ref encourages the team to "use it" from a ruck or scrum it it because there is a time limit to holding it there?

Shaping up as a game of exciting rugby. Wouldn't be upset if France won, been enjoying their improvement and confidence.

Yep, think it is 5 seconds, although pretty much every team takes over that.

Well this is entertaining...

Really open and entertaining from both sides

Jalibert has been well tasty.

That was a great game, both teams going for it. Shame it took England 4 games to get going though.

Hmmm. But how often has that happened in the past.

Really disappointed for France, but great game - best of the tournament so far. England played well, but it seems like persistence with certain players is holding them back. Not sure either Vunipola deserves to start.

France-Wales should be cracking.

Was a really good game and great to see England play a bit of rugby and my god what a difference when Youngs moves the ball quickly from the breakdown. I thought BV carried hungrily and Itoje had a much better game but Curry was my MoM by a distance, running with vicious intent (not often in International rugby players - in this case Jalibert - get lifted off their feet and sat down, and hitting hard. I feel it be papering over the cracks somewhat however but fair play to EJ and the team.

So- weekend round up. Wales couldn't do a lot more than they did against a hapless Italy but LRZ is 'on the plane' I'd say and will have a good crack at a starting spot. Adams not grounding the ball over the try line was lazy and wouldn't have gone unnoticed and it could be North's resurgence as a 13, who can play wing, that ultimately means he misses out. After benching behind George for the 3 NZ tests, Ken Owens probably favourite for the starting Hooker spot now too.

My Lions 1st Test Squad were it tomorrow

1. W. Jones
   
2. K Owens
   
3. T Furlong
   
4. M Itoje
   
5. J Ryan
   
6. H Watson
   
7. J Tipuric
   
8. CJ Stander
   
9. A Price
   
10. F Russell
    
11. A Watson
    
12. R Henshaw/M Tuilagi
    
13. G Ringrose
    
14. Louis Rees-Zamitt
    
15. S Hogg
    
    

Reps: R Sutherland, G Turner, K Sinkler, T Beirne, T Curry, O Farrell, B Youngs, G North

There are some absolute squad definites of course inc AWJ but who will be the 3rd fly-half? Russell goes because he's largely been in great form for a couple of seasons and offers soothing very different to any other option. Farrell goes as he's a Gatland favourite and plays 10 and 12. Then it's a choice between Sexton, Ford and Biggar who've all had their moments this championship. I guess it depends how Gatland sees the team playing but I can see an argument for any of the 3 at the expense of the other 2.

Fantasy Update - not a great deal of change in proceedings but it'll need some creative thinking (and before that checking the team sheets) in the next round to ensure it doesn't become and finish a two horse race between Billys and I.
@Bobbo - I got a WhatsApp from my brother saying "Bobbo - inspired" at half time of the Wales match and I swear I was reduced to tears when I checked your selections and saw 2 Italian Subs and 2 try scoring hooker K Owens as your only starter - brilliant!

I reckon North is the form 13 this championship. So him + Henshaw is a big, fast midfield (and very Warrenball also!). With the outside backs you have selected, I quite like that balance.

I have nosedived in the Fantasy game. I will make some outrageous selections in a proper do-or-die next week...

I may be being one-eyed here, but I think your pack is missing a few English players - if you're going solely on form this week then I'd argue Curry and Billy should start, and for a pack to take on the Boks up front I'm just not sure Watson and Tips are big/abrasive enough, much as I love them both as players. Probably on the plane. Falatau in with a shout too for 6 and 8.

No arguments with the backline albeit I don't think for a moment Gatland will be starting Russell. I would. But I definitely expect Farrell to be starting, either 10 or 12. Not sure how/if the Russell - Farrell axis works but it would certainly be interesting. Farrell's defensive performance at 12 was massive this week, led the line and smashed everything in his path - with legal tackle technique! Wonders never cease.

I think Curry was great at the weekend hence his bench inclusion for flanker/8 cover.I hear you completely mind though Watson seems to have such explosive power that belies his 'modest' size. It'd be interesting to see 'metres made after contact' stats etc to get a better comparison. My worry with BV (and he's really pulled his finger out the last 2 games) is that if his, admittedly often highly effective, one dimension of carrying hard, dominating physically and tying in defenders is nullified he doesn't add a huge amount beyond that. Standers stats for metres/carries etc etc are MILES ahead of every back row player in the 6N (couldn't believe it) and whilst I appreciate that stats are born out of game-plan etc they can't be ignored. Tipuric is just so bloody good at everything and links forwards/backs so well (and is a proven test match Lion) he's hard to leave out but if your suggestions (Faletau etc) transpired I would be neither surprised nor disappointed. Yes, said it last week; Farrell's defence the last two games has been superb. Young's showed me that he actually can move the ball directly and quickly from the breakdown and he looked so much better doing that and it meant that his occasional steps and snipes caught the defence off guard and were more effective.
@c00ps, yes, Henshaw, North....oh and Faz at 10.....Gatland's wet dream!

Tipuric

Wales' best centre...

(as said to me a few years ago in Carmarthen)

Haha! Is that sort of when a joke actually isn't really a joke?
It's going to be tricky because I'd say only
Furlong
Itoje
Hogg
(maybe Henshaw and A Watson)
are guaranteed starters and whilst I reckon we could all name 30 players who will definitely tour, there is much less of 'they're guaranteed to start' than in previous years which may be a good thing or a sign of weakness!

Young's showed me that he actually can move the ball directly and quickly from the breakdown

Wait for next week to see whether lightning can strike twice...

Is that sort of when a joke actually isn't really a joke?

I took it that way, yes. He certainly could play 12 and not look out of place.

Here's an idea... Tipuric 12, Sam Simmonds 13 for the 'midweek' side.

Hang on, didn't we start down this road way upthread?

oooo, that'd be exciting and probably only a few stone lighter than their opposite numbers lol! Perhaps have that Gloucester fella or Tom Croft as their mentor!
Any advance on my 3 nailed-on starters - I mean the greater competition for places is exciting I think