Rugby

In, with little expectations.

Pob lwc everyone

Currently on a train to Cardiff to watch the opener.

https://fantasy.sixnationsrugby.com/#wel­come/register/?parrain=ct8r9sb&ligue=977­0&mdp=IKRBD

New page so it isn't lost

Fantasy 6 nations
League: 9770
passcode: IKRBD

(Pastys LFGSS league)

I’m in... with a very rushed selection, getting excuses in early...

So, someone at the BBC looked at their coverage and thought 'Needs more Eddie Butler'. Wut?

WTF is going on today?!
Vive Le France

Classic case of the only stat that matters being the scoreboard. France really picking when to attack and when to maintain shape (with and without ball). Thought England were so ponderous in the 4-5 separate times they were within 5 meters and my god Itoje - this should perhaps give him a bit of humility and kick up the arse to do what he's made his name doing rather than give sooo many pens away and have a Jason Lee haircut (pretty sure the two are related, the haircut and stupidity I mean, not Lee and Itoje)

Edit: Brilliant try

The French must be wondering why they didn’t sign Sean Edwards as defensive coach years ago. Awesome so far from Les Bleus keeping England at bay then releasing their attack with pace.

Yes yes and yes

Urgh, at least he is on my fantasy team.

France could be down to 14 next Scrum

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/51415778

Lol @ Saracens

It's like they're playing balls-up bingo?

Come on guys, except @Coops - transfer time.....Polledri and Cannone.....20 PTS between them last week. Terrible

Not sure on this referee today, seems to like blowing his whistle

Wales and the fucking knock-ons, driving me mad

Cannot believe the blatant off-side; Aki every single time without fail not being spotted

Not to say I want either team to win especially but it's been ridiculous. The linesman should spot it easily

Springboks looking to move to the six nations

This is very interesting, as is the amount of opposition in the press.

On an unrelated note, RFU slashing Championship clubs' funding stinks to high heaven.
"No ringfencing here..." while pulling up the ladder at the same time. Blazers lining their pockets again...

I can see the pros and cons.

SA

• time difference is better with the 6Ns
  
• Expats in the UK
  
• teams we play for are UK/EU
  
  

But then it will challenge the "we would definitely beat the boks 2/3 or 4/5 games. they had a lucky win" theory.

I think it would be good for the 6Ns overall.

we would definitely beat the boks 2/3 or 4/5 games. they had a lucky win

Not sure there are many spouting this, barring the usual suspects in the press.

I agree there is an overall upside to the suggestion. But I am not convinced it would happen - too much protectionism and "but that's how we've always done it".

I'd feel for Italy though, as they'd seem to be an obvious casualty. They seem to have turned a corner with the age-groups' performances recently - there has been too much expectation for them to improve quickly - after all, they've only been in there since 2000 and it takes ca. 15 years to produce a junior pro from minis to contract (and that's with a mature development pathway - a la England / Ireland / Wales / France / etc.).

The SA players would also get to meet all their mates playing for Ireland, Italy, Scotland, France... (trollololololollololollolol...)

Is this replacing the idea that Georgia will be added?

Seems to be a reaction to it to appease the money men, yes. At least that's what I think. I'm probably wrong, as usual.

Anyone got predictions for this weekend?

My gut says the following:

Ireland by 3
France by 10
Scotland by 15*

*Assuming we play to our potential. To be fair if it all goes tits up I wouldn't be that upset, I don't think Gregor Townsend is the right guy for the job. The primary role of an international manager is to be an effective man manager, as they don't have the face time with their squad to bring on much in the way of player development, this limits their role to managing what they have to produce the best possible performance on the day. Alarm bells started ringing in the build up to the RWC when it was revealed that Richie Gray chose not to be selected and this debacle with Finn Russell has stepped those up a notch (Russell has not covered himself in glory here either IMHO). I'd like to see Richard Cockerill promoted to the Scotland job (or Stern Vern come back but that won't happen), he has much more experience than Townsend and has a much better track record of achievement also given what he did at Edinburgh with 0 budget shows his man management credentials. Its not that I think Toonie is not capable of doing the job but he needs more experience.

Wasn't impress by either sides attacking but some impressive defending from both sides in the Italy/Scotland.

Need Wales to turn it on today to slow Frances progression.