Rugby

sweeeeet

I'm in. Some big changes for the weekend already & some unknown quantities. Furlong out is a blow to Ireland, Gats back & Halfpenny can't catch a break, England with a new coach, a raft of withdrawals and won't have the same centres two games in a row for the past 8 years it seems, Scotland ring the changes also... Looking forward to it. So the games will be rubbish, won't they? ;)

Furlong out is a blow to Ireland

It is, but nothing insurmountable. Bealham is in great form and deserves it. With Sheehan starting and Stewart called up to the camp, there's a definite shift to the more dynamic (read: young and fit) hooker position. Beirne and Ryan in the second row would terrify me, and that back row is a perfect mix of shit housery, ball carrying and jackals.

I was about to go through the rest of the team but it would just be sycophantic love letters and I do this every year and immediately get kicked in the balls in some way.

I am excited as an Irishman, but then I am every year.

Ugh. Are we going to go through all this again - Farrell at 12... No running threat. Easy meat for Tuipolotu.

Looking forward to McCloskey vs Hawkins in the centres and Morgan vs O'Mahoney could be a cracking battle also. Can't see beyond Ireland by 10 though, maybe a lot more.

In fact, Ireland by 10+ vs everyone bar France this year.

England side seems to have a certain Tigers bias.

I'd like to level that criticism at Tigers. But it's no more than with Eddie really. At least it's not so Bath-centric as it was.

France is always the concern. I really fancy their WC chances. McCloskey has been an overlooked favourite of mine for a long time. Both he and Aki are big heavy runners, McCloskey has a touch more nous about him in my view. My bias (also as an Ulsterman) knows no bounds.

I think I'll cry as much when O'Mahoney retires as I did when B O'D and Stephen Ferris did.

Righto - predictions

Ireland by 14
Draw (or whoever keeps 15 on the park longest wins)
France by 28

Don't think Eccles 1st XV 12 & 13 are going to have a pleasant Saturday afternoon playing Wigan Rugby Union with their guesting centre partnership. Considering it's an RFU level 8 match a little naughty!

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Ouch! "Your man"

Best day of the year! Good luck to everyone in the fantasy league. My predictions:

Wales by <3
England by 2-5
France by 8-12

This hasn't aged well

If we’re self-flagellating, it’s not long ago that I told this thread James Lowe was the worst player ever to don the Irish shirt.

That was good vision and kicking from Smith.

Van Der Marvelous!

Wow. That's some try.

Borthwick has a proper uphill struggle on his hands

Second was a tidy finish too, lol England.

Got to make the big call and drop the skipper

Second was a tidy finish too, lol England.

At least they tried to tackle him for that one.

Sinfield will be beating them with a big stick on Monday. Bad defensive performance. Gave Scotland the outside every phase. But you've got to take it and they did.

Nephew scored his debug semi-pro try in Eng National League 2 (South).

Oh, and: https://twitter.com/danny_mcmoomins/status/1621923847980154881

Most of which wouldn't be out of place in the Golf Club thread.

Oh dear, oh dear. So true...

Nephew scored his debug semi-pro try in Eng National League 2 (South).

Fantastic stuff. Which team does he play for?

BSE