Rugby

True, but the panel being fully Australian, despite also independent, speaks to the hemisphere division over the tackle laws also. The south being more lenient and "fackin smash 'im, mate".

But I can't speak too loudly or we'd be without our captain...

England are going to stink out the world cup. Haven't seen such a poor team in years. There must be a) a better coach than Borthwick and b) some better young players to come through.
Abject.

Silver lining - Mercer will be in…

(Edit: we all know it’ll be Dombrandt, sadly)

Vunipola will probably cop a long ban because of the Farrell farce…

But magic KC…

Magic KC vs angry memo from World Rugby saying don’t embarrass us again to their hand-picked, independent panel would be an interesting watch. Certainly more interesting than that 80 minutes.

But magic KC

Amusingly this is another thing to blame Sir Clive for also

I have a hypothesis…

The English coaches have worked out their way to progress in the RWC is to get people to underestimate them. Problem is everyone already thinks they're shite, so they have to play even worse.

So, I was out for the game - anyone know any channel that’s replaying it or showing (extended) highlights?

Prime will have it on full replay and highlights. I’m sure someone will put it on YouTube. Personally, I wouldn’t bother ;)

Very nearly tearful watching Keith Earls get his 100th cap, at home, against England with an outstanding finish in the corner. What about 22yo McCarthy just picking up Lawes like a doll! And Prendergast with his first start, completely out classed his opposite number. Only shocker was Byrne's place kicking.

Vunipola is fucking dog shit. Big, slow, stupid. Good riddance. That he is the only specialist No.8 in their 33 man squad is seriously damning of the RFU.

Personally, I wouldn’t bother ;)

I’m Irish tho…

Vunipola is fucking dog shit

But, but, but… he’ll play himself into the form of 8 years ago, just like he has only one game in the last 8 years

(Spoiler - he won’t)

I thought Earls was showboating for his finish. Voice in my head said “for god’s sake, Keith, don’t drop it!”.

He needed to leap or he was bundled into touch, he made it. Fucking loved it. When the camera immediately went to his family, that's when I choked up.

The only exciting bit for me was Theo Dan coming on who was in the same class at school with my son Theo. We got his report by mistake once. #csb.

(Yes - hence winky face)

Just been told they’re already on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/wlFTdWcxHjs

When the camera immediately went to his family, that's when I choked up.

Yeah, great moment. And with his three girls in full kit coming out onto the pitch at the start.

The Keith Earls try was more joyous and creative a moment than anything England have managed in certainly the last three games, quite possibly the last three years. Farrell and Vunipola are indeed shithouses thoroughly deserving red.

Until England realise that backs are not purely decorative or at best auxiliary forwards, the English game is fucked. It comes to something when the commentators gleefully mention that an England wing touched the ball in the first half.

Borthwick appears to be Eddie Jones on Mogadon. The game has moved on, some years ago, England haven't.

On the bright side, I'm certain that corporate boxes and international travel for committee members are on an upwards trend.

Seems odd that England play Ireland, albeit a friendly, and all we can get is a couple of minutes of YouTube highlights - they don't even include the red card.

Lovely to see the Earls try though, don't think he ever really gets his due. This is worth a read:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/25/keith-earls-hank-started-to-take-over-i-hated-rugby-union-bipolar-disorder#:~:text=Earls%20has%20won%2096%20caps,alter%2Dego%20%E2%80%9CHank%E2%80%9D.

They usually release the extended highlights on YouTube maybe a couple of days later either through the individual nation's channel or the Summer Series one.

what does magic KC mean?

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/obiter/england-rugbys-biggest-weapon-its-lawyer/5116994.article#:~:text=Yet%20England%20already%20appear%20to,win%20over%20Wales%20last%20week.

Does he play 8? Asking for a friend

So a ban of 4 games after all that circus... Feels about right from the incident and initial decision. I don't have strong feelings either way. 6 was my guess.

The disciplinary process is a complete farce though. Nobody accepts any decisions, not even those who devised the process. Appeals everywhere. Farrell has probably cost the RFU more in legal fees than sacking Eddie Jones.

Assume because it has dragged on, Billy has to stay up late?

Hope Moala gets his ban reduced. 10 weeks just doesn't sit right.

Also...

Borthwick appears to be Eddie Jones on Mogadon

Shamelessly stolen, ta!