Ireland v England - Match Thread

[GunsGerms]

First topic message reminder :

I know I am two weeks early but Ireland v England on Sunday 1st March will possibly be the 6 nations decider as both teams are the only two teams still undefeated in the 6 nations so far this year.

There are many different angles, plots and sub plots to this game. Here are some of the many things at stake:

Reaburn Shield:

Ireland have held it for 4 consecutive games having defeated previous holders SA in November.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raeburn_Shield

3rd place in rankings:



Triple Crown:

Only Ireland and England can still win this trophy and with due respect to Scotland and Wales who Ireland have yet to play to win it would be some achievement this year.

Grand Slam:

Only Ireland and England and win the slam.

6 nations title:
Obviously France and Wales are still in the running with only one loss but the bookies have Ireland and England as favorites at this point.

Millennium Trophy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Trophy

Eye on the WC:
The earliest Ireland and England could possibly meet at the WC is the Semi finals if they both win their pools and their quarter finals or both come runner up and win their quarters. Either way I think other fixtures such England v Wales and Ireland v France were more important for each nations WC preparations.

Ireland need one more win to tie their record of 10 sucessive wins.

Head to head record:
Overall: England 74 wins Ireland 46 wins
6Nations: England 7 wins Ireland 8 wins

Who is going to win and why?
http://www.espn.co.uk/six-nations-2015/rugby/story/256583.html
Phil Vickery predicts an England win.

Teams:

England:

Ireland:

[SecretFly]

The big Kweskin is this:

How good are Ireland?  

They did what they did last year - losing to England by 3 in a top class quality game being the only dip.
They did what they did in the Autumn.  Arguments will be made that SA and Australia were fatigued to certain degrees so the jury might be out even still.
They have done what they've done so far in the 6N this year.  Doing enough to win but certainly not inspiring any headlines with the methods of doing so.  Pragmatic and smart, yes; but lacking a ruthless bite.

How good are England?  Well, good enough not to have to do too much more than they've done already to beat an Ireland that showed up for the last two games!

So England have hit the afterburners a few times already this season to blow off or away the opposition distraction.  They've allowed themselves to stretch their legs and show what their high tempo A game looks like.

Impressive

But we therefore know how good they can be.  Nobody will be surprised if they have the same push for periods of today's game - depending on conditions.  Indeed we'll absolutely expect a good 30 to 40 minutes of it at sometime in the game.

So Ireland remains the mystery.  They've not really been put under enough pressure yet to be forced to show what an A game might be (let's reference the NZ one as an example) - when they are charged and in that defiant and domineering mood.  England - along with Wales - are the exact kind of opposition to force it out - if it's at all there, this season.

So that's the question - how good are Ireland?

I dread to think!  And I really don't want to know how bad they might be!!!  If it's a loss by a few points again or due to a yellow card, then we'll be fine.  If we collapse under any physical bullying (softening up) by the English then we're back to square one.

[SecretFly]

Earls had yet another storming game for Munster last night so he must surely be in Schmidt's considerations...

Like I said before.  I'm fed up waiting for it and listening to it.

Depending on how we do today, Earls really should get something this season - either against Wales or Scotland.  
Everyone was crying for Zebo to be given an honest chance.  I doubt though if Schmidt will upset the team too much now for the duration, but Earls has to be given a chance on that team and with Schmidt at some point.  I'm not sure the Summer pre-WC games will be enough to get him down as a nailed on for the WC itself.  But if Zebo deserved a crack based on natural ability and form - then certainly Earls deserves a genuine try-out.

[LondonTiger]

What is Earls best position?

[SecretFly]

What is Earls best position?

Some say he's an out and out winger because he can't pass (or won't )

Others say he's a guy who should get a shot in the centre because he can pass and has a brain that is constantly seeking alternatives.

like all things in Ireland - the jury is out and the war about where to put him continues

[doctor_grey]

Good morning and good luck to all (but a bit more to England, if no one minds). Unfortunately, not sure I can watch because I was called to go to work for emergency and it looks like a long difficult day. Have to be there in an hour.

Earls is a little strange, from my perspective. Good player, but seems to me like a back up at international level. Other players seem like better starting options at wing and centre. He's played some fullback, too? Same would obviously apply there. But a valuable person to have on the bench. Has a nice step and quick acceleration.

[mystiroakey]

This is going to be some game.... Can't wait..

[quinsforever]

sooo looking forwards to it. was definitely my favourite match of the 6N last year. super-clean match in great conditions with both sides playing positively and almost no deliberate infringing or slowing down of ball.

lets hope todays contest is equally high quality, and that we arent all talking about the referee afterwards as having decided it.

[yappysnap]

Nervous now, can not wait though!

[mystiroakey]

Aye.. Fingers crossed for a clean one.. Or I am out of any discussion that goes on for weeks and months over the ref..

No bookie can call this game and I am not surprised. It's the prize game of the 6 nations..

[majesticimperialman]

I am very nervous about today's game, whoever win could win the Grand Slam while the other fights it out for runner up place.

Hoping for an England win. but regardless of who wins, hoping for a good game.

can't wait.

[profitius]

Very windy weather today. I'm sure it'll have some effect on the game.

And chance of snow

[SecretFly]

I for one can wait.  I could wait another bloody year, if I'm honest.

I'll be pumped during the anthems themselves - with nerves - moaning that Ross shouldn't have moved his arm around POC like that and it'll probably let England in for a try!  Or Sexton shouldn't have sung both anthems, it'll tire him out and he won't be ready for the early English onslaught.

Oh there's so much tactics in anthem singing!



Good luck to the English team................. in the sense of no serious injuries.  Have a goodish game... but of course I hope the Irish team need no luck at all.

Enjoy the game.  I know I won't.

[profitius]

Irelands biggest weapon today is Michael D Higgins. He might lack a small bit of physicality but he'll do a good job in taming the opposition.

[majesticimperialman]

Irelands biggest weapon today is Michael D Higgins. He might lack a small bit of physicality but he'll do a good job in taming the opposition.

WHO? is he the ref for today.

[SecretFly]

King Michael.D V....

Would that make him more marketable?

[Nachos Jones]

Earls had yet another storming game for Munster last night so he must surely be in Schmidt's considerations...

Like I said before.  I'm fed up waiting for it and listening to it.

Depending on how we do today, Earls really should get something this season - either against Wales or Scotland.  
Everyone was crying for Zebo to be given an honest chance.  I doubt though if Schmidt will upset the team too much now for the duration, but Earls has to be given a chance on that team and with Schmidt at some point.  I'm not sure the Summer pre-WC games will be enough to get him down as a nailed on for the WC itself.  But if Zebo deserved a crack based on natural ability and form - then certainly Earls deserves a genuine try-out.

I agree that it depends on today, if Ireland do lose then I am sure that Schmidt will want to give him a go.

[stub]

Irelands biggest weapon today is Michael D Higgins. He might lack a small bit of physicality but he'll do a good job in taming the opposition.

WHO? is he the ref for today.

The Irish President. Gareth Thomas thinks he'll be an asset on the red carpet prior the kick off!

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/rugby-star-gareth-thomas-hails-effect-of-michael-d-higgins-31025819.html

[Cowshot]

The build up has really got underway for the teams. Carefully controlled diet at lunch no doubt. Scrum halves ritually gagged and stuffed in a cupboard to shut them up til the anthems...

[majesticimperialman]

Irelands biggest weapon today is Michael D Higgins. He might lack a small bit of physicality but he'll do a good job in taming the opposition.

WHO? is he the ref for today.

The Irish President. Gareth Thomas thinks he'll be an asset on the red carpet prior the kick off!

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/rugby-star-gareth-thomas-hails-effect-of-michael-d-higgins-31025819.html

Never heard of him.

But can well understand why Gareth Thomas say's what he say's. You just want to get the anthems out of the way and get on with the game.

Just imagine if every team that came to Twickers to play England had to meet the Royal family before the game started? Does not bare thinking about.

[stub]

Kick off can't come soon enough for me - I can't relax!

[FecklessRogue]

Heard rumours of what certain members of the Irish team were up to in Galway last weekend. Don't amateur GAA players even have alcohol bans at important stages of the season? Or is going on the lash perfectly acceptable a week before a game?

My prediction. After all the 2nd place finishes, and the upcoming home world cup, England will need it more and want it more. That will be the difference. England to win.

[Duty281]

This could be the making of Lancaster's England: win here against a very testing opponent, secure a Grand Slam later on, then march on the World Cup with a full head of momentum.

Or, slip to a defeat and finish second once more.

I think Ireland are the narrow favourites; the main question is whether they can raise their standard sufficiently enough, as they have been below their best for the opening two games. And can England replicate the second-half performance against the Welsh?

Keys for Ireland: win the kicking duel, get ahead early, and force some mistakes out of an inexperienced English side.

And England? MAKE A START FROM THE FIRST WHISTLE (!), deal with the inevitable high balls well, and make sure a good enough intensity at the breakdown can deliver swift ball to the back-line who are so very dangerous.

England by 2. But I would not be surprised at any of the three results occurring.

[nobbled]

Nervous about this one. Possible GS for either side - high stakes and two teams going well.
Good luck - England to scrape it (please!)

[Sin é]

Irelands biggest weapon today is Michael D Higgins. He might lack a small bit of physicality but he'll do a good job in taming the opposition.

WHO? is he the ref for today.

The Irish President. Gareth Thomas thinks he'll be an asset on the red carpet prior the kick off!

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/rugby-star-gareth-thomas-hails-effect-of-michael-d-higgins-31025819.html

Never heard of him.

But can well understand why Gareth Thomas say's what he say's. You just want to get the anthems out of the way and get on with the game.

Just imagine if every team that came to Twickers to play England had to meet the Royal family before the game started? Does not bare thinking about.

Bearing in mind you don't know who the Head of State of your nearest neighbour is, it looks like a good idea to take the opportunity for our Head of State to be introduced to you.

[Cowshot]

Irelands biggest weapon today is Michael D Higgins. He might lack a small bit of physicality but he'll do a good job in taming the opposition.

WHO? is he the ref for today.

The Irish President. Gareth Thomas thinks he'll be an asset on the red carpet prior the kick off!

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/rugby-star-gareth-thomas-hails-effect-of-michael-d-higgins-31025819.html

Never heard of him.

But can well understand why Gareth Thomas say's what he say's. You just want to get the anthems out of the way and get on with the game.

Just imagine if every team that came to Twickers to play England had to meet the Royal family before the game started? Does not bare thinking about.

Bearing in mind you don't know who the Head of State of your nearest neighbour is, it looks like a good idea to take the opportunity for our Head of State to be introduced to you.

Pot Hale told us in another thread: Bilbo - a very learned gentleman with poetic leanings.

[Geordie]

Dear god why to we have to put up with John feckin inverdale.. . He's a Nob....

[Heaf]

+1

[Heaf]

Yesterday he read a clarifying statement about when time is up after the man sausage-up by the officials last week in Scotland and then when he paraphrased it at the end he got it wrong ...

[Nachos Jones]

Yesterday he read a clarifying statement about when time is up after the man sausage-up by the officials last week in Scotland and then when he paraphrased it at the end he got it wrong ...

He really is a special kind of stupid.

[Notch]

We have Inverdale, Guscott, Woodward and Jonathon Davies... I wish I had RTE. Especially if we lose.

[Heaf]

Getting nervous now - Ireland have to be favourites today but I was there two years ago (and had a great time mixing with some great Irish supporters) when they were favourites and arguably stronger than they are now, with England arguably not as good as they are now, so hopefully England can do it again - whatever happens I'm hoping for no controversial calls by the officials to spoil what should be a great game ...

[Golden]

He had a nice scarf though......



http://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/pic-you-simply-just-have-to-see-what-john-inverdale-is-trying-to-pull-off-as-a-scarf-today/15449

[Heaf]

We have Inverdale, Guscott, Woodward and Jonathon Davies... I wish I had RTE. Especially if we lose.

Yes the BBC really should rethink their team ...

[Sin é]

Irelands biggest weapon today is Michael D Higgins. He might lack a small bit of physicality but he'll do a good job in taming the opposition.

WHO? is he the ref for today.

The Irish President. Gareth Thomas thinks he'll be an asset on the red carpet prior the kick off!

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/rugby-star-gareth-thomas-hails-effect-of-michael-d-higgins-31025819.html

Never heard of him.

But can well understand why Gareth Thomas say's what he say's. You just want to get the anthems out of the way and get on with the game.

Just imagine if every team that came to Twickers to play England had to meet the Royal family before the game started? Does not bare thinking about.

Bearing in mind you don't know who the Head of State of your nearest neighbour is, it looks like a good idea to take the opportunity for our Head of State to be introduced to you.

Pot Hale told us in another thread: Bilbo - a very learned gentleman with poetic leanings.

This little rant of his about the US got 2 million views on Youtube! Very, very articulate gentleman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5OWRRJh-PI

[Notch]

I'm extremely nervous.

[Nachos Jones]

I would feel a hell of a lot more confident if Farrell was playing for England. Ford has brought a better balance and ability to get this English backline moving and that worries me.

[lostinwales]

England look more relaxed

[Heaf]

Shame the weather doesn't look too clever though - could be a lot of handling errors spoiling things a bit

[TightHEAD]

Dragging this out a bit

[Heaf]

Those kick retention stats look good for Ireland

[TightHEAD]

Zzzz

[Heaf]

At least we don't have to watch a silly dance

[Geordie]

Healy is in very thoughtful mood....

[Nachos Jones]

I cant be the only Irishman that dislikes 'Irelands call'?

[Notch]

Brian Moore as well? God save us.

[TightHEAD]

At least we don't have to watch a silly dance

that is true, but still zzz

[Heaf]

>NJ,
I actually think it's quite catchy ...

[Geordie]

Kruis needs a big game In the engine room. Has done ok but he really needs to show what he's about.

[mystiroakey]

No May and no Brown. 

[Heaf]

More concerned about Brown ... still not sure about May

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