6 Nations - IRELAND v ENGLAND 2nd Feb 2019

6 Nations

IRELAND v ENGLAND

Saturday 02 February 2019 16:45 GMT

Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Maybe a little early but I for one can not wait for this fixture. 2nd vs 4th.

The 6 Nations is officially the BEST rugby competition........................In the World.

England starting XV (485 caps)

15 Elliot Daly (Wasps, 25 caps), 14 Jonny May (Leicester Tigers, 40 caps), 13 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 17 caps), 12 Manu Tuiagi (Leicester Tigers, 27 caps), 11 Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 29 caps), 10 Owen Farrell (Saracens, 65 caps), 9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 80 caps); 1 Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 51 caps), 2 Jamie George (Saracens, 32 caps), 3 Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 17 caps), 4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 26 caps), 5 George Kruis (Saracens, 27 caps), 6 Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons, 8 caps), 7 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps), 8 Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 36 caps).

Finishers (206 caps)

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps), 17 Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps), 18 Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs, 15 caps), 19 Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 68 caps), 20 Nathan Hughes (Wasps, 18 caps), 21 Dan Robson (Wasps, uncapped), 22 George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 51 caps), 23 Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks, 42 caps).

It is now.

Even some Aussies and Kiwis will watch it next year.

I'm sure they will seeing as they have some of their fellow countrymen in each team.

Given the expected 5-8 point drop off I fear we might only win this by 7 now.

I'd settle for a losing BP in Dublin based on current performances.

Wouldn't be happy at a loss but hey Ireland are settled, balanced and flying high at the moment.

Shame that the best two teams in the competition, Ireland and England, are playing first up rather than last. Would expect an Irish victory - home advantage, the Irish players will likely be fresher (and better) - but we'll see what state the two teams are in come February.

Things really don't do dreamland for very long...not in Ireland anyway.  So looking at fate and how she plays things, I'd be happy-ish with 2nd or 3rd in the 6N.  That would still represent enough consistency in the current NH hotbed of form and set up the year for an increase in tempo again towards the WC

And just coz Taylorman keeps mentioning our game away to Wales, let's just say I hope we have enough in the tank to have a really, really, really good game against Wales away.

So play to win the competition again of course but be realistic that it's a tight contest and there are other priorities in the year that's in it.

I hope we really target this one first up. I hope everything Eddie says to the players between now and 2nd February is about this Ireland game. Forget the World Cup for now, forget the 4 games that come after this one.

Ireland are the standard in Northern Hemisphere rugby. They pissed on our chips in 2017 and embarrassed us at home last year. Time for some revenge.

There may be temptation to try out a couple of new players or new combinations in this year's Six Nations. I hope Eddie saves that for the later weeks, because in terms of World Cup planning, having Ireland and then France first up a week apart will be good preparation for our final two pool games later in the year against Argentina and France again with the same turnaround.

robbo277 wrote:I hope we really target this one first up. I hope everything Eddie says to the players between now and 2nd February is about this Ireland game. Forget the World Cup for now, forget the 4 games that come after this one.

Ireland are the standard in Northern Hemisphere rugby. They pissed on our chips in 2017 and embarrassed us at home last year. Time for some revenge.

There may be temptation to try out a couple of new players or new combinations in this year's Six Nations. I hope Eddie saves that for the later weeks, because in terms of World Cup planning, having Ireland and then France first up a week apart will be good preparation for our final two pool games later in the year against Argentina and France again with the same turnaround.

I can see some of the logic but overall, I don't think things ever pan out so incrementally.  I mean suppose England win by 6 or 7 points, maybe there were a few dodgy ref decisions in there, maybe a few forward passes etc etc, by both teams.  I know wins are wins but would such a win really mean the difference of intent and belief come the WC?

I'd hope not because, like I said, looking at the 6N from here, it's unlikely Ireland will do a back to back based on the calibre of the opposition, but I'd still want to believe they're saving their major pump for that WC instead.

I think if Ireland pass this test with flying colours they will do the a grand slam. I think it would settle the players and first game is always the hardest when you rely on the system.

If we fall over the line or loose could be a different story and could end up 4/5th had be called chookers for 6 months.

I think we have a great squad and the players like Conway to scored 3 and set up 2 (I think) is pushing but knows the players above are also doing great. Henderson currently is in danger of falling to 4th lock because of poor performances. Any player droping standards and they could fall out of the WC squad.

Barring some sort of miracle improvement in his skill under the high ball, I don't think we can beat either Ireland or Wales with Daly at fullback. They're both too good at tactical kicking and especially the kick chase.

But it's going to be a cracking opener for the tournament. I expect England to lose, but it will be a good measure of how much progress they've made.

Brendan wrote:I think if Ireland pass this test with flying colours they will do the a grand slam.

I'm not so sure, this is a stiff opener but we have 2 very tough away games this year. Wales have really sneaked to 3rd place under the radar, runners up last year and a very impressive November series and Scotland are really on an upward curve as well.

I think we will be favorites coming in but this will be very competitive.

Easy

Ireland, at a canter

next

need to see who is actually fit for England first!

Hi, what’s the date of the ‘big one’ - Wales vs Ireland?

SecretFly wrote:

robbo277 wrote:I hope we really target this one first up. I hope everything Eddie says to the players between now and 2nd February is about this Ireland game. Forget the World Cup for now, forget the 4 games that come after this one.

Ireland are the standard in Northern Hemisphere rugby. They pissed on our chips in 2017 and embarrassed us at home last year. Time for some revenge.

There may be temptation to try out a couple of new players or new combinations in this year's Six Nations. I hope Eddie saves that for the later weeks, because in terms of World Cup planning, having Ireland and then France first up a week apart will be good preparation for our final two pool games later in the year against Argentina and France again with the same turnaround.

I can see some of the logic but overall, I don't think things ever pan out so incrementally.  I mean suppose England win by 6 or 7 points, maybe there were a few dodgy ref decisions in there, maybe a few forward passes etc etc, by both teams.  I know wins are wins but would such a win really mean the difference of intent and belief come the WC?

I'd hope not because, like I said, looking at the 6N from here, it's unlikely Ireland will do a back to back based on the calibre of the opposition, but I'd still want to believe they're saving their major pump for that WC instead.

England beat Australia and Wales in the 12 months leading up to the 2015 World Cup, and obviously the pool stages were a different story. It's never as simple as saying "we won in February, we'll win this time", but from an England perspective with Ireland potentially looming in the latter stages, I wouldn't want to go into the game having lost 3 in a row. And if we do lose, I would rather it was by a couple of points and a contentious decision, rather than being beaten out of sight, because then at least you know you can match them.

From an Ireland perspective, you've beat everyone there is to beat this year really, so in that respect a loss or two in the Six Nations shouldn't really affect your confidence too much come World Cup time. I'd say Ireland's record in the knockout stages would be more worrying to them, although I'd back them to overcome that this time around.

rodders wrote:

Brendan wrote:I think if Ireland pass this test with flying colours they will do the a grand slam.

I'm not so sure, this is a stiff opener but we have 2 very tough away games this year. Wales have really sneaked to 3rd place under the radar, runners up last year and a very impressive November series and Scotland are really on an upward curve as well.  

I think we will be favorites coming in but this will be very competitive.

I don't think they will be easy just big win over England and you have momentum which is what the 6N is about. Scotland while good can't compete up front so can run 50m and then give a penalty and the 50m are gone. Wales is the one that worries me but two years ago we lost because of bad on field management which I think has improved.

If England win in the first it will put Ireland in a great World cup scenario like situation...two must wins away against two sides who are at home rather in neutral Japan.

Possibly as tough as any matches they'll get given the opposition home factor and record of both. Northern sides are getting some good prep for next year though it is a little too far away to benefit directly from it.

Keeping at those levels through club or friendlys is nowhere near the same.

I'd love to see England throw the ball around in the 6 nations I think we have the players to go for it rather than hang on, but I suspect we and others will drop back into defensive mode.

TightHEAD wrote:I'd love to see England throw the ball around in the 6 nations I think we have the players to go for it rather than hang on, but I suspect we and others will drop back into defensive mode.

The ABs are the best in the world at it.

You still have to win your breakdown areas, your lineouts, your scrums, your restarts, your kick and chases to give leverage to the fancy ball skills. You can't throw a ball unless you have one to throw.

I fully expect England to have plenty of ball to play with.

I just hope the ref punish illegal tackles during the 6N.

TightHEAD wrote:I fully expect England to have plenty of ball to play with.

That's the reason people will be watching. If Ireland are pushed off the ball easily or cough it up easily in phase play.... well, England will truly have made a big statement and/or Ireland will have officially regressed at their specialist skillset. Bums on seats to find out which.

It looks currently as if the plan is to bring a lot more physicality to the game against Ireland if some of the selections continue the way they have. Think he tried it this year dropping ford but clearly didn't work and we'll beaten. If we have say sinker george vunipola s genge from the bench. The new carrying aggression of underhill. Te'o Tuilagi and cokanasiga from points in the match. Just offers up something different from the more silky skills of ford Farrell Joseph et al.
Bee much more impressed with englands ability to keep the ball in attaking phases recently. Some to do with the attack coach some to the more agressive approach.

LordDowlais wrote:I just hope the ref punish illegal tackles during the 6N.

I'm sure they will, but why bring that up as I don't recall any illegal tackles being made during the AI.

LordDowlais wrote:I just hope the ref punish illegal tackles during the 6N.

I hope someone punishes you with their illegal tackle

TightHEAD wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:I just hope the ref punish illegal tackles during the 6N.

I'm sure they will, but why bring that up as I don't recall any illegal tackles being made during the AI.

Farrell done it twice.

I'm fairly sure there will be mistakes from officials as they're human.

LordDowlais wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:I just hope the ref punish illegal tackles during the 6N.

I'm sure they will, but why bring that up as I don't recall any illegal tackles being made during the AI.

Farrell done it twice.

Really, I don't remember any Yellow cards or Farrell being cited after the games?
People see what they want to see but both times the Ref, TMO and citing officer was satisfied they were legal tackles, no! they were great tackles.

Anyway seeing as this thread is being de-railed can we get back on topic?

Please.

Annoying when somebody from a different nation comes onto a match thread and does something like this isn't it ?

Never mind, I am not doing anything wrong, as I have not seen bans for this behaviour before.

Anyway, lets get back to Farrell and his crap/illegal tackling.

Lord, don't be ruining a thread specifically meant to discuss a game against 2nd and 3rd side in the world.......................
..............................

Hey, I'm just talking about an England player, on an England thread, how is that ruining anything ?

I'd be quite delighted to see Farrell commit 15 high tackles without penalty against Wales, one for each of the starting XV, then win the game with a last min kick at goal

It would be quite glorious to see the explosion of bluster

No worries ld. It's more a world rugby thing for me in getting consistency. We're starting to see some common understanding across domestic and European comps we've now seen a few sh officials er on benefit of the doubt. And then we've heard that wr want to see more yellow and red cards mainly relating to height of tackle. I suspect that nh refs won't hang much but sh will have to.
Not much ireland or england can do in isolation though.

BamBam wrote:I'd be quite delighted to see Farrell commit 15 high tackles without penalty against Wales, one for each of the starting XV, then win the game with a last min kick at goal

It would be quite glorious to see the explosion of bluster

He won't do that, you need to use your arms to commit a high tackle.

BamBam wrote:I'd be quite delighted to see Farrell commit 15 high tackles without penalty against Wales, one for each of the starting XV, then win the game with a last min kick at goal

It would be quite glorious to see the explosion of bluster

You'd need an Irish ref for a game like that though. Them boys love brown envelopes and Swiss bank accounts, they do.

Oh I don't know Fly, remember all referees/fans/teams are against Wales so I'm pretty sure any nationality would do just as well

Well it would seem it's England who get all the calls from the ref at HaichQew.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gwyn-jones-accuses-officials-bias-15464661

https://www.europebreakingnews.net/2018/11/gwyn-jones-accuses-officials-of-bias-towards-england/

Sorry, I'm not going to click on anything from your employer

And I'm sure "Gwyn Jones" is completely unbiased in his commentary

Glad to see old Lordy is getting his excuses in early though, its sweet that he's so concerned 3 months out

BamBam wrote:Sorry, I'm not going to click on anything from your employer

And I'm sure "Gwyn Jones" is completely unbiased in his commentary

There are two links. By the way. Also, I'm self employed.

Why would Gwyn Jones be anything but unbiased ?

I am sure you think the two Farrell tackles were OK, I just hope nobody does it to an England player though. The bluster from the Eastern banks of the Severn Bridge would be heard in Ireland.

Carpet empire or marketing for the Wail, which is your primary employment?

Sounds like it's going to be a fabulous 6N. The banter has started in earnest before the bloody Brussels sprouts are pushed onto the side plate!

The EU ain't going to be happy! Don't any of you basterdes disrespect Brussels Sprouts!

Well.snyman did it to Kruis in the same sa match except to the head. Officials muss things.

All I am saying is, Farrell done it twice, and got away with it twice. If a Welsh player does it to an English player in the 6N, it would be quite glorious to see the explosion of bluster form across the Severn.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery old bean

LordDowlais wrote:Annoying when somebody from a different nation comes onto a match thread and does something like this isn't it ?

Never mind, I am not doing anything wrong, as I have not seen bans for this behaviour before.

Anyway, lets get back to Farrell and his crap/illegal tackling.

My comments you refer to were all about the game between SA and Wales and that is a fact my friend.
You are more than welcome here to discuss this game.
Inclusion and equality is encouraged across our sport and I'd never want a situation where by a foreign fan felt excluded from a topic just because their team isn't playing, that would just be wrong in this day and age.

TightHEAD wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Annoying when somebody from a different nation comes onto a match thread and does something like this isn't it ?

Never mind, I am not doing anything wrong, as I have not seen bans for this behaviour before.

Anyway, lets get back to Farrell and his crap/illegal tackling.

My comments you refer to were all about the game between SA and Wales and that is a fact my friend.
You are more than welcome here to discuss this game.
Inclusion and equality is encouraged across our sport and I'd never want a situation where by a foreign fan felt excluded from a topic just because their team isn't playing, that would just be wrong in this day and age.

100% agree, well said.

When is the England Wales game anyway?

I want to be safely in my survivalist bunker by the time that one starts. I'd recommend England save a substantial bit of juice for that game. It's top box-office fare. Come to Dublin with only a 50% mindset and we'll take care of the rest.