Ireland to finish

[Mikey Brown]

Plus, he made a stonking tackle early.

Yeah. That was a try saver. Shame they then did exactly the same thing 30 seconds later and scored, but still.

[Banquo]

Apart from poor kicking, Smith got lots of flak for 'that' try where the French hand magically touched down. But assuming the ref's decision was correct, surely this was a collective failure to protect the ball?

why did Smith get flak? Mitchell maybe?

[Banquo]

Yeah, I’d run it back with the same team and see what the response is. They’ll also hopefully be better coached this week.

Now that would be a bold move from S*** B***** but I could respect it. If I want Dombrandt to get a chance at redemption before a permanent and dishonourable discharge then I guess I have to accept Malins getting one too.

It's hard to picture Farrell not coming back in, but it's a shame that experiment almost wasn't tested? As weird as that may sound, given the result. Everything was so catastrophic it's hard to really judge what difference that selection made. Many seem to think Smith was at the heart of it going so wrong, but I couldn't see that personally.

There was however a significant part of me that thought Faz's arrival had sparked a genuine turn of momentum that we might be able to sustain. I'd be fascinated to see a repeat experiment but there's no way he isn't starting this one. I think I'd favour Faz/Manu than Smith/Faz if that's the case.

Yep. People 'blaming' Smith are not really worth a listen frankly. Even JVP has quite a lot of excuses on the clearance front, though he could have done better- but a wet ball, legs everywhere, poor presentation, behind the tackle line etc...ah, Dupont people say, but a - he is brilliant, b- armchair ride with a host of runners around him, c- front foot. But JVP needs to up his game considerably if he gets another start.

[stepsider]

Several commentators included that try as one symptom of Smith's disastrous day. Which seemed to me to be unfair. And blaming Smith for the universal carnage is ridiculous. Must of this criticism, I suspect, was generated by non-England supporters hoping that Smith (with real long-term potential) would be sacked and Farrell (with nil of this) would be reinstated at 10. Net result, England regressing.

[Oakboy]

I'd be surprised if SB made changes to the front five forwards because there are no better alternatives. I doubt if he'll change the wings or FB, though there are alternatives.

That leaves the back row and midfield.

I can't guess on the backrow. I'd play both Willises and Curry but I doubt SB will drop Ludlam.

I'd not be surprised to see Mitchell, Farrell, Tuilagi and Marchant starting. I would not pick Tuilagi but I'd guess that SB will.

[Banquo]

Several commentators included that try as one symptom of Smith's disastrous day.

Did they? That's just nuts. He did well to get back and cover, and probably wasn't allowed to get up. He did his job there- the pack did not, and then neither did Mitchell.

[Oakboy]

Yeah, I’d run it back with the same team and see what the response is. They’ll also hopefully be better coached this week.

Now that would be a bold move from S*** B***** but I could respect it. If I want Dombrandt to get a chance at redemption before a permanent and dishonourable discharge then I guess I have to accept Malins getting one too.

It's hard to picture Farrell not coming back in, but it's a shame that experiment almost wasn't tested? As weird as that may sound, given the result. Everything was so catastrophic it's hard to really judge what difference that selection made. Many seem to think Smith was at the heart of it going so wrong, but I couldn't see that personally.

There was however a significant part of me that thought Faz's arrival had sparked a genuine turn of momentum that we might be able to sustain. I'd be fascinated to see a repeat experiment but there's no way he isn't starting this one. I think I'd favour Faz/Manu than Smith/Faz if that's the case.

Yep. People 'blaming' Smith are not really worth a listen frankly. Even JVP has quite a lot of excuses on the clearance front, though he could have done better- but a wet ball, legs everywhere, poor presentation, behind the tackle line etc...ah, Dupont people say, but a - he is brilliant, b- armchair ride with a host of runners around him, c- front foot. But JVP needs to up his game considerably if he gets another start.

I think Smith did his best.

[Banquo]

I'd be surprised if SB made changes to the front five forwards because there are no better alternatives. I doubt if he'll change the wings or FB, though there are alternatives.

That leaves the back row and midfield.

I can't guess on the backrow. I'd play both Willises and Curry but I doubt SB will drop Ludlam.

I'd not be surprised to see Mitchell, Farrell, Tuilagi and Marchant starting. I would not pick Tuilagi but I'd guess that SB will.

Its fairly typical then when things go wrong up front its....let's change the backs

[Banquo]

Now that would be a bold move from S*** B***** but I could respect it. If I want Dombrandt to get a chance at redemption before a permanent and dishonourable discharge then I guess I have to accept Malins getting one too.

It's hard to picture Farrell not coming back in, but it's a shame that experiment almost wasn't tested? As weird as that may sound, given the result. Everything was so catastrophic it's hard to really judge what difference that selection made. Many seem to think Smith was at the heart of it going so wrong, but I couldn't see that personally.

There was however a significant part of me that thought Faz's arrival had sparked a genuine turn of momentum that we might be able to sustain. I'd be fascinated to see a repeat experiment but there's no way he isn't starting this one. I think I'd favour Faz/Manu than Smith/Faz if that's the case.

Yep. People 'blaming' Smith are not really worth a listen frankly. Even JVP has quite a lot of excuses on the clearance front, though he could have done better- but a wet ball, legs everywhere, poor presentation, behind the tackle line etc...ah, Dupont people say, but a - he is brilliant, b- armchair ride with a host of runners around him, c- front foot. But JVP needs to up his game considerably if he gets another start.

I think Smith did his best.

Damned with faint praise

[Oakboy]

I'd be surprised if SB made changes to the front five forwards because there are no better alternatives. I doubt if he'll change the wings or FB, though there are alternatives.

That leaves the back row and midfield.

I can't guess on the backrow. I'd play both Willises and Curry but I doubt SB will drop Ludlam.

I'd not be surprised to see Mitchell, Farrell, Tuilagi and Marchant starting. I would not pick Tuilagi but I'd guess that SB will.

Its fairly typical then when things go wrong up front its....let's change the backs

I'd always start Marler. He's not in the squad. I think George is just going through the motions but who else? I'd rather have Williams than Sinckler but would expect that suggestion to attract derision. I'd have two different back row starters. I like the 2nd row.

Yes, I've bitten. The snag is that we won't win in Dublin. It makes me sick that defeat by 'only' 15 points would be seen as improvement.

As an aside, if you were offered Farrell Senior and his coaching crew from Sunday week, would you take them?

[Mikey Brown]

15? What about 42?

[morepork]

I'd be surprised if SB made changes to the front five forwards because there are no better alternatives. I doubt if he'll change the wings or FB, though there are alternatives.

That leaves the back row and midfield.

I can't guess on the backrow. I'd play both Willises and Curry but I doubt SB will drop Ludlam.

I'd not be surprised to see Mitchell, Farrell, Tuilagi and Marchant starting. I would not pick Tuilagi but I'd guess that SB will.

Its fairly typical then when things go wrong up front its....let's change the backs

I'd always start Marler. He's not in the squad. I think George is just going through the motions but who else? I'd rather have Williams than Sinckler but would expect that suggestion to attract derision. I'd have two different back row starters. I like the 2nd row.

Yes, I've bitten. The snag is that we won't win in Dublin. It makes me sick that defeat by 'only' 15 points would be seen as improvement.

As an aside, if you were offered Farrell Senior and his coaching crew from Sunday week, would you take them?

Not if they had the negative anti-rugby mantra imposed on them from above. Ireland have the more constructive infrastructure more than they do the best coaches.

[rjjb]

JVP shouldn't be anywhere near the starting 15 yet against quality opposition. He was dire on Saturday & against NZ in November. I can't remember how he went against SA, but I'm guessing it wasn't great.

[Banquo]

I'd be surprised if SB made changes to the front five forwards because there are no better alternatives. I doubt if he'll change the wings or FB, though there are alternatives.

That leaves the back row and midfield.

I can't guess on the backrow. I'd play both Willises and Curry but I doubt SB will drop Ludlam.

I'd not be surprised to see Mitchell, Farrell, Tuilagi and Marchant starting. I would not pick Tuilagi but I'd guess that SB will.

Its fairly typical then when things go wrong up front its....let's change the backs

I'd always start Marler. He's not in the squad. I think George is just going through the motions but who else? I'd rather have Williams than Sinckler but would expect that suggestion to attract derision. I'd have two different back row starters. I like the 2nd row.

Yes, I've bitten. The snag is that we won't win in Dublin. It makes me sick that defeat by 'only' 15 points would be seen as improvement.

As an aside, if you were offered Farrell Senior and his coaching crew from Sunday week, would you take them?

Think the last two coaches have concluded that Marler is probably too much of an overhead, and likely offers too little in the loose (hard to explain Mako these days tho). But you are right, there aren't many changes one can obviously make; I think Ribbans would help the pack overall, but wouldn't want to drop Chessum. Replacing Dombrandt sounds easy, but isn't really. Sinckler needs a boot up the Jacksy for sure.

I would take Farrell senior and his pals. Not a slight on Sofa Sobad but he's a bit out of his experience zone here, as are his crew. Faz wasn't great with England, but it was a ludicrous appointment given his experience at the time.

[p/d]

Its fairly typical then when things go wrong up front its....let's change the backs

I'd always start Marler. He's not in the squad. I think George is just going through the motions but who else? I'd rather have Williams than Sinckler but would expect that suggestion to attract derision. I'd have two different back row starters. I like the 2nd row.

Yes, I've bitten. The snag is that we won't win in Dublin. It makes me sick that defeat by 'only' 15 points would be seen as improvement.

As an aside, if you were offered Farrell Senior and his coaching crew from Sunday week, would you take them?

Think the last two coaches have concluded that Marler is probably too much of an overhead, and likely offers too little in the loose (hard to explain Mako these days tho). But you are right, there aren't many changes one can obviously make; I think Ribbans would help the pack overall, but wouldn't want to drop Chessum. Replacing Dombrandt sounds easy, but isn't really. Sinckler needs a boot up the Jacksy for sure.

I would take Farrell senior and his pals. Not a slight on Sofa Sobad but he's a bit out of his experience zone here, as are his crew. Faz wasn't great with England, but it was a ludicrous appointment given his experience at the time.

Why not?

[Banquo]

Its fairly typical then when things go wrong up front its....let's change the backs

I'd always start Marler. He's not in the squad. I think George is just going through the motions but who else? I'd rather have Williams than Sinckler but would expect that suggestion to attract derision. I'd have two different back row starters. I like the 2nd row.

Yes, I've bitten. The snag is that we won't win in Dublin. It makes me sick that defeat by 'only' 15 points would be seen as improvement.

As an aside, if you were offered Farrell Senior and his coaching crew from Sunday week, would you take them?

Not if they had the negative anti-rugby mantra imposed on them from above. Ireland have the more constructive infrastructure more than they do the best coaches.

The first part is definitely true, but I'd give credit to Faz and co who have moved them on a lot further than Schmidt imo. TBH in England we don't have a negative anti rugby mantra out of the RFU- our age group teams play expansively, and increasingly the clubs do (with some exceptions); what we do have a problem with is converting our talent into top level skilled pros...the clubs still lean towards physique over skills, the safety first bit comes from DOR fear of being sacked tbh. Bit reductive but you get the gist.

Mind I don't really know what anti-rugby is (Munster carried that tag, when in reality they were brilliant at what they did)....there's lots of ways of skinning a cat and lots of interest in the game outside of basketball super rugby

[Banquo]

I'd always start Marler. He's not in the squad. I think George is just going through the motions but who else? I'd rather have Williams than Sinckler but would expect that suggestion to attract derision. I'd have two different back row starters. I like the 2nd row.

Yes, I've bitten. The snag is that we won't win in Dublin. It makes me sick that defeat by 'only' 15 points would be seen as improvement.

As an aside, if you were offered Farrell Senior and his coaching crew from Sunday week, would you take them?

Think the last two coaches have concluded that Marler is probably too much of an overhead, and likely offers too little in the loose (hard to explain Mako these days tho). But you are right, there aren't many changes one can obviously make; I think Ribbans would help the pack overall, but wouldn't want to drop Chessum. Replacing Dombrandt sounds easy, but isn't really. Sinckler needs a boot up the Jacksy for sure.

I would take Farrell senior and his pals. Not a slight on Sofa Sobad but he's a bit out of his experience zone here, as are his crew. Faz wasn't great with England, but it was a ludicrous appointment given his experience at the time.

Why not?

Who? I would do it, but lets not pretend its easy to see that it'd be an improvement from within the EPS squad, and has trade offs.

[Oakboy]

The current squad has no Simmonds or T Willis. Is Ludlam to 8 the only way to replace Dombrandt? That's a bit of a corner for SB to put himself in. Presumably, he'd then have to have Earl on the bench.

[Banquo]

The current squad has no Simmonds or T Willis. Is Ludlam to 8 the only way to replace Dombrandt? That's a bit of a corner for SB to put himself in. Presumably, he'd then have to have Earl on the bench.

Perzackly. I did suggest it after the Scotland game I think, but was declared insane . Its a risk too, because if the scrum wobbles, Ludlam doesn't really have the experience to handle it- Dombrandt did do one part of his job well. We'd also lose a bit of bulk, even if not necessarily well used.

[p/d]

The current squad has no Simmonds or T Willis. Is Ludlam to 8 the only way to replace Dombrandt? That's a bit of a corner for SB to put himself in. Presumably, he'd then have to have Earl on the bench.

If that is the only option, then that'll do.

Curry, Willis & Ludlam

[stepsider]

Starting to appreciate how Wales supporters have been suffering in recent times. Perhaps we should propose a merger from which we might find enough good players for one international team!

[jngf]

I'd be surprised if SB made changes to the front five forwards because there are no better alternatives. I doubt if he'll change the wings or FB, though there are alternatives.

That leaves the back row and midfield.

I can't guess on the backrow. I'd play both Willises and Curry but I doubt SB will drop Ludlam.

I'd not be surprised to see Mitchell, Farrell, Tuilagi and Marchant starting. I would not pick Tuilagi but I'd guess that SB will.

Oakboy would you play Curry at 7 and move J Willis to 6 and what do you think the former might bring to the party?

[Banquo]

I'd be surprised if SB made changes to the front five forwards because there are no better alternatives. I doubt if he'll change the wings or FB, though there are alternatives.

That leaves the back row and midfield.

I can't guess on the backrow. I'd play both Willises and Curry but I doubt SB will drop Ludlam.

I'd not be surprised to see Mitchell, Farrell, Tuilagi and Marchant starting. I would not pick Tuilagi but I'd guess that SB will.

Oakboy would you play Curry at 7 and move J Willis to 6 and what do you think the former might bring to the party?

what difference does the number make? Or do you mean Curry play like an Openside and Willis like a Blindside; and then outside the scrum, what does that mean for their roles? And then how do you get that to work in multi-phase both sides of the ball?

[Oakboy]

I'd be surprised if SB made changes to the front five forwards because there are no better alternatives. I doubt if he'll change the wings or FB, though there are alternatives.

That leaves the back row and midfield.

I can't guess on the backrow. I'd play both Willises and Curry but I doubt SB will drop Ludlam.

I'd not be surprised to see Mitchell, Farrell, Tuilagi and Marchant starting. I would not pick Tuilagi but I'd guess that SB will.

Oakboy would you play Curry at 7 and move J Willis to 6 and what do you think the former might bring to the party?

Banquo has answered for me. Both have played at 6 or 7 for their clubs.

[Mr Mwenda]

I'd be surprised if SB made changes to the front five forwards because there are no better alternatives. I doubt if he'll change the wings or FB, though there are alternatives.

That leaves the back row and midfield.

I can't guess on the backrow. I'd play both Willises and Curry but I doubt SB will drop Ludlam.

I'd not be surprised to see Mitchell, Farrell, Tuilagi and Marchant starting. I would not pick Tuilagi but I'd guess that SB will.

Its fairly typical then when things go wrong up front its....let's change the backs

Yeah, I've noticed this often comes from people who like to say "forwards win matches, backs decide the score."