Ireland to finish

[Mellsblue]

Marchant doesn't have the passing/kicking range that Slade does, but I think he matches him for all round skills, runs better lines in attack and provides some desperately needed pace in what would be an unbelievably slow backline.

I like the concept of Slade as a second playmaking voice and leader in the backline but I genuinely don't know if that's the reality at the point.

Agreed on both points. I’d slightly edit to ‘that’s the reality at this or any other point’. He’s always flattered to deceive, imo.

Dors, Marchant is faster than Slade but that doesn’t mean Slade is slow, for an OC.

[Mikey Brown]

I think his best appearances in the past, the period where I thought he'd become the player we hoped for, was outside Farrell and Tuilagi I think. But yes your version is probably more accurate, and without a typo.

I didn't mean to 'imply' Marchant is faster than Slade, I thought it was just readily apparent.

Slade isn't especially slow, but outside Farrell and a geriatric Manu it is not a pacey midfield. Watson and JVP are pretty quick, then err... Chessum?

[jngf]

Marchant doesn't have the passing/kicking range that Slade does, but I think he matches him for all round skills, runs better lines in attack and provides some desperately needed pace in what would be an unbelievably slow backline.

I like the concept of Slade as a second playmaking voice and leader in the backline but I genuinely don't know if that's the reality at the point.

Agreed on both points. I’d slightly edit to ‘that’s the reality at this or any other point’. He’s always flattered to deceive, imo.

Dors, Marchant is faster than Slade but that doesn’t mean Slade is slow, for an OC.

I rather feel he is at test level in all honesty

[jngf]

Btw can Martin play no.8 ?

[Mellsblue]

I agree with Guscott but that might mean I’m wrong…

[Puja]

Btw can Martin play no.8 ?

Yes, he can (to a certain extent - was played there as part of his development and did okay), but he is best at lock IMO.

Puja

[Oakboy]

I agree with Guscott but that might mean I’m wrong…

The phrase 'woefully underpowered pack' needs examination. Does it mean 8 weaklings and that we must find stronger, bigger players immediately? That is the implication, yet pound for pound, our forwards matched the French. Application, bite and technique are what matters and the French dominated us. Going forward, though, how do we improve? How many of the forwards on duty are worth persevering with and how many not? Was our preparation at fault? Should there be concern about the coaching - especially pertinent in view of SB's personal speciality?

I'm the last person to claim any degree of knowledge about forward play. From my simple observation, we have flaws that must be addressed and I suspect three or more of the starting set need replacing (before or after Saturday).

In a nutshell, can the coaches produce an effective forwards' unit from the available squad members or not?

[Mellsblue]

I agree with Guscott but that might mean I’m wrong…

The phrase 'woefully underpowered pack' needs examination. Does it mean 8 weaklings and that we must find stronger, bigger players immediately? That is the implication, yet pound for pound, our forwards matched the French. Application, bite and technique are what matters and the French dominated us. Going forward, though, how do we improve? How many of the forwards on duty are worth persevering with and how many not? Was our preparation at fault? Should there be concern about the coaching - especially pertinent in view of SB's personal speciality?

I'm the last person to claim any degree of knowledge about forward play. From my simple observation, we have flaws that must be addressed and I suspect three or more of the starting set need replacing (before or after Saturday).

In a nutshell, can the coaches produce an effective forwards' unit from the available squad members or not?

I think underpowered means underpowered not lighter. It’s a character limited tweet - I think the thrust is that changing out Smith is treating the symptom and not the cause. That’s what I took from it, at least.

[Banquo]

I agree with Guscott but that might mean I’m wrong…

The phrase 'woefully underpowered pack' needs examination. Does it mean 8 weaklings and that we must find stronger, bigger players immediately? That is the implication, yet pound for pound, our forwards matched the French. Application, bite and technique are what matters and the French dominated us. Going forward, though, how do we improve? How many of the forwards on duty are worth persevering with and how many not? Was our preparation at fault? Should there be concern about the coaching - especially pertinent in view of SB's personal speciality?

I'm the last person to claim any degree of knowledge about forward play. From my simple observation, we have flaws that must be addressed and I suspect three or more of the starting set need replacing (before or after Saturday).

In a nutshell, can the coaches produce an effective forwards' unit from the available squad members or not?

I think underpowered means underpowered not lighter. It’s a character limited tweet - I think the thrust is that changing out Smith is treating the symptom and not the cause. That’s what I took from it, at least.

He's half right, and I agree that twitter (and Jezza's own brain power) limit the ability to nuance the statement; its how you apply the strength and size that we have/had is the issue (intensity, intent, technique, decision making, athleticism etc).

[Mellsblue]

The phrase 'woefully underpowered pack' needs examination. Does it mean 8 weaklings and that we must find stronger, bigger players immediately? That is the implication, yet pound for pound, our forwards matched the French. Application, bite and technique are what matters and the French dominated us. Going forward, though, how do we improve? How many of the forwards on duty are worth persevering with and how many not? Was our preparation at fault? Should there be concern about the coaching - especially pertinent in view of SB's personal speciality?

I'm the last person to claim any degree of knowledge about forward play. From my simple observation, we have flaws that must be addressed and I suspect three or more of the starting set need replacing (before or after Saturday).

In a nutshell, can the coaches produce an effective forwards' unit from the available squad members or not?

I think underpowered means underpowered not lighter. It’s a character limited tweet - I think the thrust is that changing out Smith is treating the symptom and not the cause. That’s what I took from it, at least.

He's half right, and I agree that twitter (and Jezza's own brain power) limit the ability to nuance the statement; its how you apply the strength and size that we have/had is the issue (intensity, intent, technique, decision making, athleticism etc).

Yep. They looked pretty confused at times last week. We lost the coaching battle before and during the match.

[p/d]

They lack 'dog'. Opening exchanges should have seen some handbagging and Turkish oil wrestling taking place.

[jngf]

I agree with Guscott but that might mean I’m wrong…

The phrase 'woefully underpowered pack' needs examination. Does it mean 8 weaklings and that we must find stronger, bigger players immediately? That is the implication, yet pound for pound, our forwards matched the French. Application, bite and technique are what matters and the French dominated us. Going forward, though, how do we improve? How many of the forwards on duty are worth persevering with and how many not? Was our preparation at fault? Should there be concern about the coaching - especially pertinent in view of SB's personal speciality?

I'm the last person to claim any degree of knowledge about forward play. From my simple observation, we have flaws that must be addressed and I suspect three or more of the starting set need replacing (before or after Saturday).

In a nutshell, can the coaches produce an effective forwards' unit from the available squad members or not?

Agreed in the sense that more collective ‘dog’ and speed to ruck is needed but I don’t think a change of personnel is the answer - that was (imo)our best starting 1 to 8 and I really struggle to see who from the English playing pool would have improved that result. When the subs came on little changed.

[Banquo]

I think underpowered means underpowered not lighter. It’s a character limited tweet - I think the thrust is that changing out Smith is treating the symptom and not the cause. That’s what I took from it, at least.

He's half right, and I agree that twitter (and Jezza's own brain power) limit the ability to nuance the statement; its how you apply the strength and size that we have/had is the issue (intensity, intent, technique, decision making, athleticism etc).

Yep. They looked pretty confused at times last week. We lost the coaching battle before and during the match.

out everythinged

[Mellsblue]

Arundell over Malins according to Will Kelleher of The Times.

[rjjb]

Arundell over Malins according to Will Kelleher of The Times.

Mail & Guardian concur.

[Mellsblue]

Arundell over Malins according to Will Kelleher of The Times.

Mail & Guardian concur.

That’s the entire spectrum covered. Must be true.

[Mellsblue]

Ffs. I had a 2pm announcement in my head and it’s actually at 5pm.

[Spiffy]

I agree with Guscott but that might mean I’m wrong…

The phrase 'woefully underpowered pack' needs examination. Does it mean 8 weaklings and that we must find stronger, bigger players immediately? That is the implication, yet pound for pound, our forwards matched the French. Application, bite and technique are what matters and the French dominated us. Going forward, though, how do we improve? How many of the forwards on duty are worth persevering with and how many not? Was our preparation at fault? Should there be concern about the coaching - especially pertinent in view of SB's personal speciality?

I'm the last person to claim any degree of knowledge about forward play. From my simple observation, we have flaws that must be addressed and I suspect three or more of the starting set need replacing (before or after Saturday).

In a nutshell, can the coaches produce an effective forwards' unit from the available squad members or not?

I think underpowered means underpowered not lighter. It’s a character limited tweet - I think the thrust is that changing out Smith is treating the symptom and not the cause. That’s what I took from it, at least.

Dropping Smith is not even treating the symptom.
You don't bandage yer head when you've got piles.
Changes needed up front and brain transplants all round.

[Puja]

Ffs. I had a 2pm announcement in my head and it’s actually at 5pm.

That's late. Bodes well for the possibility of no Fazlet - they're obviously waiting on him proving his fitness.

Puja

[Mellsblue]

The phrase 'woefully underpowered pack' needs examination. Does it mean 8 weaklings and that we must find stronger, bigger players immediately? That is the implication, yet pound for pound, our forwards matched the French. Application, bite and technique are what matters and the French dominated us. Going forward, though, how do we improve? How many of the forwards on duty are worth persevering with and how many not? Was our preparation at fault? Should there be concern about the coaching - especially pertinent in view of SB's personal speciality?

I'm the last person to claim any degree of knowledge about forward play. From my simple observation, we have flaws that must be addressed and I suspect three or more of the starting set need replacing (before or after Saturday).

In a nutshell, can the coaches produce an effective forwards' unit from the available squad members or not?

I think underpowered means underpowered not lighter. It’s a character limited tweet - I think the thrust is that changing out Smith is treating the symptom and not the cause. That’s what I took from it, at least.

You don't bandage yer head when you've got piles.

You don’t?!!!? Can’t believe I’ve been doing it wrong all these years.

[Mellsblue]

Ffs. I had a 2pm announcement in my head and it’s actually at 5pm.

That's late. Bodes well for the possibility of no Fazlet - they're obviously waiting on him proving his fitness.

Puja

Ooooh… ffs revoked

[twitchy]

All feels a bit:

[Spiffy]

Ffs. I had a 2pm announcement in my head and it’s actually at 5pm.

That's late. Bodes well for the possibility of no Fazlet - they're obviously waiting on him proving his fitness.

Puja

This might be a good one for Faz to miss in an attempt to salvage what's left of his dwindling reputation. Happen ees not sa daft.

[FKAS]

Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Baird, Ryan; O'Mahony, van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Herring, Healy, O'Toole, Treadwell, Conan, Murray, R Byrne, O'Brien.

[Mellsblue]

Well, that’s the slaughter. Just over an hour until we find out who the lambs are.