QF v Fiji

[Puja]

Fiji must now be regretting missing two easy kicks in the 1st half.

We won. What else is there to say?

It was better all around. Our rucking and thus ruck speeds were significantly improved, our defence was very solid before we tired, and we showed a modicum of creativity.

We're still going to get murdered by the French, but that was a very good Fiji side and we got a victory with our best performance of the tournament so far. I don't think that's to be sniffed at.

Puja

[Sourdust]

Aaron Smith feeling a little put out right now

JUST. BIN. THE. STUPID. LAW.

[canta_brian]

Penalty seems dead right to me - why yellow?
Isn't that down to "did the knock on stop a significant line-break"?
Or is there something else about pure cynicism?

Aaron Smith feeling a little put out right now

The ref's right though - it's a shit pass from Fiji that has missed the person Farrell is "tackling" and is going to ground way before it reaches no20. So it's not stopped a linebreak because an unimpeded ball would've been bouncing every which way around the floor, giving our cover plenty of time to come across.

I wouldn't've hated a yellow just for sheer cynicism though. Was a bit nervous about the way he chose to kick it out the first time as well - drop the ball for a tap kick and then volley it, rather than catching and punting normally. I mean, he pulled it off, but there's far too high a chance for a Lionel Beauxis there. It didn't count anyway, as the ref had gone off to argue with Nayacalevu, but it was far too casual for my liking.

Puja

I’m just disappointed that we missed out on the hat trick of gobby northern hemisphere 1st fives crying on the sideline after a close loss.

[Banquo]

The Fiji storm starts about on the hour mark.

Great call

[jngf]

Utterly ridiculous. One had waft to stop the game. Should have been yellow.

Penalty seems dead right to me - why yellow?
Isn't that down to "did the knock on stop a significant line-break"?
Or is there something else about pure cynicism?

It looked Care was in the backfield as cover but the Fijian catching the ball would have made a good 15 to 20 metres. I think Farrell is a bit lucky. I was thinking yellow when I saw the replay.

Improved performance by England buys they'll need more again next week to have any chance of making the final. Silver Ballerina has had some stick for his selections and tactics but they were spot on today. Needless penalties from senior players will be infuriating for him, particularly Curry who gave away some daft ones.

Sweaty Betty won’t do it but Curry plays far better with Underhill at 7 , Earl was the pick of that back row and both him and Curry on the flanks would be a massive step up from Lawes but I’ve become a broken record on that.

[Veyqun]

It would be ironic if England were the only NH side to make the semis. Classic England

[Big D]

Congrats lads.

[Mellsblue]

What time should I start drinking next weekend so I can be drunk enough to not care we’re getting dry humped and memories will be hazy the following morning?

[Puja]

Penalty seems dead right to me - why yellow?
Isn't that down to "did the knock on stop a significant line-break"?
Or is there something else about pure cynicism?

It looked Care was in the backfield as cover but the Fijian catching the ball would have made a good 15 to 20 metres. I think Farrell is a bit lucky. I was thinking yellow when I saw the replay.

Improved performance by England buys they'll need more again next week to have any chance of making the final. Silver Ballerina has had some stick for his selections and tactics but they were spot on today. Needless penalties from senior players will be infuriating for him, particularly Curry who gave away some daft ones.

Sweaty Betty won’t do it but Curry plays far better with Underhill at 7 , Earl was the pick of that back row and both him and Curry on the flanks would be a massive step up from Lawes but I’ve become a broken record on that.

Right there with you. The pundits will focus on Lawes's four jackals, but he was so ponderous in defence and in supporting our attacks.

Puja

[Mellsblue]

Congrats lads.

There’s no need for the sarcasm.

[Banquo]

Fiji must now be regretting missing two easy kicks in the 1st half.

We won. What else is there to say?

It was better all around. Our rucking and thus ruck speeds were significantly improved, our defence was very solid before we tired, and we showed a modicum of creativity.

We're still going to get murdered by the French, but that was a very good Fiji side and we got a victory with our best performance of the tournament so far. I don't think that's to be sniffed at.

Puja

Aye. We reverted a bit to type with daft pens and poor kick chases but there was some genuinely progress with the likes of earl. Manu was good with the ball and somehow did 80. Marchant was superb. But still something isn’t right mentally- tho credit Fiji.

[Banquo]

Btw backs bench remains silly

[francoisfou]

Penalty seems dead right to me - why yellow?
Isn't that down to "did the knock on stop a significant line-break"?
Or is there something else about pure cynicism?

It looked Care was in the backfield as cover but the Fijian catching the ball would have made a good 15 to 20 metres. I think Farrell is a bit lucky. I was thinking yellow when I saw the replay.

Improved performance by England buys they'll need more again next week to have any chance of making the final. Silver Ballerina has had some stick for his selections and tactics but they were spot on today. Needless penalties from senior players will be infuriating for him, particularly Curry who gave away some daft ones.

Sweaty Betty won’t do it but Curry plays far better with Underhill at 7 , Earl was the pick of that back row and both him and Curry on the flanks would be a massive step up from Lawes but I’ve become a broken record on that.

Yep. Curry and Earl in the flanks and Mercer / Willis for 8 in the 6N

[Puja]

Aaron Smith feeling a little put out right now

The ref's right though - it's a shit pass from Fiji that has missed the person Farrell is "tackling" and is going to ground way before it reaches no20. So it's not stopped a linebreak because an unimpeded ball would've been bouncing every which way around the floor, giving our cover plenty of time to come across.

I wouldn't've hated a yellow just for sheer cynicism though. Was a bit nervous about the way he chose to kick it out the first time as well - drop the ball for a tap kick and then volley it, rather than catching and punting normally. I mean, he pulled it off, but there's far too high a chance for a Lionel Beauxis there. It didn't count anyway, as the ref had gone off to argue with Nayacalevu, but it was far too casual for my liking.

Puja

I’m just disappointed that we missed out on the hat trick of gobby northern hemisphere 1st fives crying on the sideline after a close loss.

Were it not my team, I'd absolutely want Farrell to lose too. I don't necessarily mind the talking itself, but his tone and wording is terrible. The incessant whine and bitch and grouse must make every referee want to give decisions against him.

Puja

[fivepointer]

We did enough. Breakdown much better, managed to knock Fiji out of stride and took pts when we needed to. Earl was very good. So too Marchant.
Fiji only really came alive in the last quarter. They kicked poorly (not really their game) and made far too many dull errors.
Onward to the SF. Based on what we've seen we are 20 pts inferior to either France or SA but getting there isnt a bad achievement given our starting point.

[loudnconfident]

FWIW, I thought Smiling Bliss gave a very good interview.

[jngf]

To be fair Silver Beatle’s probably earned himself from the RFU an extended run till end of 2024 6 Nations - as semi final is exceeding expectations given the legacy left him by the grumpy turnip.

[Shiny]

Meanwhile next weekend the dildo of consequence arrives at a rapid rate of knots and without any lube.

Unfortunately I believe from the starting point 6 weeks ago Slippery Candlestick has done enough to keep his job.

[UKHamlet]

You realise that England are going to win the cup by accident, don't you? Borthwick gets lifetime head coach award. Marcus Smith permanent 15.

Don't threaten us with a good time! We could dine out on that for another 20 years!

Puja

I'm on a roll.

[Spiffy]

It looked Care was in the backfield as cover but the Fijian catching the ball would have made a good 15 to 20 metres. I think Farrell is a bit lucky. I was thinking yellow when I saw the replay.

Improved performance by England buys they'll need more again next week to have any chance of making the final. Silver Ballerina has had some stick for his selections and tactics but they were spot on today. Needless penalties from senior players will be infuriating for him, particularly Curry who gave away some daft ones.

Sweaty Betty won’t do it but Curry plays far better with Underhill at 7 , Earl was the pick of that back row and both him and Curry on the flanks would be a massive step up from Lawes but I’ve become a broken record on that.

Yep. Curry and Earl in the flanks and Mercer / Willis for 8 in the 6N

Earl has played himself into a starting slot but Curry has not been all that impressive and is increasingly showing poor discipline. He seems to be considered un-dropable by many fans but he does not look the player of 2-3 seasons ago and looks to have lost some mobility.

[p/d]

Courtney. Stand up and take a bow

[Mikey Brown]

Oh no. He said the Eddie thing. Ford hasn't been dropped to the bench, he's "changed his role".

Nice one, Sleeve

Oh god. This is even funnier now.

What role is that exactly, Steve?

[Mikey Brown]

Courtney. Stand up and take a bow

Was that his fifth turnover on the floor to win it?

Must be due an unbelievably shit game next week based on that showing.

[Sandydragon]

Congrats lads.

Yes well done England. I’d like to congratulate you on keeping your coach for a bit longer.

As the saying goes, every silver lining needs a cloud

[badback]

Marchant was excellent today

A very good outside center