England v SA- same larger squad

[Which Tyler]

I need cheering up after that, so I'm going to watch Interview with the vampire -which is... not exactly cheerful

[badback]

Flashbacks to 6 years ago, almost to the day.

Hyperbolic flashbacks, but flashbacks nonetheless.

Yep. Who could have known the impact of a weakened scrum against a fired up South Africa. After all of Jones’s worries about the lineout I still don’t understand how he looked past that. Or was that some sort of boom or bust test for Mako?

Both SA front rows are better than both Eng front rows. So what do you do? Other than pick Marler

[Mikey Brown]

If Mako can hold up the scrum, Billy can hold on to the ball and Tuilagi can get involved in attack that could be a very good side. Some real impact available on the bench too.

In the spirit of quoting ourselves I thought I’d check back on my prediction. Is that 0/3 or did Billy make some sort of impact I missed?

I’m really not sure where we go with that performance.

It’ll be hard to take much from “I just didn’t prepare the boys well enough” once again.

[Mikey Brown]

Flashbacks to 6 years ago, almost to the day.

Hyperbolic flashbacks, but flashbacks nonetheless.

Yep. Who could have known the impact of a weakened scrum against a fired up South Africa. After all of Jones’s worries about the lineout I still don’t understand how he looked past that. Or was that some sort of boom or bust test for Mako?

Both SA front rows are better than both Eng front rows. So what do you do? Other than pick Marler

Well, yes aside from pick VRR/Marler, I’d think you opt not start out on the back foot if possible.

[francoisfou]

Next up are Scotland on Feb 4th, who'll already be licking their lips in eager anticipation of putting one over the English.

Eddie, however, will probably have fallen on his sword by then, and handed over the reins to ANOther ............. we hope.

[francoisfou]

Next up are Scotland on Feb 4th, who'll already be licking their lips in eager anticipation of putting one over the English.

Eddie, however, will probably have fallen on his sword by then, and handed over the reins to ANOther ............. we hope.

[francoisfou]

[Which Tyler]

Or was that some sort of boom or bust test for Mako?

That's... actually a good question.

Was it his last chance saloon?

If Mako can hold up the scrum, Billy can hold on to the ball and Tuilagi can get involved in attack that could be a very good side. Some real impact available on the bench too.

In the spirit of quoting ourselves I thought I’d check back on my prediction. Is that 0/3 or did Billy make some sort of impact I missed?

0 from 4, not 3

[Sandydragon]

Soundly beaten in every department. They look stronger, bigger, quicker, better drilled and more cohesive.

We also can’t seem to maintain discipline - removing Hill would be a start here.

Jones should go. We’re going nowhere.

Swap you for Privac.

[Mr Mwenda]

Soundly beaten in every department. They look stronger, bigger, quicker, better drilled and more cohesive.

We also can’t seem to maintain discipline - removing Hill would be a start here.

Jones should go. We’re going nowhere.

Swap you for Privac.

I had that vision earlier...

[pompey-zebra]

II'm going to watch Interview with the vampire -which is... not exactly cheerful

Is that the post match one with Wayne pivac? He's certainly sucked the life out of Wales.

[Scrumhead]

Soundly beaten in every department. They look stronger, bigger, quicker, better drilled and more cohesive.

We also can’t seem to maintain discipline - removing Hill would be a start here.

Jones should go. We’re going nowhere.

I agree. At what point does it become untenable for him to continue? I’m outright embarrassed by how crap we are.

[FKAS]

Soundly beaten in every department. They look stronger, bigger, quicker, better drilled and more cohesive.

We also can’t seem to maintain discipline - removing Hill would be a start here.

Jones should go. We’re going nowhere.

I agree. At what point does it become untenable for him to continue? I’m outright embarrassed by how crap we are.

Can't see us changing until after the world cup. The RFU are apparently deaf to the boos ringing around Twickers after 3 of the 4 AI games. Might be because the RFU don't like spending money and any Prem side won't let a head coach mid season without significant cash going the other way. Ditto La Rochelle with O'Gara (even with another ban under his belt). Having said that, that leaves us with Robertson so finger crossed the RFU grow a pair.

[Oakboy]

Soundly beaten in every department. They look stronger, bigger, quicker, better drilled and more cohesive.

We also can’t seem to maintain discipline - removing Hill would be a start here.

Jones should go. We’re going nowhere.

I agree. At what point does it become untenable for him to continue? I’m outright embarrassed by how crap we are.

I am pleased you agree now. Unfortunately, we've wasted three years.

[Mikey Brown]

Just thinking through this idea we do have an ace or two up the sleeve, is this ultimate-rugby fluid pod system* (there were certainly some odd, swirling pod formations today but not sure how intentional they were) and secret set of line-out moves going to be enough? I feel like we better be hiding something very innovate at the ruck and maul too.

*Let's just say this really was what turned things around against the All Blacks, disregarding the notion of them being knackered or having switched off, is the cost of trying this stuff and allowing teams to analyse it really worse than not having live, test-match experience of implementing it?

To be honest I'm not sure I'd even trade all this for a RWC win. Easy to say at this point and not in Nov 2023, though.

[Mellsblue]

Chuck all the money we have at Wayne Smith with Robertson as his deputy ready to step up after the World Cup.

[Mellsblue]

On the plus side, Smith has improved as the series went on. That’s all I’ve got.

[Banquo]

Depressing hammering. But for Du Toits red, it would have been way worse. Both front rows were murdered, Hill is an idiot, back row anonymous, and the younger backs off their games bar one or two moments. Faz missing two sitters didnt help, but dont think mattered, we were nobbed up front by an excellent relentless pack.

[pandion]

McCall though he's got a long contract at sarries I believe.

[Mellsblue]

McCall though he's got a long contract at sarries I believe.

Has stated he doesn’t want it. Can’t blame him.

[Mikey Brown]

Yeah it would be bizarre making that step up and finding yourself with fewer international quality players to work with.

[pandion]

McCall though he's got a long contract at sarries I believe.

Has stated he doesn’t want it. Can’t blame him.

Highest paid job in rugby with a large talent pool. Says a lot that anyone doesn't want it let alone the most successful DOR producing numerous coaches and international players from our league. Must be a toxic place

[Scrumhead]

I think you’re reading way too much in to that. Coaching in test rugby is a totally different beast and both McCall and Baxter (in the past) have specifically said they’d miss the day-to-day elements of a club set up.

I think that can be taken at face value. Not every coach wants a test gig.

[p/d]

Soundly beaten in every department. They look stronger, bigger, quicker, better drilled and more cohesive.

We also can’t seem to maintain discipline - removing Hill would be a start here.

Jones should go. We’re going nowhere.

I agree. At what point does it become untenable for him to continue? I’m outright embarrassed by how crap we are.

Now, before the AI.

As warned he hit a ceiling after a good opening. He is so Hilda’s Howard he makes Steve Bruce look a manager with a future.

Absolute disgrace today. Bloody well done SA

[p/d]

Depressing hammering. But for Du Toits red, it would have been way worse. Both front rows were murdered, Hill is an idiot, back row anonymous, and the younger backs off their games bar one or two moments. Faz missing two sitters didnt help, but dont think mattered, we were nobbed up front by an excellent relentless pack.

Nobbed!!!! just brilliant

Men against boys today.