Team for England 5th August

[Son of Mathonwy]

England: F Steward (Leicester Tigers), M Malins (Bristol Bears), J Marchant (Stade Francais), G Porter (Leicester Tigers), J Cokanasiga (Bath), M Smith (Harlequins), D Care (Harlequins), E Genge (Bristol Bears, captain), J Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), W Stuart (Bath Rugby), D Ribbans (Toulon), G Martin (Leicester Tigers), L Ludlam (Northampton Saints), T Pearson (Northampton Saints), A Dombrandt (Harlequins).

Replacements: T Dan (Saracens), B Rodd (Sale Sharks), K Sinckler (Bristol Bears), J Hill (Sale Sharks), T Willis (Saracens), J van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers), G Ford (Sale Sharks), H Slade (Exeter Chiefs).

[Son of Mathonwy]

If we could refrain from kicking the ball to Steward repeatedly we might stand a chance.

[normanski]

Yesterday was an optimism bounce. Today, I think were fucked.

I hope you feel differently tomorrow! There is some cause for optimism with some fresh faces. The trick will be to meld them into a slick unit which the opposition have yet to work out.
Gatland has done it before. Let’s pray he can do it again this year.

One big question is can we get our defence right this time? We failed in the 6N, admittedly with a new set of coaches and a demotivated squad.

The attitude of players going into the 6N wasn’t right with all the turmoil off the field. Even so we could have won the England game if they hadn’t cheated at the line out and scored an undeserved try leaving us in a far worse place.

That’s in the past and Gatland has had time to build a squad which should far more competitive.

Defence since Sean Edwards left has blown hot and cold at times. We have to hope that within all the efforts of the last few months a stronger defence system will have emerged along with a more robust front five.

[Sandydragon]

Yesterday was an optimism bounce. Today, I think were fucked.

I hope you feel differently tomorrow! There is some cause for optimism with some fresh faces. The trick will be to meld them into a slick unit which the opposition have yet to work out.

Gatland has done it before. Let’s pray he can do it again this year.

Probably. I’m in that 24 hour bounce phase that every Welsh rugby supporter knows so well. To be fair it got a bit boring when we were a good side and had expectations.

[Sandydragon]

Yesterday was an optimism bounce. Today, I think were fucked.

I hope you feel differently tomorrow! There is some cause for optimism with some fresh faces. The trick will be to meld them into a slick unit which the opposition have yet to work out.
Gatland has done it before. Let’s pray he can do it again this year.

One big question is can we get our defence right this time? We failed in the 6N, admittedly with a new set of coaches and a demotivated squad.

North at 13 makes me nervous, but perhaps that’s the logic of Halfpenny at 15. Plus a very good backup kicker for a new fly half.

If our pack can get into the game then we can cause some damage. Hopefully lore dynamism and aggression from them

[Sandydragon]

England: F Steward (Leicester Tigers), M Malins (Bristol Bears), J Marchant (Stade Francais), G Porter (Leicester Tigers), J Cokanasiga (Bath), M Smith (Harlequins), D Care (Harlequins), E Genge (Bristol Bears, captain), J Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), W Stuart (Bath Rugby), D Ribbans (Toulon), G Martin (Leicester Tigers), L Ludlam (Northampton Saints), T Pearson (Northampton Saints), A Dombrandt (Harlequins).

Replacements: T Dan (Saracens), B Rodd (Sale Sharks), K Sinckler (Bristol Bears), J Hill (Sale Sharks), T Willis (Saracens), J van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers), G Ford (Sale Sharks), H Slade (Exeter Chiefs).

Looks like England are rolling the dice a bit as well. Some new names in there.

[Graigwen]

I am really looking forward to this game. We should learn a lot without too much pressure from the threat of losing.

The only real downside is that I won't be able to drink as I am caring for a sick relative during the game and a young granddaughter a dozen miles away afterwards. This will be a new experience for me.

[normanski]

Pretty even so far. Lots of mistakes. Our props need to sharpen up.

[Wallpaperman]

Will take 6-9 at the break, England the better side for much of the first half, and missed some good chances. 2 x 5 metre lineouts and a couple of knock ins in the 22.

Thought the props came back into it, and were unlucky to be pinged on 40 minutes. It should have been a Wales scrum anyway as Costelow didn’t knock on.

England looking threatening in the midfield, esp Smith and Marchant.

[Sandydragon]

Our props need to sharpen up or be replaced soon. Too many cheap penalties.

Out attack is better when we get the ball. English front five on top at the moment. Need some turnovers.

Nic Berrynis awful, but equally awful to both sides. His cadence at the scrum is bad, he has no sympathy for the front rows.

Tshiunza pedestrian. Hope to see Plumbtree soon.

Costello has done alright overall. Loverly like break set up for Rees Zammit (who looks to have spent a lot of time in the gym- hope has hasn’t lost his pace)

[normanski]

Great try. We’ve got to go on and build on that.

[normanski]

And another great try.

[Sandydragon]

And another. Nicely worked too.

[Sandydragon]

Could George North be the hard hitting blindside we’re looking for?

[Sandydragon]

English scrum has gone to shit.

[Sandydragon]

I’m liking Plumbtree

[Sandydragon]

Close call that

[Sandydragon]

Much better second half. Sorted out the scrum and made it a weapon. Shame that third try was disallowed.

[normanski]

Much better second half. Sorted out the scrum and made it a weapon. Shame that third try was disallowed.

Defence started to come strong in the second half after few early wobbles. It will be good to see the stats.

Lots of pluses. Three props capped. Gatland will have a better idea of his squad after this.

[MrK]

Take that win
Domachowski, Dee, Jenkins, Carter, Morgan, , Wainwright, Plumtree, Costelow, Llewelyn and Grady’s cameo all positives for me

smith, Rowlands, Davies, T Williams, Biggar,North LRZ, Dyer, 1/2p all did as expected

Assirati, Thomas, Tshiunza, with work to do

Elias- hope he recovers

[Sandydragon]

Take that win
Domachowski, Dee, Jenkins, Carter, Morgan, , Wainwright, Plumtree, Costelow, Llewelyn and Grady’s cameo all positives for me

smith, Rowlands, Davies, T Williams, Biggar,North LRZ, Dyer, 1/2p all did as expected

Assirati, Thomas, Tshiunza, with work to do

Elias- hope he recovers

Agree with all of that. Hopefully Llewelyn is ok too; we’re a bit light on locks.

Why was Halfpennnys mark call ignored? Anyone know?

[Sandydragon]

Plumbtree, Morgan and Wainwright looked a dynamic back row until Llewelyn got injured.

[UKHamlet]

Take that win
Domachowski, Dee, Jenkins, Carter, Morgan, , Wainwright, Plumtree, Costelow, Llewelyn and Grady’s cameo all positives for me

smith, Rowlands, Davies, T Williams, Biggar,North LRZ, Dyer, 1/2p all did as expected

Assirati, Thomas, Tshiunza, with work to do

Elias- hope he recovers

Agree with all of that. Hopefully Llewelyn is ok too; we’re a bit light on locks.

Why was Halfpennnys mark call ignored? Anyone know?

It was touched in flight by a Welsh player

[UKHamlet]

Plumbtree, Morgan and Wainwright looked a dynamic back row until Llewelyn got injured.

I'm glad we've got a decent alternative to Faletau.

[Wallpaperman]

Plumbtree, Morgan and Wainwright looked a dynamic back row until Llewelyn got injured.

I'm glad we've got a decent alternative to Faletau.

Wainwright seems to play well for Gatland, he was like a different player today to some of the performances he put in in the Pivac era. Very impressed indeed with Plumtree, shame he gave that penalty away near the end. Agree with the comments above as to general player ratings, and would add that Ben Carter didn’t look underpowered today, I thought he went well. Henry Thomas, too.

Very happy with that second half.