The RugbyRebels Messageboard
http://rugbyrebels.co.uk/
The red cards are narrowing down selection issues. It's a genius policy.Insouciant wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:18 pmDon't worry, I'm sure Soapy Borstal and co. have learned a lot of lessons and have a great list of positives from today's performance
Another lucky break for Strangely Blue.16th man wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:22 pmThe red cards are narrowing down selection issues. It's a genius policy.Insouciant wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:18 pmDon't worry, I'm sure Soapy Borstal and co. have learned a lot of lessons and have a great list of positives from today's performance
I just said to the wife if we can arrange one for Ben Youngs next week we might have got rid of most of the deadwood before the tournament starts.16th man wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:22 pmThe red cards are narrowing down selection issues. It's a genius policy.Insouciant wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:18 pmDon't worry, I'm sure Soapy Borstal and co. have learned a lot of lessons and have a great list of positives from today's performance
Ford was a bit better than Farrell. That is all.
I dunno, there's already positive early signs of cohesion and team building. For example, Ben Earl joining Itoje in 'clapping like a twat' after every Ireland mistake.Oakboy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:07 pm It was more or less what I expected. Vunipola, Tuilagi, Youngs and Care should not be in the squad. Earl and Ribbans are not 1st XV standard. Genge is much better suited to coming on later. That's all pre-conceived opinion confirmed by today's performance.
In a way, it's alright because it can't get any worse. Hopefully, everything is up from here even if that equates to us being weak and becoming slightly less weak. At least, cohesion has to improve . . . . hopefully.
Who was it who dropped to their knees in celebration at a not straight Ireland throw?Insouciant wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:14 pmI dunno, there's already positive early signs of cohesion and team building. For example, Ben Earl joining Itoje in 'clapping like a twat' after every Ireland mistake.Oakboy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:07 pm It was more or less what I expected. Vunipola, Tuilagi, Youngs and Care should not be in the squad. Earl and Ribbans are not 1st XV standard. Genge is much better suited to coming on later. That's all pre-conceived opinion confirmed by today's performance.
In a way, it's alright because it can't get any worse. Hopefully, everything is up from here even if that equates to us being weak and becoming slightly less weak. At least, cohesion has to improve . . . . hopefully.
Ben Earl. Really has learnt to find happiness in the little wins.pompey-zebra wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:23 pmWho was it who dropped to their knees in celebration at a not straight Ireland throw?Insouciant wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:14 pmI dunno, there's already positive early signs of cohesion and team building. For example, Ben Earl joining Itoje in 'clapping like a twat' after every Ireland mistake.Oakboy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:07 pm It was more or less what I expected. Vunipola, Tuilagi, Youngs and Care should not be in the squad. Earl and Ribbans are not 1st XV standard. Genge is much better suited to coming on later. That's all pre-conceived opinion confirmed by today's performance.
In a way, it's alright because it can't get any worse. Hopefully, everything is up from here even if that equates to us being weak and becoming slightly less weak. At least, cohesion has to improve . . . . hopefully.
Poor old Freddie did seem a tad cumbersome and was easily stepped on the inside for two soft Irish tries. Yes - He is looking rather one-dimensional. Still can't understand why Sad Bloke has not used any of the warmup games to look at a backup FB.astralweeks wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:13 pm Ireland haven't kicked the ball to Stewart with the regularity of Wales which makes him fairly superfluous since he doesn't offer much else. Billy roly poly should never have been on the pitch and now he's not.
Spiffy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:31 pmProbably because he named his world cup squad about a fortnight ago.astralweeks wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:13 pm . Still can't understand why Sad Bloke has not used any of the warmup games to look at a backup FB.
pompey-zebra wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:36 pmYes. But there must be a backup FB in the squad who needs game time.Spiffy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:31 pmProbably because he named his world cup squad about a fortnight ago.astralweeks wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:13 pm . Still can't understand why Sad Bloke has not used any of the warmup games to look at a backup FB.
Steward's defenders beaten stat of four wasn't beaten by anyone else from either team. To call him one dimensional is pretty silly. He's got a weakness and Ireland targeted it. He's a big bloke and he's not that agile. Isolate him in 15m of space up against a good finisher worked twice. Mind Ireland/Leinster have used a similar tactic to score plenty of times before now. It's tough to defend in that much space when you're already running across to cover.Spiffy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:31 pmPoor old Freddie did seem a tad cumbersome and was easily stepped on the inside for two soft Irish tries. Yes - He is looking rather one-dimensional. Still can't understand why Sad Bloke has not used any of the warmup games to look at a backup FB.astralweeks wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:13 pm Ireland haven't kicked the ball to Stewart with the regularity of Wales which makes him fairly superfluous since he doesn't offer much else. Billy roly poly should never have been on the pitch and now he's not.
Earl is the backup 8. Whether Borthwick opts to replace Billy will be interesting.Insouciant wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:51 pm There isn't a backup 8. I'm thinking maybe Malins or Watson is the backup 15 - not sure what Sugary Byzantium is planning though. I'd try Watson 15 with Arundell on the wing. Maybe he'll get to find out what the ball looks like this time.
Third most behind Steward and somewhat surprisingly Ford. 61 metres off 2 carries for Smith is very impressive. Really liked the use of him off the bench as an impact player given free reign to play what he sees from the backfield.astralweeks wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 9:18 pm I've not seen the official stats but I reckon Smith made the most metres of any English player. Daly made the most going laterally.
