Page 14 of 19
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 9:30 pm
by jngf
Oakboy wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 9:04 pm
Is it significant that SB waited till after this game to call up a replacement for Willis?
That’ll be either Callum Chick or Lewis Ludlow I expect
On a more serious point given Willis is no longer available a perm two from 3 of Curry, Ludlam and Earl on the flanks looks competitive - if coupled with a genuine ball carrying no.8 with some explosiveness + ballast and height. Lawes blows too hot and cold for me at 6 and tonight he was largely anonymous but not as much as Itoje imo
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 9:52 pm
by Beasties
I can honestly say that I enjoyed that more than any Eng game since the last WC semi v NZ.
The clucking sound of all those chickens coming home to roost was deafening. I got fully behind Samoa from about 10 mins in. The Farrell show was top flight comedy from start to finish. Ugo’s moment wasn’t even the highlight.
We were awful. As pretty much everyone predicted. On here that is.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:12 pm
by Banquo
Unbelievably bad- except it was entirely believable as its all been seen before with this mob. Basics just awful in every facet; stupidity, lack of rugby sense, poor skill levels, awful backs selection, woeful defence....and the breakdown wtaf.
Dont start me on faz.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:14 pm
by 16th man
Feel properly sorry for Scotland. That first 20 minutes would have had them out of sight against us today, but Ireland just took them to pieces.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:17 pm
by Mellsblue
16th man wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:14 pm
Feel properly sorry for Scotland. That first 20 minutes would have had them out of sight against us today, but Ireland just took them to pieces.
Part of me hopes we lose to Fiji in a close match. A semifinal could be brutal.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:25 pm
by p/d
Mellsblue wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 6:55 pm
Woodward demanding 10.Ford/Farrell 12 Manu 13 Marchant and pace. I take back everything I posted yesterday.
After Japan the daft twat said that Farrell is only competing for the 12.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:31 pm
by Puja
Mellsblue wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:17 pm
16th man wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:14 pm
Feel properly sorry for Scotland. That first 20 minutes would have had them out of sight against us today, but Ireland just took them to pieces.
Part of me hopes we lose to Fiji in a close match. A semifinal could be brutal.
Oof, yeah. Playing France will result in an actual murdering. Records could be broken.
Puja
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:40 pm
by p/d
I expected us to be poor, but Christ alive that was an absolute shambles. Some of our defending was as bad as our discipline, which was on a par with our white line fever. And yet our inspirational leader still somehow managed to outdo it all.
Dross SB, complete dross. Let me give you something to work on
12. Lawrence
13. Marchant
Now have a go at the others…….
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:31 pm
by Sourdust
Puja wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:31 pm
Oof, yeah. Playing France will result in an actual murdering. Records could be broken.
Puja
You think that's bad? If Wales beat Argentina, we get to play NZ or Ireland...
We should absolutely refuse to do so.
Literally just nope out of the whole shebang. We're done, boys, cheers!
Not a bad idea for you chaps too, I'd say. We can even share a plane home.

Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:41 pm
by Beasties
p/d wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:25 pm
Mellsblue wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 6:55 pm
Woodward demanding 10.Ford/Farrell 12 Manu 13 Marchant and pace. I take back everything I posted yesterday.
After Japan the daft twat said that Farrell is only competing for the 12.
Tbf there’s quite a bit of previous evidence of his status as aluded.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:47 pm
by Beasties
Sourdust wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:31 pm
Puja wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:31 pm
Oof, yeah. Playing France will result in an actual murdering. Records could be broken.
Puja
You think that's bad? If Wales beat Argentina, we get to play NZ or Ireland...
We should absolutely refuse to do so.
Literally just nope out of the whole shebang. We're done, boys, cheers!
Not a bad idea for you chaps too, I'd say. We can even share a plane home.
Now I’m interested as it would sit nicely alongside the last WC game I saw live, the game v SA in 2007. Great weekend. A Farrell wasn’t much good in that game either. And they say history resonates, pfft.
I’m actually wishing for us to utterly be handed our arse on a plate as it might force some sort of actual rethink rather than what SB’s served up so far.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 12:15 am
by Mellsblue
Beasties wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:47 pm
Sourdust wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:31 pm
Puja wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:31 pm
Oof, yeah. Playing France will result in an actual murdering. Records could be broken.
Puja
You think that's bad? If Wales beat Argentina, we get to play NZ or Ireland...
We should absolutely refuse to do so.
Literally just nope out of the whole shebang. We're done, boys, cheers!
Not a bad idea for you chaps too, I'd say. We can even share a plane home.
Now I’m interested as it would sit nicely alongside the last WC game I saw live, the game v SA in 2007. Great weekend. A Farrell wasn’t much good in that game either. And they say history resonates, pfft.
I’m actually wishing for us to utterly be handed our arse on a plate as it might force some sort of actual rethink rather than what SB’s served up so far.
I’m confused. From where I’m sat, SB has already served arse on a plate.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 2:44 am
by Mikey Brown
16th man wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:14 pm
Feel properly sorry for Scotland. That first 20 minutes would have had them out of sight against us today, but Ireland just took them to pieces.
It was kind of surreal watching those games back to back as a “supporter” of both. It was like a different sport.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 7:50 am
by Oakboy
p/d wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:40 pm
I expected us to be poor, but Christ alive that was an absolute shambles. Some of our defending was as bad as our discipline, which was on a par with our white line fever. And yet our inspirational leader still somehow managed to outdo it all.
Dross SB, complete dross. Let me give you something to work on
12. Lawrence
13. Marchant
Now have a go at the others…….
I've been advocating that since the 33 was announced. Had it been picked and stuck with from the start of the warm-ups it could have been a really useful pairing by now. Tuilagi has about 20 minutes of effectiveness in his body and should not have made the squad.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 7:55 am
by Stom
Puja wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:31 pm
Mellsblue wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:17 pm
16th man wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:14 pm
Feel properly sorry for Scotland. That first 20 minutes would have had them out of sight against us today, but Ireland just took them to pieces.
Part of me hopes we lose to Fiji in a close match. A semifinal could be brutal.
Oof, yeah. Playing France will result in an actual murdering. Records could be broken.
Puja
That would be the best thing that could happen to this England team.
If Farrell is playing.
If he gets sent off against Fiji yet we still win...I will cry. We'll have been murdered because Farrell wasn't there, despite the fact our performance took a nosedive when Farrell was back available.
I damn hope he bloody retires after the WC, as I can't see Soggy Bottom having the balls to drop him from the squad.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:12 am
by p/d
Oakboy wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 7:50 am
p/d wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:40 pm
I expected us to be poor, but Christ alive that was an absolute shambles. Some of our defending was as bad as our discipline, which was on a par with our white line fever. And yet our inspirational leader still somehow managed to outdo it all.
Dross SB, complete dross. Let me give you something to work on
12. Lawrence
13. Marchant
Now have a go at the others…….
I've been advocating that since the 33 was announced. Had it been picked and stuck with from the start of the warm-ups it could have been a really useful pairing by now. Tuilagi has about 20 minutes of effectiveness in his body and should not have made the squad.
I have always rated Lawrence, yes he is a bit green, but that pairing offered us a good solution to the midfield. And yet somehow we arrive at the WC QF without either player cementing down their position let alone a working combination.
To compound our shortfalls the back row now looks all at sea and we will continue to debate who plays 10
Not good, not good at all
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:30 am
by Banquo
p/d wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:12 am
Oakboy wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 7:50 am
p/d wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 10:40 pm
I expected us to be poor, but Christ alive that was an absolute shambles. Some of our defending was as bad as our discipline, which was on a par with our white line fever. And yet our inspirational leader still somehow managed to outdo it all.
Dross SB, complete dross. Let me give you something to work on
12. Lawrence
13. Marchant
Now have a go at the others…….
I've been advocating that since the 33 was announced. Had it been picked and stuck with from the start of the warm-ups it could have been a really useful pairing by now. Tuilagi has about 20 minutes of effectiveness in his body and should not have made the squad.
I have always rated Lawrence, yes he is a bit green, but that pairing offered us a good solution to the midfield. And yet somehow we arrive at the WC QF without either player cementing down their position let alone a working combination.
To compound our shortfalls the back row now looks all at sea and we will continue to debate who plays 10
Not good, not good at all
and have no back 3 with cohesion. Freddie caught well, and actually hit the line well for Chessum's try.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:35 am
by p/d
Banquo wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:30 am
p/d wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:12 am
Oakboy wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 7:50 am
I've been advocating that since the 33 was announced. Had it been picked and stuck with from the start of the warm-ups it could have been a really useful pairing by now. Tuilagi has about 20 minutes of effectiveness in his body and should not have made the squad.
I have always rated Lawrence, yes he is a bit green, but that pairing offered us a good solution to the midfield. And yet somehow we arrive at the WC QF without either player cementing down their position let alone a working combination.
To compound our shortfalls the back row now looks all at sea and we will continue to debate who plays 10
Not good, not good at all
and have no back 3 with cohesion. Freddie caught well, and actually hit the line well for Chessum's try.
Indeed. Throw in 9’s with jitters and still not prepared to risk replacing George
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:43 am
by Scrumhead
Banquo wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:30 am
p/d wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:12 am
Oakboy wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 7:50 am
I've been advocating that since the 33 was announced. Had it been picked and stuck with from the start of the warm-ups it could have been a really useful pairing by now. Tuilagi has about 20 minutes of effectiveness in his body and should not have made the squad.
I have always rated Lawrence, yes he is a bit green, but that pairing offered us a good solution to the midfield. And yet somehow we arrive at the WC QF without either player cementing down their position let alone a working combination.
To compound our shortfalls the back row now looks all at sea and we will continue to debate who plays 10
Not good, not good at all
and have no back 3 with cohesion. Freddie caught well, and actually hit the line well for Chessum's try.
He ran good lines that could have got another couple of tries too. Firstly when Tuilagi made a decent break but delayed an obvious pass for too long and then when George threw an intercept which (indirectly) led to a Samoa try.
I actually think Steward improved on his recent performances (admittedly from a low bar).
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:46 am
by Banquo
Scrumhead wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:43 am
Banquo wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:30 am
p/d wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:12 am
I have always rated Lawrence, yes he is a bit green, but that pairing offered us a good solution to the midfield. And yet somehow we arrive at the WC QF without either player cementing down their position let alone a working combination.
To compound our shortfalls the back row now looks all at sea and we will continue to debate who plays 10
Not good, not good at all
and have no back 3 with cohesion. Freddie caught well, and actually hit the line well for Chessum's try.
He ran good lines that could have got another couple of tries too. Firstly when Tuilagi made a decent break but delayed an obvious pass for too long and then when George threw an intercept which (indirectly) led to a Samoa try.
I actually think Steward improved on his recent performances (admittedly from a low bar).
On the first one I actually thought the Samoan's blocked the passing line well. On the second looked a standard line....but yes, he was a bit more visible coming forward.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 9:11 am
by Galfon
After that, now it's do or die SB will give clear thought on performances to date against reputations.
Ford, Manu/Lawrence, Marchant yielded 1 try in nearly 3 hrs v Arg & Jap. It could easily have been 4 in 40 min. yesterday.
Ludlam's energy also much needed it seems.
Not starting Fazlet, Lawes, Itoje, Curry would have been out of the question a year or so back but let's see.
.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 9:12 am
by p/d
Care try saving tackle, Lawes getting back to pounce on the resulting loose ball and McFarland’s mocking Earl with a ‘Earl-esque’ celebration on Samoa securing the ball we’re my highlights.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 9:16 am
by canta_brian
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/ ... -two-sides
Anyone disagree?
Or is it just that the TMOs are ruining the game for
everyone consistently. Some of the frame by frame stuff is just painful.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 10:02 am
by twitchy
The only sport that I watch where there is really obvious bias/corruption from the officials is boxing. I've never seen it in rugby honestly.
Re: England vs Samoa - Sat 4.45pm
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 10:18 am
by p/d
TMO’s Ruining the game. The frame by frame stuff is a nonsense