RugbyRebels

We were smashed for 60 minutes until we decided we had better front up a bit. That’s 2 games on the trot where we have had a hard time up front for much of the match. We couldn’t slow down Irish ball and we couldn’t get anywhere near it without giving away penalties. Almost 80 % possession and territory in the first 60, Ireland should have been out of sight.

Moriarty looks jaded, is he actually fit? We desperately need Faletau back and we need to find a way to deal with big aggressive packs and slow down their ball. If fit, Warburton is a player we are missing.

Biggar had sod all decent possession for most of the time he was on. But he doesn’t look comfortable with ball in hand. For the love of God Gatland, let Anscombe or Patch start the next 2 games. Whilst Biggar is one of the best in the world with th high ball, our back line with him at 10 is nowhere near as effective and frankly if we are going to play with a minority of possession and territory then we can’t afford that.

Liam Williams also looked out of sorts, understandably. Perhaps Amos would have been the better shout?

Wow, the ref really, really didn't like what we did at the breakdown. Lots of 50-50 decisions not going our way. Still a close match... If we'd had decent possession, we'd have won, but that's moot since we kicked a lot of it away anyway.

No more Patchell, Wales look a lot more like they usually do... the Scotland game feels like a distant memory. I still say we should persist with Patchell, but since the current attack plan is so dependent on kicking and winning the ball, I assume (for Gatland) Biggar is nailed on while he is fit.

Sandydragon wrote:Liam Williams also looked out of sorts, understandably. Perhaps Amos would have been the better shout?

I don't think he got much ball. If we'd had some possession, he'd have been less anonymous IMO.

Banquo wrote:

WaspInWales wrote:England are going to have to dig deep to beat Ireland.

Their defence was pants though.

Yes - despite all the possession, territory and domination , Ireland has coughed up six fairly soft tries in their last two games (Italy and Wales). Not good enough at this level. Never mind England, the fast Scotland team could make them pay next week.