Rugby

[firehazard]

Ireland's Grand Slam was thoroughly deserved, and they were the better team at Twickenham by miles. Only visiting team I've seen play better there in recent years were the All Blacks.

But the strange thing is that if it hadn't been for Sexton's drop goal in Paris, France could well have been 6N champions.

[Welshie]

Yes you are correct FH, looking forward to the summer tours now.
Cheers
Aled

[Welshie]

Strange weekend, France are in the lead first half then get hammered, Japan put Italy to the sword, Ireland lose to Oz, and England turn down a 24 point lead, oh yes and Argentina stayed at home to allow Wales (who did play well) to win.
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

Yes, Wales played well, thoroughly deserved the win. Argentina have gone backwards since the last RWC, it seems... but it's strange because the Jaguares are doing well in Super Rugby.

England seem to have lost their way, one or two strange selections from Eddie J.

NZ did to France what they do to most teams... when France had the scent of a win they just turned up the power and blew them away.

Australia-Ireland should be a good series. I reckon Ireland will come back strongly in the next game.

[Welshie]

I agree FH I reckon Ireland will win on Saturday.
Cheers
Aled

[Welshie]

Good win for Ireland, Wales put a good shift in.
Italy beat Japan, from what I've heard NZ looked vulnerable against 14 man France on occasion. England seem to be struggling, and well done USA on a famous win.
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

Yes, well done Ireland and Wales. And USA on their first win against a tier 1 nation.
England have big problems...

I reckon Ireland will clinch the series tomorrow, and Scotland will beat a struggling Argentina...
And another win for NZ, of course. And England will lose again.
Japan v Georgia could be good.

[firehazard]

Sorry to hear that Warburton's retiring, but what a brilliant career to look back on. One of the greats of Welsh rugby.

[Welshie]

Back n line FH, yep Warburton has been forced to retire early, shows how hard he played the game though! Days away from the season opening proper!
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

Yep, start of a new season always exciting... first proper game of the season for Cambridge today ended in a 36-36 draw, after a comeback from 0-26 at half-time. If every match is going to be like that I'm going to need to up my blood pressure meds!

[Welshie]

Autumn internationals getting ever closer....

[firehazard]

Autumn internationals getting ever closer....

Yes, coming soon... I think I have tickets for NZ at Twickenham.

Meanwhile European competitions kicking off this weekend.

[firehazard]

So autumn internationals kick off...

strange seeing matches between 6N teams at this time of year, with Wales-Scotland and Ireland-Italy.

NZ with mostly an A team looked very impressive against Japan.

England pack looks lightweight compared with SA for this afternoon's game.

So let's see what happens.

[firehazard]

It was bloomin' wet at Twickenham on Saturday...

[Welshie]

A couple of exciting matches last week FH. I'm looking forward to this weekend as well. with the Irish and Scotish games being interesting. I wonder if Italy can turn over Australia!
Cheers
Aled