France versus England

[nel]

OK - so how bad is going to be? Even if it's at Twickers the depressing reality is that I expect the French to stomp on us. Skrela has shown metronic kicking a la Wilko, the English forwards (normally our strength) have been shown to be susceptible to wilting by a great Irish performance and I read yesterday that Wilko's hamstring played up in the squishing that the Falcons got from the London Irish this weekend.

The only good news from the match against Ireland was Strettle's debut - now the team have to actually manage to pass the ball to him rather than him only shining on kick returns.

Depressing, but I'm going for 3 French tries, 2 converted and 3 penalties, versus 1 converted English try and 4 penalties, making 28-19 the final score. Hope I'm wrong, but hard to be optimistic at the moment.

[360stimo]

nel said:

OK - so how bad is going to be? Even if it's at Twickers the depressing reality is that I expect the French to stomp on us. Skrela has shown metronic kicking a la Wilko, the English forwards (normally our strength) have been shown to be susceptible to wilting by a great Irish performance and I read yesterday that Wilko's hamstring played up in the squishing that the Falcons got from the London Irish this weekend.

The only good news from the match against Ireland was Strettle's debut - now the team have to actually manage to pass the ball to him rather than him only shining on kick returns.

Depressing, but I'm going for 3 French tries, 2 converted and 3 penalties, versus 1 converted English try and 4 penalties, making 28-19 the final score. Hope I'm wrong, but hard to be optimistic at the moment.

Got big Injury Worries

Sheridan
Stevens
Moody
Ward-Smith
Balshaw
Thompson
Were all out from the start

Morgan is now out for the season too

And struggling to be fit are
Wilko
Strettle
Borthwick
Farrell

I'm sure there are more, i just cant think of them

Not looking good, although it could be a belssing in disguise

[nel]

Yep - just read that Vickery is doubtful too due to concussion. Certainly doesn't make Ashton's job any easier. This business of club games during an international competition does need looking at. Supposedly some players actually play better in internationals if they played for their club the weekend before, but the risk of injuries is a major problem.

Oh well, the news just gets worse. Am going to have to drown my sorrows during Sunday's game.

[360stimo]

nel said:

Supposedly some players actually play better in internationals if they played for their club the weekend before.

Martin Johnson always played better for England when he'd had a tough Tigers game the week before.

We need to scrap the play offs
Scrap the Anglo Welsh Cup
Start the seaon a little bit sooner and finish a little later
Have a break during the 6 Nations
Have a 4 over seas players per match day squad rule

and things would be better. Central contracts and regional teams are not the answer.