6N 2016 - build-up thread

The Rape of Lucretia · 25-01-2016 9:29pm

stephen_n wrote: »

Dylan Hartley named England captain, now that's a strange choice given his record. May be an inspired choice or a complete clusterf@*k but brave call one way or the other.

Seems a crazy choice and could back fire terribly.
The most bizarre captain selection since Dion O'Cuinnegoin.

molloyjh · 25-01-2016 11:40pm

I just find the idea that he is going to be the guy communicating with the referees each week highly entertaining.

irishbucsfan · 26-01-2016 2:25pm

molloyjh wrote: »

I just find the idea that he is going to be the guy communicating with the referees each week highly entertaining.

Unfortunately it won't be with Wayne Barnes...

leakyboots · 26-01-2016 2:54pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Unfortunately it won't be with Wayne Barnes...

Who are the refs for the 6N this year?

sydthebeat · 26-01-2016 4:40pm

leakyboots wrote: »

Who are the refs for the 6N this year?

http://pulse-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/test/worldrugby/document/2015/11/11/24eb4b6b-9c3e-497b-933f-4295edba11e6/151108_TOC_6_Nations_2016_Match_Official_Appointments.pdf

irishbucsfan · 26-01-2016 5:37pm

Has anyone seen English Lurker since the announcement? I'm starting to worry for his/Dylan Hartley/Eddie Jones' health

English Lurker · 26-01-2016 7:10pm

You're right to be worried for my health, I'm currently wrapped up in blankets in Pennsylvania wondering how it's possible for one nostril to be blocked solid while the other one has a constant flow.

Which does mean Hartley and Jones are safe - from me at least. From Hartley's temper? Who can say.

I'm amusing myself reading some of the more convoluted defences of his behaviour on English forums. I can't be too mad at those guys, I know what it's like to be reaching for reasons the head coach isn't insane and going too far. But when you see people are trying to see Hartley and his disciplinary record's no issue because McCaw got three yellows in his career, it's... well.

Anyway, I have all sorts of objections, starting with the fact that Dylan Hartley's no longer even the best hooker at his club and probably should be nowhere near England to begin with, before even getting near the uncomfortably high odds of him imploding. There's even the side points like the fact this pack will contain no other Saints players most like, which isn't great for lineout cohesiveness.

That said, stepping back, the likelihood is nothing will happen and Hartley will play his usual military medium game and people will claim the whole reaction was over the top. Which may be slightly true.

The biggest issue for me is that I don't see how anyone can look at English rugby and think Hartley is the answer (or Ashton). So, either our head coach is wrong, or me and virtually everyone else I know is wrong, and I'm not used to having the head coach proven right in this situation. Me and a fair few people are saying (with some media encouragement) that Jones is going conservative while he finds out what he has and that things may be very different in a year. I'm beginning to wonder if that's rational.

thomond2006 · 26-01-2016 8:11pm

Full England squad for game against Scotland:

Forwards: Dan Cole (Leicester), Jack Clifford, Joe Marler, Chris Robshaw (all Harlequins), Jamie George, George Kruis, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Dylan Hartley, Paul Hill, Courtney Lawes (Northampton), James Haskell, Joe Launchbury (Wasps).

Backs: Mike Brown, Danny Care (both Harlequins), Ollie Devoto, George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson (Bath), Owen Farrell, Alex Goode (Saracens), Jack Nowell (Exeter), Ben Youngs (Leicester).

A few new names in the 23 for Scotland.

thomond2006 · 26-01-2016 8:11pm

Full England squad for game against Scotland:

Forwards: Dan Cole (Leicester), Jack Clifford, Joe Marler, Chris Robshaw (all Harlequins), Jamie George, George Kruis, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Dylan Hartley, Paul Hill, Courtney Lawes (Northampton), James Haskell, Joe Launchbury (Wasps).

Backs: Mike Brown, Danny Care (both Harlequins), Ollie Devoto, George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson (Bath), Owen Farrell, Alex Goode (Saracens), Jack Nowell (Exeter), Ben Youngs (Leicester).

A few new names in the 23 for Scotland.

errlloyd · 26-01-2016 9:31pm

Correct me if I'm wrong. Does that mean that either Owen Farrell or Ollie Devoto will start in the centre?

aimee1 · 26-01-2016 9:44pm

errlloyd wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong. Does that mean that either Owen Farrell or Ollie Devoto will start in the centre?

Devoto and Joseph ? Farrell bench cover for 10-12?

Pink Fairy · 26-01-2016 9:51pm

aimee1 wrote: »

Devoto and Joseph ? Farrell bench cover for 10-12?

Farrell most likely at inside centre for me

English Lurker · 26-01-2016 10:16pm

The journos seem convinced it will be a Ford-Farrell partnership to start.

I really didn't expect Courtney Lawes or Alex Goode to be there. Lawes because Itoje has been so standout, and Goode because I didn't think anyone other than Lancaster thought he was international standard.

swiwi_ · 27-01-2016 6:19pm

What does Elliott Daly have to do to get a sniff?

That English 23 man squad I've seen for Scotland looks straight out of a Lancaster selection.

stephen_n · 27-01-2016 8:50pm

With little or no access to the players, you'd have to assume there won't be major changes in how England play till either the end of the 6N or beyond. So a Lancaster style selection is to be expected.

Buer · 27-01-2016 8:58pm

swiwi_ wrote: »

What does Elliott Daly have to do to get a sniff?

That English 23 man squad I've seen for Scotland looks straight out of a Lancaster selection.

He's young but the guy has been one of the stand out performers in the Premiership for a number of years. He has over 130 appearances for Wasps and zero for England.

He's a very well rounded player and has a big boot from the kicking tee too which is regularly used to good effect. I don't understand how he hasn't got a shot at this stage, even against a lesser nation.

Pink Fairy · 27-01-2016 9:13pm

He's a cracking talent, played very well last week and left the Kearny bros grasping at thin air for his try..... But maybe he's suffering from Darren Cave syndrome with both the previous and present manager?

CatFromHue · 27-01-2016 11:00pm

nah, Daly can run fast :pac:

irishbucsfan · 28-01-2016 2:07am

It's not like England don't know about him, someone linked to this try on reddit recently

I'm happy to see him self out to be honest! He's that type of player that would cause us problems, particularly off the bench.

irishbucsfan · 28-01-2016 2:08am

It's not like England don't know about him, someone linked to this try on reddit recently

I'm happy to see him self out to be honest! He's that type of player that would cause us problems, particularly off the bench.

English Lurker · 28-01-2016 5:40am

Possible explanations for Daly's omission -

His Jonesness has said he does not believe Murrayfield is the right place for newbies (but there will be 3 neophytes on the bench)

Seen as too similar to Joseph (he is pretty similar in fairness)

Uhm, got nothing. The squad balance off of the bench looks bad in that the only wing cover in there that doesn't have me pooping myself is Joseph - and no one is there covering him. Daly woulda made some sense plus, you know, great form.

Maybe he'll get Italy?

molloyjh · 28-01-2016 8:43am

Does he have any Irish grandparents? :pac:

English Lurker · 28-01-2016 10:11am

Saxons capped already I'm afraid molloyjh

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/12125075/Eddie-Jones-admits-decision-not-to-pick-Elliot-Daly-and-Maro-Itoje-down-to-fear-of-how-theyd-handle-pressure.html

Find it a little odd that Devoto has been deemed ready but Daly (and Itoje) haven't... or any of the others really, Itoje was the lead candidate to get a cap as far as I could see.

irishbucsfan · 28-01-2016 1:36pm

English Lurker wrote: »

Saxons capped already I'm afraid molloyjh

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/12125075/Eddie-Jones-admits-decision-not-to-pick-Elliot-Daly-and-Maro-Itoje-down-to-fear-of-how-theyd-handle-pressure.html

Find it a little odd that Devoto has been deemed ready but Daly (and Itoje) haven't... or any of the others really, Itoje was the lead candidate to get a cap as far as I could see.

This is what Paul Rees had to say about Itoje and Daly's ommission, and the selection in general:

Form has not been the key for Eddie Jones in his first England selection. The 23 players he named this week for the match against Scotland at Murrayfield included Dylan Hartley, the side’s captain, who has not been at his best since being sent off against Leicester last season, and Jonathan Joseph will be at outside-centre rather than Elliot Daly.

Jones explained the absence of Daly, and the Saracens’ forward Maro Itoje, by saying players needed the skills to cope with the hostile atmosphere England will encounter at Murrayfield and the pressure that will build but the uncapped Ollie Devoto on the bench could find himself involved after a minute if injury strikes.

Four years ago, in Stuart Lancaster’s first game in charge, he blooded Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell in the centre, and England won, admittedly without indulging themselves in an open approach. Joseph was one of England’s standout players in last season‘s Six Nations but he has scored one try for struggling Bath this season in eight matches.

George Ford, another player who is looking to get back to where he was last season, is likely to start at outside-half, with Owen Farrell at inside-centre. It would mean England lacking gainline thrust in midfield. That does not matter so much in phase play, when forwards occupy the backline, but it suggests that from set pieces England will look to get the ball wide quickly.

Yet if James Haskell starts at open-side flanker, England will not have the quickest of back rows against a team who may pack down with two specialist 7s. The presence of Ford and Farrell, and Devoto on the bench, suggests England will play a territory game, looking to boss the set pieces and strike in their opponents’ 22. Scotland will have to win the battle at the breakdown.

I can kind of follow where he's going. England are in a similar position to Ireland in that they really can't rest on their laurels too long if they want to protect their World Cup seeding.

stadedublinois · 28-01-2016 5:09pm

France have named the squad for Italy.

Fowards: Atonio (La Rochelle), Ben Arous (Raving 92), Burban (Stade Français), Camara (Stade Toulousain), Chat (Racing 92), Chouly (Clermont), Flanquart (Stade Français), Gourdon (La Rochelle), Guirado (Toulon, cap.), Jédrasiak (Clermont), Lauret (Racing 92), Maestri (Stade Toulousain), Pelo (La Rochelle), Picamoles (Stade Toulousain), Poirot (UBB), Vahaamahina (Clermont)

Backs : Bézy (Stade Toulousain), Bonneval (Stade Français), Danty (Stade Français), Doussain (Stade Toulousain), Fickou (Stade Toulousain), Fofana (Clermont), Lamerat (Castres), Machenaud (Racing 92), Médard (Stade Toulousain), Mermoz (Toulon), O'Connor (Montpellier), Plisson (Stade Français), Spedding (Clermont), Vakatawa (FFR)

No real surprises, Parra and Trinh-Duc don't make it following injuries. Vakatawa is from the 7s team (on a federal contract), but hasn't played 15s in a while.

thomond2006 · 28-01-2016 5:18pm

Daly offers long-range goal kicking too, which is a priceless asset.

aimee1 · 28-01-2016 11:28pm

http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/adrumm/frances-new-kit-is-really-awful/

kuang1 · 28-01-2016 11:31pm

aimee1 wrote: »

http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/adrumm/frances-new-kit-is-really-awful/

I kinda like it!

stadedublinois · 28-01-2016 11:36pm

aimee1 wrote: »

http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/adrumm/frances-new-kit-is-really-awful/

No idea if it is real but looks a bit like the 7s jersey.

https://twitter.com/ffrugby/status/563383658925809666

.ak · 29-01-2016 5:32am

stadedublinois wrote: »

No idea if it is real but looks a bit like the 7s jersey.

https://twitter.com/ffrugby/status/563383658925809666

They're both lovely.

Adidas wins again

aimee1 · 29-01-2016 7:27am

kuang1 wrote: »

I kinda like it!

i'd like to see it without the blue.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 29-01-2016 3:32pm

Apologies if this has already been brought to your attention.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 29-01-2016 3:32pm

double post

29-01-2016 3:38pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Apologies if this has already been brought to your attention.

aimee1 · 29-01-2016 6:13pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Apologies if this has already been brought to your attention.

I feel sick. :mad:

molloyjh · 29-01-2016 6:18pm

What is seen can't be unseen. I hate you TME....

aimee1 · 29-01-2016 6:41pm

http://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/14670759/six-nations-twickenham-set-friday-night-matches-rfu-pressure

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 29-01-2016 6:46pm

aimee1 wrote: »

http://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/14670759/six-nations-twickenham-set-friday-night-matches-rfu-pressure

Wasn't there a Friday night match last year, or the year before, in Cardiff? The one where George North got knocked out twice.

aimee1 · 29-01-2016 6:48pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Wasn't there a Friday night match last year, or the year before, in Cardiff? The one where George North got knocked out twice.

yeah the opener. France and Wales did fri nights 5-6 years ago too. I think it will be fri and sat going forward at some stage. sunday afternoon games are crap.

MJohnston · 29-01-2016 6:50pm

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Wasn't there a Friday night match last year, or the year before, in Cardiff? The one where George North got knocked out twice.

There was, but they're specifically talking about Twickenham in that

The Black Stags · 30-01-2016 5:27am

Luke might be out.

..Won't let me add links so check the 42.ie.

"The Leinster back sustained a knee injury during the squad’s open training session at the Aviva Stadium yesterday.

28-year-old Fitzgerald, who is an option for Joe Schmidt in midfield or on the wing, was helped off the pitch in pain after twisting his left knee. Fitzgerald must now wait on the results of medical examinations to learn if he will be fit for next weekend’s meeting with the Welsh."

bilston · 30-01-2016 9:35am

aimee1 wrote: »

http://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/14670759/six-nations-twickenham-set-friday-night-matches-rfu-pressure

I've never understood the opposition to Friday night matches. I think there is a far better vibe to them than Sunday matches and Saturday lunchtime games.

I suppose it means people having to take some time off work, but you know if you're an away fan you probably have to do that anyway, and if you are a home fan and you need to take a half day then suck it up, I guess some jobs may not allow for that but in fairness it's not like people decide on the week before they are going to a Six Nations match, in my experience you plan it weeks and months in advance. Aren't there dozens of midweek football matches every single that don't seem to have a problem getting tens of thousands of people into grounds. Would top level international rugby have a problem? I suspect it wouldn't.

PTH2009 · 30-01-2016 11:56am

bilston wrote: »

I've never understood the opposition to Friday night matches. I think there is a far better vibe to them than Sunday matches and Saturday lunchtime games.

I suppose it means people having to take some time off work, but you know if you're an away fan you probably have to do that anyway, and if you are a home fan and you need to take a half day then suck it up, I guess some jobs may not allow for that but in fairness it's not like people decide on the week before they are going to a Six Nations match, in my experience you plan it weeks and months in advance. Aren't there dozens of midweek football matches every single that don't seem to have a problem getting tens of thousands of people into grounds. Would top level international rugby have a problem? I suspect it wouldn't.

Will we ever have a Friday night game ?. It works for the soccer lads

irishbucsfan · 30-01-2016 12:00pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

Will we ever have a Friday night game ?. It works for the soccer lads

We've already had plenty in the 6 Nations

icdg · 31-01-2016 1:24am

Daire O'Brien taking over the hot seat at RTE for this years Six Nations, according to the Sky EPG.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 31-01-2016 1:39am

icdg wrote: »

Daire O'Brien taking over the hot seat at RTE for this years Six Nations, according to the Sky EPG.

Personally I find him very annoying on the round up highlight show thingy he does on RTÉ.... can't remember the name.

Still.... at least it's not Matt Cooper.

wp_rathead · 31-01-2016 2:29am

icdg wrote: »

Daire O'Brien taking over the hot seat at RTE for this years Six Nations, according to the Sky EPG.

Personally I can't stand Daire O'Brien - prefered.Against the Head when was hosted by Joanne Cantwell
But I couldn't stand when Mcgurk was in Hot Seat either so swings and roundabouts

Would the Second Captain lads have been a decent option?

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 31-01-2016 9:20am

wp_rathead wrote: »

Would the Second Captain lads have been a decent option?

I'd have given Ken a shot.

He loved that South Africa v Japan match.

pickarooney · 31-01-2016 9:49am

The principality stadium? First I've heard of it.

former total · 31-01-2016 10:39am

icdg wrote: »

Daire O'Brien taking over the hot seat at RTE for this years Six Nations, according to the Sky EPG.

This is awful news. Bah.

6N 2016 - build-up thread

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