Le Crunch. KO 17:00. Match Thread

Losty Dublin

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England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs;

1 Joe Marler, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Geoff Parling, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 James Haskell, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 8 Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: 16 Tom Youngs, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Nick Easter, 20 Tom Wood, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Billy Twelvetrees.

France: 15 Scott Spedding, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Noa Nakaitaci, 10 Jules Plisson, 9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde;

1 Vincent Debaty, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 3 Nicolas Mas, 4 Alexandre Flanquart, 5 Yoann Maestri, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 7 Bernard Le Roux, 8 Loann Goujon.

Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Rabah Slimani, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Damien Chouly, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Remi Tales, 23 Mathieu Bastareaud.

Preview

There are three great French Mistakes. One of them is the tenure of Phillip Saint Andre. Another one is the fact that France have an outside chance of winning the 6N in spite of PSA.

His tenure coach of the French has overseen one of their worst ever periods both for results and flamboyance yet bizarrely the FFR have not yet seen fit to replace him as RWC 2015 approaches. There are those who argue that he is eyeing it up over the 6 Nations; they may have eaten their words after the Scottish game this season. In their defence they can claim that he is giving new talent a chance; how much of one is very open for debate.

However there are a lot of cynics out there who feel that the chairmans of the French clubs do more picking than PSA and they well have a point. Take for example this weekend. The 16th half back pairing of PSA's reign sees to it that Jules Plission (Below) starts at out half. Camille Lopez, who limped off against Italy, was withdrawn from the squad by Clermont who consider their player's bruised knee too injured to play. Clermont apparently didn't examine their player before calling him home while Plission, who kicked 10 points last Sunday, makes his sixth cap with a recently broken nose. Inspector Clouseau could solve this one!




In contrast, Stuart Lancaster has worked frugally with his options as England coach. Geoff Parling (Below) starts in the engine room after an impressive showing from the bench in the Calcutta Cup game. Dave Atwood loses out as Nick Easter makes the bench once more; asides from that it's the same 23 from last week.

Head To Head.

The fact of the matter is this; both teams are not a fine vintage at all based on form. England play a slow paced game where possession of the ball is nine tenths of the law. They are content to nurse the ball for as long as possible using their backs only when the defending bodies are sucked in and ripe for picking regardless of territory. With all of this in mind, they are only playing the old fashioned England way, even then they are not the best ever at it. They were found badly wanting against Ireland, even being dominated physically at bread and butter forward staples such as the breakdown or maul and even the scrum. Scotland were no challenge to them on paper for them yet even they weren't pushed over.

For all of their badness, France have been dangerous when clean ball is quickly fed into the midfield. This is one area where Lancaster could do better with his selections. His centres have not convinced in defence like England of old. Mind you, the French opposite numbers have also flattered to deceive in this area while their they are slow to move the ball into the midfield unless they want to use crash ball tactics.

One area of huge concern is French handling. A repeat of Sunday's performance will prove very costly, especially when the tight set piece isn't performing up to it's expected level against a competent England set piece.

The Verdict.

This game has three settings.

One is England knowing that they are chasing a near impossible target.
One is England knowing that it's f**king on!
One is, unthinkably, Ireland and/or Wales losing; this makes Le Crunch just that; Le Crunch.

Either way, England have too much resting on this game for them to have an off day. I say England to win by 12.

And as for the third French Mistake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMK6lzmSk2o

Stop Press: Owens the ref is in charge.

molloyjh

Nice write up. I think 12 might be just a little generous as I think the French may have taken some much needed confidence from their second half last week, despite the quality of the opposition. That said I do expect England to win by 10 so it's not a massive difference. Although as every point matters this weekend it could be a crucial difference.....

vienne86

Thanks Losty - great write up. I too think 12 is generous - whatever about PSA, the players will be up for this.

Scythica

The leading international referee Steve Walsh has retired from all match officiating with immediate effect. The Australian Rugby Union announced that the 43-year-old is to pursue business interests outside of rugby.

Walsh officiated in four Rugby World Cup tournaments. The New Zealander took charge of his first Super Rugby match in 1997, and went on to referee 60 Test matches making him the third-most ’capped’ referee in history.

In a statement issued by the ARU, Walsh said: “I have lived my dream, and I am truly grateful for every experience that I have had in rugby. It’s been an incredible journey.

“I would be doing all of the key stakeholders in the game - from officials to the players to the fans - an injustice if I was unable to 100% channel my energies and devote my full attention towards refereeing Super Rugby and Test Matches.

“I would not want my new focus to impact the integrity of the competitions in which I am involved. I will be forever indebted to Australian Rugby for including me so openly following a difficult period for me personally. I would also like to acknowledge my time with New Zealand Rugby.

“Their decision to end my contract in 2009 was challenging, but was ultimately the best thing that has ever happened in my life. It made me confront who I was, and how I carried myself.”Thanks Losty - great write up. I too think 12 is generous - whatever about PSA, the players will be up for this.

Wonder who will now be reffing this game then?

Scythica

The leading international referee Steve Walsh has retired from all match officiating with immediate effect. The Australian Rugby Union announced that the 43-year-old is to pursue business interests outside of rugby.

Walsh officiated in four Rugby World Cup tournaments. The New Zealander took charge of his first Super Rugby match in 1997, and went on to referee 60 Test matches making him the third-most ’capped’ referee in history.

In a statement issued by the ARU, Walsh said: “I have lived my dream, and I am truly grateful for every experience that I have had in rugby. It’s been an incredible journey.

“I would be doing all of the key stakeholders in the game - from officials to the players to the fans - an injustice if I was unable to 100% channel my energies and devote my full attention towards refereeing Super Rugby and Test Matches.

“I would not want my new focus to impact the integrity of the competitions in which I am involved. I will be forever indebted to Australian Rugby for including me so openly following a difficult period for me personally. I would also like to acknowledge my time with New Zealand Rugby.

“Their decision to end my contract in 2009 was challenging, but was ultimately the best thing that has ever happened in my life. It made me confront who I was, and how I carried myself.”

Wonder who will now be reffing this game then?

Losty Dublin

Scythica wrote: »

Wonder who will now be reffing this game then?

Owens the ref is the ref.

sydthebeat

practically a full strength English team, at home versus a rag tag french rabble outfit with a 'wet behind the ears' 10....

England by 20 points

Losty Dublin

Losty Dublin wrote: »

England play a slow paced game where possession of the ball is nine tenths of the law. They are content to nurse the ball for as long as possible using their backs only when the defending bodies are sucked in and ripe for picking regardless of territory. With all of this in mind, they are only playing the old fashioned England way, even then they are not the best ever at it.

11 tries in the tournament, 8 scored by backs, 3 by forwards

Next best in the championship Italy with 6. Everyone else less than half those scored by England.

Prejudices die hard I guess!

Losty Dublin

[Deleted User] wrote: »

11 tries in the tournament, 8 scored by backs, 3 by forwards

Next best in the championship Italy with 6. Everyone else less than half those scored by England.

Prejudices die hard I guess!

They have a saying in English rugby.

"Forwards win games, the backs decide by how much."

No prejudice at work here; they are doing what they are and what they have always been strong at. Now, with that in mind they have let six by them, four of which came against Scotland and Italy. The midfield probably is weaker than those of old. It just hasn't been tested as much this season otherwise the tries against count would be probably be somewhat higher. This is the main area where I expect France will attack them tomorrow.

Buer

sydthebeat wrote: »

practically a full strength English team, at home versus a rag tag french rabble outfit with a 'wet behind the ears' 10....

England by 20 points

I wouldn't be that harsh on France although I do expect them to lose. They'll take heart from last week as well as confidence; the opening 15 minutes will dictate a lot.

Plisson isn't that inexperienced either. He was their starting outhalf in last year's tournament and will benefit from that. France looked the best they've done with him at outhalf last weekend.

I think our undoing will be ourselves. If England win by merely 10 points, we need to beat Scotland by 15 which is a huge ask.

Buer

Losty Dublin wrote: »

They have a saying in English rugby.

"Forwards win games, the backs decide by how much."

No prejudice at work here; they are doing what they are and what they have always been strong at. Now, with that in mind they have let six by them, four of which came against Scotland and Italy. The midfield probably is weaker than those of old. It just hasn't been tested as much this season otherwise the tries against count would be probably be somewhat higher. This is the main area where I expect France will attack them tomorrow.

I would have thought this English midfield is the most coherent and threatening for a number of years. It's not at the level of their partnership in the days of Greenwood, Tindall and Catt but few in the game ever have been.

They have real incision and a good counter attacking threat in their back three now too who look to have a go if they're in any space.

iroced

Losty Dublin wrote: »

One is, unthinkably, Ireland and/or Wales losing; this makes Le Crunch just that; Le Crunch.

France to win by 8 and rob the trophy :pac:... How insanely hilarious would that be :rolleyes: :pac:?

More seriously we have no chance (*). We don't have to be blinded by our appalling win in Rome. And when I see the build-up to this game with the Camille Lopez affair... well :rolleyes: this sums up the situation French rugby is in. A mess.

So I'd tend to agree with you, a honourable defeat by 10-15 pts.


(*) Look at le Crunch in Twickenham last 25 years record

2013: 23-13
2011: 17-9
2009: 34-10
2007: 26-18
2005: 17-18
2003: 25-17
2001: 48-19
1999: 21-10
1997: 20-23
1995: 31-10
1993: 16-15
1991: 21-19

2 very narrow wins. 1997. We did the Grand Slam. 2005 we were denied the Grand Slam by Wales. Anyway these 2 French teams were immensely better than the current one. QED.

corny

France have looked inept in nearly every area of the game bar defence. They've conceded one try and have been committed and aggressive.

If they can get an early lead i fancy they might just surprise the English.

Clearlier

sydthebeat wrote: »

practically a full strength English team, at home versus a rag tag french rabble outfit with a 'wet behind the ears' 10....

iroced wrote: »

(*) Look at le Crunch in Twickenham last 25 years record

2013: 23-13
2011: 17-9
2009: 34-10
2007: 26-18
2005: 17-18
2003: 25-17
2001: 48-19
1999: 21-10
1997: 20-23
1995: 31-10
1993: 16-15
1991: 21-19

2 very narrow wins. 1997. We did the Grand Slam. 2005 we were denied the Grand Slam by Wales. Anyway these 2 French teams were immensely better than the current one. QED.

Add in just how bad France have been in this tournament and the last one and it sounds like the perfect recipe for a French win.

France by 2.

timaru89

Clearlier wrote: »

Add in just how bad France have been in this tournament and the last one and it sounds like the perfect recipe for a French win.

France by 2.

Can't see it happening but I hope you're right!

Digifriendly

iroced wrote: »

France to win by 8 and rob the trophy :pac:... How insanely hilarious would that be :rolleyes: :pac:?

More seriously we have no chance (*). We don't have to be blinded by our appalling win in Rome. And when I see the build-up to this game with the Camille Lopez affair... well :rolleyes: this sums up the situation French rugby is in. A mess.

So I'd tend to agree with you, a honourable defeat by 10-15 pts.


(*) Look at le Crunch in Twickenham last 25 years record

2013: 23-13
2011: 17-9
2009: 34-10
2007: 26-18
2005: 17-18
2003: 25-17
2001: 48-19
1999: 21-10
1997: 20-23
1995: 31-10
1993: 16-15
1991: 21-19

2 very narrow wins. 1997. We did the Grand Slam. 2005 we were denied the Grand Slam by Wales. Anyway these 2 French teams were immensely better than the current one. QED.

Did Ireland not also lose to France in 2005? IIRC Wales denied Ireland the Triple Crown that year.

total former

Digifriendly wrote: »

Did Ireland not also lose to France in 2005? IIRC Wales denied Ireland the Triple Crown that year.

That poster is French.

irishbucsfan

total former wrote: »

That poster is French.

Iroced should put that in his signature! (but in French so only the smarter folks/Gerry Thornley get it).

iroced

Clearlier wrote: »

Add in just how bad France have been in this tournament and the last one and it sounds like the perfect recipe for a French win.

France by 2.

Wishful thinking :P?


How much you'd bet on it?

---

Digifriendly wrote: »

Did Ireland not also lose to France in 2005? IIRC Wales denied Ireland the Triple Crown that year.

total former wrote: »

That poster is French.

Ah yeah sorry for the confusion but thought it was obvious since I was only referring to "Le Crunch" games .

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Iroced should put that in his signature! (but in French so only the smarter folks/Gerry Thornley get it).

Something like "Savez-vous pourquoi l'équipe que je supporte a le coq Gaulois comme emblème? Parce que c'est le seul oiseau qui continue à chanter malgré les pieds dans la merde ^^":P? Somehow this Belgian joke is a good image of our current situation :rolleyes: :pac:...

"Do you know why the team I support has the Gallic rooster for its emblem? Because it's the only bird that keeps singing with his feet in deep sh*te ^^".

Steffano2002

France to get trounced.

We are always useless when playing the rosbifs in rosbifland and we've always been useless in the 5/6 nations preceding a RWC.

Furthermore, this team is capable of nothing. The coach hasn't got a clue where he's at and where he's going. We don't have a kicker. And we can't complete more than two passes.

Rosbifs to win by 22 points.

Fireball07

Well, it all comes down to this. We've done our part.


Iroced and his countrymen must deliver for us now! :cool:

Dangerous Man

Steffano2002 wrote: »

France to get trounced.

We are always useless when playing the rosbifs in rosbifland and we've always been useless in the 5/6 nations preceding a RWC.

Furthermore, this team is capable of nothing. The coach hasn't got a clue where he's at and where he's going. We don't have a kicker. And we can't complete more than two passes.

Rosbifs to win by 22 points.

That's fine.

thomond2006

All together now.....

Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé....

Tox56

I have a feeling it's an absolute certainty that at the very least England will come close, just seems like that kind of day

ThisRegard

I honestly thought Wales with that hammering earlier made a mess of the day and caused the subsequent 2 games to be damp squibs.

What a day, but I still wouldn't put it past England to achieve the championship. But I like this England team and could live with them winning much more so than Wales.

captbarnacles

Nearly afraid to post this after my Italy prediction but I reckon France run them close.

English Lurker

Is going to be brutally difficult to run up that sort of score against France - not that there's ever any better adjective to describe Le Crunch than brutal. If we do somehow manage it, we will totally deserve this Championship - but that is rather unlikely to say the least.

BunkMoreland

Popey basing is prediction off of the Battle of Waterloo.

sydthebeat

English Lurker wrote: »

Is going to be brutally difficult to run up that sort of score against France - not that there's ever any better adjective to describe Le Crunch than brutal. If we do somehow manage it, we will totally deserve this Championship - but that is rather unlikely to say the least.

I think if ye can no one will begrudge you the championship

Celly Smunt

How many French players are playing for France today?

ThisRegard

BunkMoreland wrote: »

Popey basing is prediction off of the Battle of Waterloo.

And Hook quoting Wellington.

Come on you magnificent French bastards!

sjb25

If I new the words I'd be singing come on France

ned_strange

Vive la France :-)

Peregrine

BunkMoreland wrote: »

Popey basing is prediction off of the Battle of Waterloo.

Hook, of course, was just a wee lad back then.

ednwireland

british national anthem is always such a downer

Losty Dublin

Nim wrote: »

Hook, of course, was just a wee lad back then.

In shorts.

EDit

As an Englishman living in Ireland (with an Irish wife and kids) all I can say is this is going to be the easiest viewing of the day.

Did not want Wales to rack up that many points, thought the performance by Ireland was outstanding and now I am in a win-win position because I'll be happy whatever the outcome 😊

Penny Tration

Most of my fingernails have been bitten off. C'mon, France

UnitedWeStand

Finally Owens is reffing a game!

France usually step it up a notch against England, come on!

ricero

EDit wrote: »

As an Englishman living in Ireland (with an Irish wife and kids) all I can say is this is going to be the easiest viewing of the day.

Did not want Wales to rack up that many points, thought the performance by Ireland was outstanding and now I am in a win-win position because I'll be happy whatever the outcome 😊

Disagree with that viewpoint you should always want your nation to win

Mahatma Geansai

If the 9 points from pretty easy kicks that Sexton and Madigan left behind today make the difference, I'll cry.

UnitedWeStand

Lol.

Peregrine

Wow.

Knex*

What a try.

Damn.

WoollyRedHat

Damn. Come on France, Je suis Francais!

Dangerous Man

What in the name of **** is going on today?

Stev_o

Will France break early?

its_phil

Eh what kind of pass was that?!

ThisRegard

Wow, anything can bloody happen today by the looks of things.

Mahatma Geansai

Fúck!!

BunkMoreland

Sextons arse just clenched