2023 RWC Buildup, Squads, Fixtures 'etc'

fitz

Wales completely switched off, thinking they had it in the bag. Woeful to lose from that position. Both teams a shambles. I'd say Cheika will have Argentina ready and waiting to put a big score on England.

Clegg

I remember the Wales lineout being an issue at various stages of Gatland's first run as head coach. But I don't think it has ever been as bad as it has in the last few weeks.

MaddChris

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120970477#Comment_120970477

Would like to see a win probability when Wales got the 2nd try with England still down to 12 men

fitz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120970492#Comment_120970492

If ever there was an occasion suited to the phrase "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory"...

All_in_Flynn

Borthwick's 'plan' seems to be to just completely rely on scrum and lineout maul. They have no variation in their attack. It's pretty unbelievable that this is the best the English premiership can produce. Like how is Dan Coles going to another world cup!? Mental.

I had to give myself a smack after feeling sorry for Farrell. You'd have to imagine there is a 4-6 game ban coming his way. Does he still travel if it's a 6 week ban?

fitz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120970548#Comment_120970548

It should be a 6 week ban. Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

fitz

Final pass looked a shade forward for that opening try by Scotland. Great start for them, though.

clsmooth

Super start by Scotland. Like a different sport to what we had to watch earlier

standardg60

What a difference a game makes! Brilliant from the scots

fitz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120970628#Comment_120970628

And predictably, they immediately give away a kickable penalty.

fitz

First 10 minutes here has had more entertaining rugby than the entire England/Wales game.

clsmooth

Scottish attacking shape looks very good. Getting great width on the ball. Russell looks like he’s up for this one. Can their pack at least maintain parity with the French as the game goes on?

Iamabeliever

Great start by Scotland. Game is intense so far, hopefully no injuries ;)

MaddChris

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120970649#Comment_120970649

Ofcourse Russell is up for this one, its a game with nothing on the line 😋

clsmooth

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120970665#Comment_120970665

Excellent point! 😀

Burkie1203

Scotland are so dumb

No game smarts about them. Our record against them is largely based on our ability to out think them.

standardg60

Ntamack was clearly held up there yet ref called release, and his first kick to touch on the penalty was nowhere near the 5mtr line

fitz

Oof...mistake there from the assistant, Dupont never in touch.

fitz

Scotland's problem is their discipline and decision making in defense. They can play all the nice attacking rugby they like, until they seriously improve their defense, they'll struggle against the top sides.

standardg60

Funny moment there, Russell thought he had to play on first stop call

OldRio

Impressed with Scotland in this first half. After watching that first match this has been like a breath of fresh air

Burkie1203

Stunning stuff from France.

MaddChris

Scotland......

scott1974

Dupont running the show..

standardg60

Ref called release after the kick off, yet French player continued on from the called tackle, should have been a penalty to Scotland

MaddChris

Scotland subsituting penalties for knock-ons instead this half. Interesting tactic.

All_in_Flynn

Scotland are good at getting the ball wide but their problems always seem to come when they straighten up. Breakdown accuracy doesn't seem good enough.

They're decent though and certainly not a gimme come world cup time for SA or indeed ourselves.

I'll reserve judgement until after the first game but gun to head, I'd rather play France than NZ in quarters.

Iamabeliever

Lovely from Scotland.

MaddChris

French attack noticeably a bit rudderless since Ntamack left the field

fitz

Top notch grubber.