[2023 Six Nations] England v France 11 March 2023. Kickoff 16:45

[BrokenWing]

We're a naturally suspicious people.

When a coach comes out and does exactly what a lot of people have been calling for, it feels like a scam.

Or possibly scamola.

 

[BPM]

Personally I’m taking it at face value and looking at it as Borthwick laying down a challenge to Smith to take the shirt. From what I’ve heard, that is very much in his playbook from a man management POV.

I just hope that Smith takes the opportunity. Mostly for him realising his potential, but also because stepping away from Farrell feels like something that’s needed to happen for so long.

If Smith and his lineup perform well against this quality of opposition it gives us the direction we need to kick on. Obviously, we want to win but for me the results are secondary if we can put in two good performances against the best sides in the world.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Is playing at a higher tempo not exactly why people wanted Smith to be picked?

Not exactly, no.

What I want to see from him is vision, ideas, intelligence and execution - seeing overlaps and not kicking them away for one, seeing space behind and dinking a chip over for another. More variety than tempo.

Smith can add more pace than Farrell, but knowing when to up the pace and when not to is crucial. Tempo for tempo’s sake introduces more mistakes.

Borthwick’s openly admitted he’s been influenced by how Ita played against Fra which was fast, but also high risk. One thing for Ita to do that - they had nothing to lose. We’re not quite in that position.

 

[ncurd]

If we can put in two good performances against the best sides in the world.

Yup our defence has looked pretty good and our penalty count has gone down. The next question is if we can start building an attack that isn't shockingly awful.

You know all the work that should of been done over the past 3 years post world cup.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

England fans: We really want to see Smith given a chance to play his natural game and without Farrell outside him.

Borthwick: We’re giving Smith a chance to play his natural game and Farrell isn’t outside him.

England fans: Well that’s it, Borthwick’s setting him up to fail.

TBH years under Jones have likely made us suspicious. Jones would give a player their "chance" in a game we'd likely be under a lot of pressure and would then use that as justification to not use them again, they were set up to fail even if the failings in the game were not theirs. The favourite would then swan back in the very next game, put in a crap performance but stay.

I am in favour of Smith starting and being able to play a high tempo game. I'm not in favour of it if it will be held against him if somehow it doesn't work perfectly against the no 2 side in the world... Borthwick has made the right choice now, it's what he does after that is what most fans are concerned about I think.

 

[Reiser99]

Reality is the title has all but gone gone unless we get 2 BP wins and Ireland miss out on a BP against Scotland and us which is incredibly unlikely.

Performances are what I'm looking for. Want to see something to give me hope. Smith creating opportunities and not wasting overlaps. No aimless kicking. It's a great opportunity to try something different and bring some joy back to English rugby.

 

[BPM]

Not exactly, no.

What I want to see from him is vision, ideas, intelligence and execution - seeing overlaps and not kicking them away for one, seeing space behind and dinking a chip over for another. More variety than tempo.

Smith can add more pace than Farrell, but knowing when to up the pace and when not to is crucial. Tempo for tempo’s sake introduces more mistakes.

Borthwick’s openly admitted he’s been influenced by how Ita played against Fra which was fast, but also high risk. One thing for Ita to do that - they had nothing to lose. We’re not quite in that position.

True. Not quite, but not that far off IMO. France are clear favourites regardless of their Twickenham record. I’d rather much we go for it, take some risks and learn some positive lessons than play it safe and meekly surrender.

I don’t think we’re expected to win which puts a different complexion on the game.

 

[OllyM97]

I’m not being defeatist but just realistic. If we lose by 5-6 points but Marcus Smith really sharpens up our attacking game and we look like we’re starting to click I’ll be happy. Is there any pressure on us?. I don’t think so. We’re playing against a team and a coaching group that have had nearly 4 years together, Borthwick has had 3 games. I really don’t think we’ve got anything to lose in this game, but we have everything to gain. All the pressure here is on France, I think they’ll cop some stick if they lose this given where both teams are at.

 

[Aristodemus]

First time in a while I'm excited for the game!

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I just got a text from Marcus Smith containing a link for tickets for next week's game. As soon as I clicked it all my bank cards got cancelled. Fraud.

 

[MarkyH]

For once I'm glad the game is on ITV

 

[TommiG88]

For once I'm glad the game is on ITV

The reason for this?

 

[ncurd]

For once I'm glad the game is on ITV

Honestly was hoping it was on the Beeb and none of the presenter or commentators turned up.

 

[ncurd]

The reason for this?

I've put this in the political thread but basically shits going down at BBC Sport

Gary Lineker told to step back from presenting Match of the Day

The BBC took the decision after an impartiality row over his criticism of the government's asylum plans.

www.bbc.co.uk

Ian Wright has stood down in solidarity and who knows how much that would spread throughout their live programs.

 

[BrokenWing]

Is there an actual reason why England ALWAYS seem to be the late game?

 

[ncurd]

Is there an actual reason why England ALWAYS seem to be the late game?

Revenue

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Once again Jones showed just how right he was to completely dismiss Mercer...

 

[Reiser99]

Revenue

At the meeting to arrange fixtures, the RFU get's it's big dick out and slaps down the little nations to keep them in place.

 

[General Melchett]

At the meeting to arrange fixtures, the RFU get's it's big dick out and slaps down the little nations to keep them in place.

I didn't realise the RFU were getting Clive Woodward to represent them at these meetings. How dare Clive slap down the little nations.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

At the meeting to arrange fixtures, the RFU get's it's big dick out and slaps down the little nations to keep them in place.

Got to win somewhere I suppose