2014 Six Nations: England vs Ireland (Round 3)

[UlsterRugby2012]

12 Olding 13 Henshaw could be a serious center partnership if the boys keep developing.

Payne is best at fullback and I think he should be left to compete with Kearney there, I was hoping he would be able to step in for BOD but after seeing him there for Ulster I think its fair to say he preforms phenomenally better at 15.

I agree, but if needs be he still would be an international standard 13.

 

[lynam1104]

I agree, but if needs be he still would be an international standard 13.

Hes a guy who can step in and do a job in my mind, and perhaps give the two I mentioned another year to get to their peak.

 

[MunsterMan]

I haven't been this confident before an England game since 2007, largely due to the reassuring effect of one Josef Schmidt. Having said that, it an Ireland team without Sean O'Brien, and roughly 29 wingers ahead of the incumbents in the pecking order. I am confident because Schmidt has shown an ability to adapt and overcome. England seem very strong in the tight and vulnerable out wide, and usually without Bowe, Zebo, Fitzgerald, Earls etc. I'd be worried we wouldn't be able to take advantage of this, but we have Joe!

England by 6

 

[ror]

I too am unusually confident against England, I was wondering if Joe is considering dropping Ross to the bench. If it was a old Heino away game Boss might be picked to start but
that would take enormous balls and Murray has been excellent so I certainly wouldn't...

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Anyone know how far off Davey Wilson is? Im sure I heard he was only missing the first two games but I've not heard anything since.

I think England are being underestimated due to the loss against France (which we were within an inch of winning, especially with their fluke of a first try).

 

[ratsapprentice]

He'sstarting for us vs Exeter tomorrow assuming he comes through that ok then I would imagine he'll be on the bench vs Ireland.

 

[lynam1104]

Anyone know how far off Davey Wilson is? Im sure I heard he was only missing the first two games but I've not heard anything since.

I think England are being underestimated due to the loss against France (which we were within an inch of winning, especially with their fluke of a first try).

Never under estimate the Irish media's ability to hype us up we're on on our best winning streak in years. I agree, England will be our toughest test and a bloodly tight affair too. I don't see much between the teams in most units, perhaps the back 3's lack of experience but even then it's not as bad as being made out. Half backs maybe Ireland have an edge too but thats only ever so slightly.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Anyone know how far off Davey Wilson is? Im sure I heard he was only missing the first two games but I've not heard anything since.

I think England are being underestimated due to the loss against France (which we were within an inch of winning, especially with their fluke of a first try).

I'm not sure I've ever, on these boards, seen an Irish poster say "I think we're going to lose to England" - without joking

It was the same in 2012 when Ireland lost to Wales with the last kick of the match and for the rest of the tournament they were written off.. I blame knowledgeless pundits who say things and then the average joe follows!

Never under estimate the Irish media's ability to hype us up we're on on our best winning streak in years. I agree, England will be our toughest test and a bloodly tight affair too. I don't see much between the teams in most units, perhaps the back 3's lack of experience but even then it's not as bad as being made out. Half backs maybe Ireland have an edge too but thats only ever so slightly.

Agree with that mostly - I prefer Sexton to Farrell and Care to Murray/Boss - but I think Sexton is a better 10 than Care is a 9, so Ireland the edge. I guess its more about partnerships though..

 

[Maverick1987]

I think everytime we get up the field just get care to ping over a sexy drop goal we will be on 30 before you know it haha

 

[Patchey]

Danny Care for 6 Nations top point scorer.

 

[Peat]

I'd say Irish confidence here stems mainly from the belief that in Joe Schmidt they have a miracle man who will act as a decisive edge in tight match-ups between fairly equal teams.

There's a pretty good chance that they're correct.

 

[Amiga500]

Agree with that mostly - I prefer Sexton to Farrell and Care to Murray/Boss - but I think Sexton is a better 10 than Care is a 9, so Ireland the edge. I guess its more about partnerships though..

Murray's box kicking has come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of years. On a wet day there are few better.... Ruan Pienaar maybe.

 

[ratsapprentice]

I'd agree... if Ireland win it'll be because of Schmidt's preparation of Sexton.

 

[munstermuffin]

I'd agree... if Ireland win it'll be because of Schmidt's preparation of Sexton.

Unfortunately Joe is powerless to Sexton this weekend which is a worry. If he starts for Racing and is in a physical game it will be very bad from an Irish POV

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Care's kicking is the worst of any English nine in the saxons or EPS, and it's whats been holding him back imo.

 

[Peat]

Care's kicking is the worst of any English nine in the saxons or EPS, and it's whats been holding him back imo.

That plus the drink driving + incredibly casual service at times.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

That plus the drink driving + incredibly casual service at times.

Casual 9's is our copyright generally, though.

I'd say that only Dickson is non casual.
Youngs at worst is casual to the point of careless
Simpsons like a headless chicken much of the time. he's too chaotic, not enough structure to his game.

 

[Peat]

Right, which is why none of them can nail down the jersey, what with it being a fairly major failing in a scrum-half...

 

[munstermuffin]

Thing is though Care more than makes up for it with his pace and quick thinking. When his head is screwed on he is 1 of best 9s in world

 

[lynam1104]

Care's a guy who can change a game for england if thats a good thing or a bad thing is varied, however recently its been a good thing.