[2025 Six Nations] Ireland vs England - 01/02/25

[Saintjay]

On that note isn't the seedings and rankings for the RWC done from November? Not ideal for England or Wales if it is.

 

[Which Tyler]

I couple of journos were saying they think England are becoming cap obsessed. Not sure if that's related to the you need X amount to win a world cup that's banded about every so often.

Becoming?

 

[Jakedood]

The weirdest thing about this game was the tactical element from England. Ireland had 23 lineouts on their own ball, and of course won all 23.

Going into the game (and clearly from the off, England agreed) it appeared like Itoje was the only real challenge to Irish lineout ball.
Also in the first 10 minutes, England looked great in the kick return game, open field running in broken play and Smith was looking dangerous.

Yet then they caved to concede a **** ton of penalties, a lot of which came from unnecessary offsides, allowing the Irish the type of platform their attack thrives on.
England kicked a lot to touch as well, when I think it should have been the plan to keep balls in play, either garryowens or deep into Irish territory down the middle and look to counter off that.

England still look like they struggle to pen teams up in structured phase play, so the way the game unfolded after taking an early lead made about zero sense

 

[Rugbyfan564]

And they're both on Enhanced Contracts, which is more pressure to stick with them

View attachment 22790

And the RFU don't want any more coverage of their finances.

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

Think people are massively underrating Slendergast's contribution. Conan and Sheehan worked perfectly as tactical subs.

I think Conan is a magnificent player, really hurt us when he came on. Your bench was very good, well played.