England v Wales

[Thingimubob]

Well this is a big help for Wales, I was very worried at what a Flutey - Tait midfield could do! Dullonians point is very true, if Roberts can create havock in the South African midfield, then I'm sure he can do the same to one thats been forced into a change last minute with a 10 having to play 12.
Out of interest, do any English fans think Hape, Hipkiss or maybe even Armitage (with Foden to Fullback) should have started instead?

 

[Bullitt]

I'm happy to see Tait get another chance (more because I'm desperate to see some sort of movement, even if his other frailties still worry me). Hipkiss can only play 13 and Hape can only play league.

On form however, there's no way in hell Armitage should be ahead of Foden.

 

[Olyy]

I don't rate Hape after watching him play for bath,
He can run into people (not through people), that's about it.

I've never seen Armitage play at centre, but Foden should have started FB over him



From what i do remember of Flood at 12, for England, he wasn't awful. I just hope that the backroom staff haven't given them poor tactics like the AIs (wilkinson starting about 10m back from the ruck etc.) so we actually get some movement. Floods probably the best bet because he's played internationally before, so won't crack under pressure (though having said that, Hapes played internationally as well...for NZ). Johnson likes safe bets, so that'll be why Floods in

 

[Bullitt]

I think the last time Flood played IC for England he was a sub when, Geraghty was at 10 for Wales v England in 2007. England lost, but it was one of the better attacking displays we'd seen in a long time. We'll see...

 

[Thingimubob]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bullitt @ Feb 5 2010, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I think the last time Flood played IC for England he was a sub when, Geraghty was at 10 for Wales v England in 2007. England lost, but it was one of the better attacking displays we'd seen in a long time. We'll see...[/b]

Wasnt he at 12 when Wales won at Twickers in 08? I swear he played there against Italy that year too. He had tries in both I think.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Flood did play at 12 against Wales in 08. This counters the loss of Jenkins for Wales, as Flutey is arguably England's best player at the moment.

 

[Ozzay]

Very Happy Fluteys out.

I think we all know whats coming from the english now!

 

[dullonien]

Really? Flood is a creative player, why would England revert back to a gameplan that has failed them for a number of years?

However is't obvious Johnson still doesn't quite know how he wants to play, due to the selection of Wilkinson. Unless Wilks finally starts standing flat, those exciting looking backs will still be recieving ball way behind the gainline with 2-3 Welsh players breathing down on them. If Johnson really was going out to chuck the ball around, where's Foden, where's Ashton?

So I expect England to be a little more open, but ultimately realy on Wilkinson's boot to get them the majority of their points. Let us Welsh hope that Wilkinson continues to go for continual drop goals instead of letting Tait and co. have a go.

 

[Olyy]

Yeah, i don't think Flood being in will change it that much, he's not as creative/quick as Flutey, but he's a good distributer (which we need with Wilko just doing exactly as he's told by the backroom staff, and not thinking on his feet)
He's played 12 with wilko at 10 quite a few times as well, so hopefully they can link well together

I'm excited

 

[RC]

I think Johnson has also spotted how prone we are to conceding penalties.
Its something that people like Powell love doing. When under pressure we give away penalties, that what it feels like these days.
Remember world cup quarters 03 against england. We scored 3 tries to 1, but Johnny nailed us with our infringements.
Its not a dumb idea to field Johnny against us.

 

[RC]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ozzay @ Feb 3 2010, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RC @ Feb 3 2010, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm pretty happy with that team although i've not been a fan of Cooper for about 5 years and there is one other edition to the starting team that makes my blood boil.
Hang on, let me just take a little look and see if i can find him...

erm...

Oh yeah: -

THE MOST OVERRATED PLAYER IN WALES![/b]

Care to explain why?
[/b][/quote]

Because he cant seem to do anything in his position.
He is like Banahan was before he figured how to run angles. He is big and fast, but ineffective.
He very rarely scores tries, very rarely crosses the gain line and never makes a nuissance of himself in the midfield.
Considering the difference in size Fussell for the Dragons does so much more!

 

[Sir Speedy]

Why are so many people predicting a Wales win in this match? Surely we aren't that good? :<

 

[Olyy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Feb 6 2010, 02:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Why are so many people predicting a Wales win in this match? Surely we aren't that good? :<[/b]

England have been underperforming for ages, coupled with the fact we have no scrum (thanks to payne) and Johnson doesn't like playing attacking rugby.
I'm hoping he's taken the criticism on board and changed his tactics, but i dunno

I've had in the back of my head for ages that Wales will win, but i'm hoping England can pull it out the bag/click well

 

[Olyy]

Tait tait tait tait tait tait tait


7 minutes to go

 

[elgringoborracho]

England have already won the jersey battle

 

[Bernard]

The main course of the meal is on ^_^



Weslh anthem is defenitly the best for me !

 

[Olyy]

Playing more flat, but not running onto the ball, so better than AIs, but still not ideal

 

[MunsterMan]

Is that a new England jersey or one just for today?

 

[Olyy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Feb 6 2010, 05:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Is that a new England jersey or one just for today?[/b]

Just today, as twickers is 100yrs old (or was a few weeks ago), and the first match there was England Wales

 

[Olyy]

Wilkinson get the first points on the board:

3 - 0

Our lineout is quality today, Easter's machine!
Also, our scrum isn't doing as bad as i thought! Holding it's own, considering Payne is in there


Dirty play by Ryan Jones: Kneeing Wilkinson in the ribs, if the Ref had clocked that, would be a penalty