England vs Fiji 26th August 23

[Vieux Talonneur]

Lawes looking like he'd literally rather be anywhere else.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Pundits have soured on Sinfield

 

[Saintjay]

I don't think a Jones led team would have lost that. This is absolutely shocking.

Pleased for Fiji, pleased for Sam Matavesi.

As for the RFU, they might not have the money. Yet given the low turn out, poor handling of the community tackle changes. Players either quitting or clubs failing to get new players. It's going to financially hurt them even more if things don't change.

 

[Booboobang]

I still think we have enough to beat those two - both are far off their best
Though Samoa with Leiliiafano at 10 is a concerning prospect

I would normally think so as well, especially japan since they dont really have the beef for this turgid game plan.

Samoa on the other hand, they have some serious beef, and their forwards are far more well drilled that in previous years, their scrum and rolling maul looked better than fijis so that is a toss up for me, should win, could be embarrased again.

Dont see us stopping the points, ever, and dont see us scoring with stewart at FB and no other playmaker. Attack actually did something when smith came on, not a lot but something.

 

[Wasps92]

Genuinely hope we go out in the group and it hurts me to say that as I'm a proud Englishman and I love the England rugby team but I think only a truly awful WC will force the change that is needed.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Hartley essentially calling for a player revolt

 

[Lé Ddanno]

Hartley and Ojo calling for an '07 revolt

 

[SG59_]

Too many players seem to be completely unbothered about the **** they've just served up.

I can't put my finger on it. I think they do care, but none of them seem to have the work ethic required. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you don't want to use it, this is the result.

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

Pundits have soured on Sinfield

i think people should have been harsher on him awhile a go but I completely get why you'd be hesitant to criticize him

 

[TopTen2003]

You can't keep SB after a loss to Fiji at a half full Twickers.

The long run is worse than the compensation.

 

[Which Tyler]

Borthwicks record would be fine if it was obvious there was a plan for fast, dynamic, effective, World leading rugby in the future, whereby you accept you lose some exciting games on the way and lick your wounds.

TBH his record isn't "fine" even if everything but the scoreline was looking rosey.
Played 9, won 3 isn't it?

I'm going to be wary of calling for his head, because I always thought he was the wrong man at the wrong time, so it feels like confirmation bias.
Besides, it's too late now, were committed.
If we continue like this trohugh the RwC though...

 

[TRF_Olyy]

i think people should have been harsher on him awhile a go but I completely get why you'd be hesitant to criticize him

Yeah, they're prefacing their criticism with "He's a golden human being....but"

 

[j-dawg]

I can't put my finger on it. I think they do care, but none of them seem to have the work ethic required. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you don't want to use it, this is the result.

Private school + academies are a potent mix for entitlement

 

[McTallshort]

They are talking about 2007 now...England had more HC winning playing in that 2007 team than they have now

 

[McTallshort]

Private school + academies are a potent mix for entitlement

Works for Ireland....

 

[Jimbo]

Who'd be involved in that if I had to pick potential candidates I could only think Ford, Smith & Care, has to be pretty backs influenced.

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

Hartley said on the bbc live blog an observation I shared. The players are playing hard they just look like they have no purpose or direction. Only when they get scared of getting embarrassed do they look to play with purpose. But by then it's too late.

 

[SG59_]

Private school + academies are a potent mix for entitlement

The thought did cross my mind. It's something we've seen in a lot of issues in and outside of rugby lately

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

If the RFU didn't have a break clause for poor performance in Borthwicks contact, everyone involved in writing that contract should be fired.

They probably should anyway tbh but especially in that case.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Works for Ireland....

And South Africa

Poor excuse imo