Ireland - England @ New Landsdowne Road, Dublin (27-08-2011, 14:30 GMT)

[TRF_Olyy]

Ah, suppose so, but wouldn't be surprised if both Wood and Moody both miss the Argentina match (Moody can barely walk, and now Wood is crocked too - not ideal), and we have a 2nd row of Shaw/Palmer with Lawes on the bench as backrow cover

 

[Peat]

Ah, suppose so, but wouldn't be surprised if both Wood and Moody both miss the Argentina match (Moody can barely walk, and now Wood is crocked too - not ideal), and we have a 2nd row of Shaw/Palmer with Lawes on the bench as backrow cover

Or, alternately, like now, he will start at lock and move to back-row as needed.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

So what happens when lawes is substituted off as he usually is with 20 - 25 to go, and if croft comes off injured? then we're in trouble

In fairness Peat I think Johnson knows his best locks and he is trying to rotate for gametime. That said, Palmer hasn't had much which makes me worry that you could be right. But after the six nations Palmer had he should be considered our number 1.

 

[gingergenius]

well, if worst comes to worst, hartley and mears can cover 6, at a stretch.

 

[Peat]

So what happens when lawes is substituted off as he usually is with 20 - 25 to go, and if croft comes off injured? then we're in trouble

In fairness Peat I think Johnson knows his best locks and he is trying to rotate for gametime. That said, Palmer hasn't had much which makes me worry that you could be right. But after the six nations Palmer had he should be considered our number 1.

You don't sub him off. Lawes has to play the full 80. Pretty simple.

Johnson is capable of this insanity. Our lock pecking order should read Lawes - daylight - Palmer - daylight - The Abyss of Mediocrity.

 

[monkeypigeon]

You don't sub him off. Lawes has to play the full 80. Pretty simple.

Johnson is capable of this insanity. Our lock pecking order should read Lawes - daylight - Palmer - daylight - The Abyss of Mediocrity.

For a second there I felt like an eejit for not knowing about England's lock 'Daylight', now I feel like an eejit for a different reason.

 

[j-dawg]

All this panic. Why? Most of our pack can play back row if the absoloute worst should happen (which it wont).

Sheridan - Started out as a back rower.
Hartley - 6 at a stretch
Mears - 6 at a stretch
Lawes - You bet your ass he can.
Palmer - I'd bet your mums dog he can.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

All this panic. Why? Most of our pack can play back row if the absoloute worst should happen (which it wont).

Sheridan - Started out as a back rower.
Hartley - 6 at a stretch
Mears - 6 at a stretch
Lawes - You bet your ass he can.
Palmer - I'd bet your mums dog he can.

Sure they can play these positions but how well is another matter.as you say I'm sure it'lll all be fine but I'd rather not have a backrow of sheridan mears and easter running around after heaslip and co!

Think the most exciting prospect is flood coming on to replace tindall and simpson on for wworth. That would be pretty much our strongest possible backline from the 30, asides from an on form youngs.

If we lose I want it to not be because we've frozen up.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Nick Easter is now in doubt for tomorrow - Hendre Fourie has flown to Dublin as cover, and Easter will have a fitness test tomorrow to see whether he'll play or not

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Nick Easter is now in doubt for tomorrow - Hendre Fourie has flown to Dublin as cover, and Easter will have a fitness test tomorrow to see whether he'll play or not

I was about to get very angry until I realised that would probably mean haskell to 8 which is no bad thing. Otherwise, just call robshaw for godds sake

 

[gingergenius]

no, being a 30something South African journeyman is far more important than being a young and highly rated Englishman.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I don't understand Fourie > Robshaw

Well, I can understand their thinking, as Fourie has more game time in an England shirt, but then even that shouldn't be as Robshaw is better

It's not even like they can say that Robshaw featuring for Quins tonight stopped them calling him because Fourie should be playing for Sale right now, but got whisked away an hour or two ago

 

[stus768]

I don't understand Fourie > Robshaw

Well, I can understand their thinking, as Fourie has more game time in an England shirt, but then even that shouldn't be as Robshaw is better

It's not even like they can say that Robshaw featuring for Quins tonight stopped them calling him because Fourie should be playing for Sale right now, but got whisked away an hour or two ago

Completely agree with u on this. As well he is a leader- which England need more of- although judging by Quins inconsistent performances he might not be the best. He is English as well
and younger than Fourie. Only thing is Fourie is an out an out 7, something which England lack.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

True true, Fourie is a good 7 as well - was a real nuisance at the breakdown for Leeds and stole more than his fair share of ball

I think Robshaw has been fairly consistent for Quins, hopefully he'll get his chance after the WC for England - as you said, he's a leader, and England do need those - captained his side to a Euro trophy etc. so he should hold up well

Ah well, he's only 25, so there's a fair bit of life left in him yet

 

[j-dawg]

Got a good feeling something will click for England tomorow....or today if your on the ball.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I'm gutted I'm missing half of the match today
Should be back for the end of halftime if everything goes to plan - then I'll have to watch the highlights at 5.30 on BBC to get up to speed on the first half


I don't know what to feel about this match - I had a good feeling during the 6N =/
Hopefully the combination of Earls and O'Gara means their backs won't be getting a huge amount of ball - Foden recieving and Wilko kicking is a match for anyone who wants to play a bit of pingpong

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

At we've got to do I think is put the pressure on them and make them perform, and that's why wilko is a good man to have. Kick for the corner, do some up and unders as you said olyy, and simpsonn used to do these incredible inch perfect box kicks which can be so dangerous with good chasing. The irish back 3 are admittedly more than capable at handling high ball but I just think we need to play a more tactical game and take the pressure of us in the tense opening quarter. Especially early on there's no point messing around trying to play rugby in our own half.

Still suspect ireland will win but I'm exxited to see some of the players today and see if we can perform

 

[Gavin]

So excited, whichever team wins will be in a good frame of mind for the World Cup.

 

[chapperz]

My hope for the England side today is that if ashton plays we may actually be able to score a try or two seeing as he can actually finish the job unlike banahan and that ashton will be able to do it regardless of however bad are other players are playing.

 

[coonor]

Really looking for some players to step up today especially in the backs. We need someone to take control and really centralise the attack hopefully Bowe will come back firing and play like his usual self. Can't wait to see Ferris and hopefully he can show what he is really worth (I thought he was very good coming on last week). The main problem for us has been mistakes. We need to up the intensity and make the right decisions.