Ireland v England, 10/02/13

[UlsterRugby2012]

I love this; English men tipping their team to win in what most agree will be a hard fought game is called arrogance. Any other nation in doing the same is put down to good natured patriotism. Hypocracy

Actually read what I said instead of taking things out of context.

 

[lynam1104]

So umm Rugby?

The idea that Ireland are on the wane isn't true however. They're playing better then they have in the last 4 years, both these teams are quite new and have younger guys in the team to provide the spark. Ireland need to keep discipline I think we conceded 13 penaltys which frankly isn't good enough and could be the game with Farrell.

 

[Zed]

If the game was played in a neutral location or at Twickenham, I think England would win by 30 points. But it's not. On paper and form England are a much better side and should still win, but they don't play well in Ireland so who knows. The weather will play a big part in determining the outcome, if it's ******* it down it will be a tight contest, dry and sunny - England will win.

 

[irelandfan123]

TO YOU ENGLISH ********! ​(tongue in cheek no offense intended)

 

[Zed]

Forget O'Driscoll's lovely pass to Zebo for the try: Sextons pass is perfect and SHOWS O'Dirscoll precisely what line to run. If that pass isn't perfect, BOD, stands no chance on getting on the outside of the defender, and its no try. Sexton makes the whole system run like clockwork, he's the ond we need to get to.

Have a look at the try on youtube - Wales had 3 defenders on 2 - it should never have been a try. Nice flat passing from Sexton and BOD ran a good line, but it was Rugby 101 - Cuthbert frucked up royal and never stayed on his man. The fullback also frucked him. Although BOD initially got round his his man, he was eventually pulled down by him, the fullback unnecessarily went in as well, followed by Cuthbert. 3 guys ended up going in to tackle BOD leaving the wing a free run to the line. Even if Wales had 2 guys instead of 3 it should never have been a try. It was **** poor defence - unacceptable at even U15 level.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

If the game was played in a neutral location or at Twickenham, I think England would win by 30 points. But it's not. On paper and form England are a much better side and should still win, but they don't play well in Ireland so who knows. The weather will play a big part in determining the outcome, if it's ******* it down it will be a tight contest, dry and sunny - England will win.

Other way around I think. Ten man rugby suits England much better whereas Ireland are better in every position from 10 to 15 (granted Tuilagi plays 13, I think he does but I always get confused on this one). And England being a much better side? They may be in form but Ireland are more than capable of matching England up front.

I can't believe I agree with George Hook but he was right when talking about the teams saying England are a good team but overrated, Wales are a good team but underrated and Ireland are a bit of an unknown. Tis England side is good but by no means are they world beaters and if they come to Dublin and put in a top class performance there is no assurance of a victory.

 

[Zed]

I think England are a way off being world beaters, but they have the potential to be a great side. I don't really see that from the other home nations. Wales seemed to be on the rise a few years ago, looked like they had a world class back line developing and have sort of flopped a bit. Ireland have some great players in BOD, Sexton and Darcy and not a bad pack, but I could never imagine them putting 38 points over the All Blacks. I wouldn't be surprised if they won on Saturday, due to their home ground advantage, but like I said, a neutral ground or Twickenham I think England would stick 20 points on them.

edit - your GIF really emphasises how badly Cuthbert (or was it North) frucked up!

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Other way around I think. Ten man rugby suits England much better whereas Ireland are better in every position from 10 to 15 (granted Tuilagi plays 13, I think he does but I always get confused on this one). And England being a much better side? They may be in form but Ireland are more than capable of matching England up front.

I can't believe I agree with George Hook but he was right when talking about the teams saying England are a good team but overrated, Wales are a good team but underrated and Ireland are a bit of an unknown. Tis England side is good but by no means are they world beaters and if they come to Dublin and put in a top class performance there is no assurance of a victory.

What I'm seeing at the moment is precisely the opposite from England; the 15 man game where all players get involved. Its team performances rather than individual effort.

Its always going to be contentious when comparing players, and we'll all have an opinion. Ireland have a better backline, but its hard to compare because Irelands is far more settled and in key areas has stayed the same for time immemorial. Twelvetrees and Tuilagi have the potential to be an incredible partnership, and Farrell is starting to show us abilities we never knew he had.

On the wings, I think if Chris Ashton was reading these boards he'd be feeling rather hard-done by. Personally I thought he had a far better game last week, more involved, and threatening when he had the chance to do so. It seems to me that people disregard him 1) Because he plays a wingers game that is quite uncommon and not fashionable. Is that a bad thing though? Last Saturday, George North did not touch the ball for a whole half. That would never have happened to Ashton, because hes not a winger who just waits for ball. 2) People ignore him because he's an ostentatious player, and has some, well, annoying habits. Its VERY contentious to say that the Irish are better than Ashton on the evidence so far. Very. Because give me a better try scoring record.

Meanwhile Mike Brown is a class act, just not a winger. I hope he goes back to 15 for Sunday.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

edit - your GIF really emphasises how badly Cuthbert (or was it North) frucked up!

I love the fact you see that he messed up badly, all the posters on the lions thread seem to think he should be starting for the lions! He has a lot to learn for a winger his size!

I really want to see BOD vs Tuilagi, i don't know what will happen? BOD use his tricks to foil him or Tuilagi just power through??? Either way it's going to be an amazing battle!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Everyone says England are so overrated, but by who?
I see far more bigging up of Ireland and Wales from fans.

It doesnt matter if Ireland are better 10-15 (though id debate 12, if Darcy is out), as the old saying goes: the game is won in the forwards, the backs just decide by how much. We're better 3-8 so we win

Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Tapatalk 2

 

[McTallshort]

Anyone else nervous already? God knows what the players must be feeling. I would love to break our Dublin duck (aside the WC warm up) but I am not sure this England side is quite ready yet. In 2 years when BOD finally clears off I think we will but I am not putting money on England this weekend.

 

[martinspoonboy1]

its a coin toss really, ireland may have the historical edge but england are an ever improving team, both teams have been really agressive at the breakdown, agression= quick ball. quick ball=tries. Cant call it!

 

[smb64]

Trying to be the voice of reason : both sides look good, as its the 6 nations past form can often go out the window. Ireland will of course be especially up for it because its in Dublin.

Both sides will undoubtedly create opportunities, I reckon its simply going to come down to which team takes those opportunities better.

Being at Dublin you probable have to give the edge to Ireland, plus we haven't really seen this incarnation of England play away from home yet - I'm hopeful though

All this talk of arrogance in needless because the most important people - the players, will be kept grounded by Stuart Lancaster.

Most looking forward to Sexton vs Farrel - should be a cracker regardless who wins.

 

[Amiga500]

We're better 3-8 so we win

You are?

I wouldn't even slightly agree with the assertion that England are better in all positions 3 to 8 than Ireland!

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

You are?

I wouldn't even slightly agree with the assertion that England are better in all positions 3 to 8 than Ireland!

The arrogance of some people on this forum is just insane

 

[Joseph14]

Ireland to win by 8. England are still very much a work in progress and home advantage is key in this fixture this year. Plus Ireland are a good side of course!

Give it a couple of years and things could be a lot different.

 

[Amiga500]

The arrogance of some people on this forum is just insane

It must be something in the water

 

[TRF_Olyy]

It must be something in the water

Yeah, cause Irish water is so much better.
Arrogant.

 

[Big Ewis]

pfffffffff...come on guys, this is downright silly, and I've got some controversy myself on this damn thing !!

Hardest match to call for the weekend, ay ?!
I've got France over Wales, Italy over Scotland (apparently not as unanimous as I'd have imagined, seems a majority's picking Scotland in fact !...). And then Ireland.

I've got Ireland for a few things, may be miserably wrong but this is what I currently have to say:
- Ireland's intrinsic quality, and confirmed this very tournament and AWAY last week. They're good right now.
- Historical thing. England struggles in Ireland...for wtvr that's worth.
- Haven't seen England play away since June, and all of the hype has come from home victories...granted that was a nice big win last week.
That leaves a small chance of seeing a side with more struggles, less confidence/feeling overwhelmed, not as accurate in execution...

Of course the big question is the scrum...and forwards in general.
If Ireland can manage a valiant enough effort against England's forwards (in the rucks, scrum, avoid turnovers...etc...), simply sustain the strength for a good portion of the match - I'm sure they'll find enough motivation and magic in playing at home, and against England. Surely BOD has a few more tricks up his leprechaun sleeves, and those Gilroy + Zebo and co. backs can pull off some interesting plays for a few scores...
But of the surprisingly big victories Ireland's had over England the past few years at home, I don't think this will be one of them. This will be the tightest thing of the tournament I'd imagine...

 

[big ginger 8]

Everyone says England are so overrated, but by who?
I see far more bigging up of Ireland and Wales from fans.

It doesnt matter if Ireland are better 10-15 (though id debate 12, if Darcy is out), as the old saying goes: the game is won in the forwards, the backs just decide by how much. We're better 3-8 so we win

Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Tapatalk 2

You just suggested someone's better than SOB you die now.