RBS 6 Nations - England vs Wales - 25/02/2012, 16:00

[Darwin]

Quite looking forward to this match.

Should be a good battle in the front-row - I'd give Wales a slight edge here, but I'm not overly familiar with Ken Owens. Wales will be happy to have Alun Wyn Jones back at lock, but I do feel they still miss some real 'grunt' in the second row (which Davies provides, and - somewhat surprisingly to me - Charteris provided during the RWC). I think Wales have a slight edge in this department too, though I do think Botha has been pretty solid for England thus far (I have seen very little of Parling though). Again I think Wales have a slight edge in the loose-forwards, particularly at the breakdown. I am interested to see how Ben Morgan goes for England though, as I've heard a lot about him.

I the halves again I see Wales having a slight edge. England will (hopefully) be getting better ball delivered by Dickson, and I do think Youngs could add something to the England attack with his sniping runs if he comes on with 15-20 mins to go (as he did versus Argentina in the RWC). I thought Priestland has been pretty quiet so far (is he injured somehow?), and I think his duel with Farrell will be interesting. Yet again I think Wales have a (slight) edge in the midfield, due to Barritt's inexperience (though he has been rock solid thus far) and the fact that Tuilagi is only just back from injury. Though I'm becoming more of a fan of Davies each time I see him I'm still not yet convinced about his defense, and he may struggle to contain Tuiagi, who can run some great angles at times (and at pace). I think it is pretty even out wide: I'd take North over Ashton on current form (though Ashton at his best is pretty handy), and Cuthbert v Strettle is an interesting matchup. Cuthbert was pretty average in the first match, but looked far more assured in the second match, while Strettle has been pretty solid thus far. Strettle has never really impressed me at international level - he has never looked that poor either - I just wonder whether he has that extra spark that is sometimes needed at the higher level. Both fullbacks are quality - Foden may have been a bit quite lately, but when on form he is very dangerous.

So, in conclusion, I think Wales have a slight edge in almost every area, with the only area they have a big advantage in is at the breakdown. I think England's home ground advantage almost negates this edge... almost. I'm picking Wales to win by 5-10.

 

[Robert Prosser]

Quite looking forward to this match.

Should be a good battle in the front-row - I'd give Wales a slight edge here, but I'm not overly familiar with Ken Owens. Wales will be happy to have Alun Wyn Jones back at lock, but I do feel they still miss some real 'grunt' in the second row (which Davies provides, and - somewhat surprisingly to me - Charteris provided during the RWC). I think Wales have a slight edge in this department too, though I do think Botha has been pretty solid for England thus far (I have seen very little of Parling though). Again I think Wales have a slight edge in the loose-forwards, particularly at the breakdown. I am interested to see how Ben Morgan goes for England though, as I've heard a lot about him.

I the halves again I see Wales having a slight edge. England will (hopefully) be getting better ball delivered by Dickson, and I do think Youngs could add something to the England attack with his sniping runs if he comes on with 15-20 mins to go (as he did versus Argentina in the RWC). I thought Priestland has been pretty quiet so far (is he injured somehow?), and I think his duel with Farrell will be interesting. Yet again I think Wales have a (slight) edge in the midfield, due to Barritt's inexperience (though he has been rock solid thus far) and the fact that Tuilagi is only just back from injury. Though I'm becoming more of a fan of Davies each time I see him I'm still not yet convinced about his defense, and he may struggle to contain Tuiagi, who can run some great angles at times (and at pace). I think it is pretty even out wide: I'd take North over Ashton on current form (though Ashton at his best is pretty handy), and Cuthbert v Strettle is an interesting matchup. Cuthbert was pretty average in the first match, but looked far more assured in the second match, while Strettle has been pretty solid thus far. Strettle has never really impressed me at international level - he has never looked that poor either - I just wonder whether he has that extra spark that is sometimes needed at the higher level. Both fullbacks are quality - Foden may have been a bit quite lately, but when on form he is very dangerous.

So, in conclusion, I think Wales have a slight edge in almost every area, with the only area they have a big advantage in is at the breakdown. I think England's home ground advantage almost negates this edge... almost. I'm picking Wales to win by 5-10.

He only just made the first game against Ireland in fact he had not kicked a ball in 6 weeks before that game due to injury so its safe to say he is not at full power but he is our best player there and its important we get him back to his best.

Other than that I think Wales will win it wont be easy but I believe we will be too strong in the backs for England after some good work from the forwards.

 

[gingergenius]

Much as the 'huge Welsh backs' have been given a lot of column space, I think this game will be won in the forwards. Barritt will deal with Roberts all day long, and North won't be able to bounce off Tuilagi like he did McFadden. For the Welsh backs to break England down, they'll have to have some quick ball and run into space, or alternatively get the ball wide and hope to get physical one on ones with Strettle and Ashton.

For quick ball, they'll need to win the battle up front. If they do this, their backs and more mobile back row will eventually finish England.

If England can win the arm wrestle, then Farrell has the ability to punish Wales with territory and points. Morgan and Tuilagi should generate some decent front foot ball - it'll be up to Croft and Robshaw to work their ******** off to secure it and for the remaining backs to finish, relying on quick service from Dickson, heads-up rugby from Farrell and the back 3 should have the rest.

 

[j'nuh]

Much as the 'huge Welsh backs' have been given a lot of column space, I think this game will be won in the forwards. Barritt will deal with Roberts all day long, and North won't be able to bounce off Tuilagi like he did McFadden. For the Welsh backs to break England down, they'll have to have some quick ball and run into space, or alternatively get the ball wide and hope to get physical one on ones with Strettle and Ashton.

Even if the Welsh backs don't slip their defenders off as easily when against England, they'll still make a lot of meters, which significantly helps their forwards.

If England can win the arm wrestle, then Farrell has the ability to punish Wales with territory and points.

I hope so, but I doubt it. imo, only Hartley and Lawes would get into this Welsh pack (maybe Robshaw, but Lydiate's looking good), and Lawes is on the bench!

 

[Peat]

Nice...

After the numerous all conquering England sides that have missed out on a Grand slam against the unfancied Jocks, Paddy's & Taffs.

And people called them bottlers as well.

Right now, Wales have lost just about every match with something really riding on it in quite a while. This is as good a chance to beat England at HQ as will be presented for some times, Wales are on the up and they're even relatively injury free for once. This should end only one way.

 

[Teh Mite]

As an Englishman, the thought of Strettle marking North is quite depressing. All Strettle can do defensively is scream "Brad! Help!".

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Strettle's defence in the last two games has been good, I'm more worried about Ashton vs Cuthbert.



Hopefully Stephen Jones gets some game time:

 

[HowieLO6]

Interesting to read people talking about a lack of form from Chris Ashton.

Hasn't really played for Saints since December.
Two games in an England shirt... Barely touched the ball in either. Lets go easy on him shall we? Two games is hardly a drought!

You're focusing too much on the statistical side. While wingers are oft-thought as the finishers, and are judged as such, Ashton's game just hasn't been on the level when he broke on the scene. Whether its opposition defences sussing him out, he's just not seeking out involvement in the game like he was last year.

I'll take him not socring tries, as long as he's playing with a bit of pop and pomp. And he isn't right now, so time to give Sharples a run.

 

[bushytop]

And people called them bottlers as well.

Right now, Wales have lost just about every match with something really riding on it in quite a while. This is as good a chance to beat England at HQ as will be presented for some times, Wales are on the up and they're even relatively injury free for once. This should end only one way.

Valid points but nobody this side of the Severn thinks this is as foregone a conclusion as some of you imperialists seem to think it is.

Be happy with a 1 point winning margin.

 

[eot345]

As an Englishman, the thought of Strettle marking North is quite depressing. All Strettle can do defensively is scream "Brad! Help!".

yer im worried strettle may actually be killed by North

 

[Seaton]

yer im worried strettle may actually be killed by North

I was thinking the same about Lee Jones and Max Evans, so as long as the defence is planned right the big 'uns can largely be dealt with.

 

[RedCard]

I was thinking the same about Lee Jones and Max Evans, so as long as the defence is planned right the big 'uns can largely be dealt with.

Did Scotland get the defence right against Wales then?

 

[Seaton]

Did Scotland get the defence right against Wales then?

Apart from three players approaching single digit IQ levels in a space of 15 minutes, yes they did.

 

[Teh Mite]

Barratts defence in the last two games has been good whenever Strettle has repeatedly shirked tackles

ftfy

 

[Mogs999]

Did Scotland get the defence right against Wales then?

of course they did! to stop George North you use one of your biggest (and best-Gray)players to try and slow him down, then you use your next best (but bigger-Hamilton)player to stop him with an illegal shoulder, easy. Now what to do about Cuthbert umm!

 

[B10]

Really like the side picked but Wales are still massive favourites. It's weird thining this is Manu's 6 nations debut and first competitive game at Twickenham as he feels like a shoe in at 13 already.

My prediction England 16-23 Wales

 

[TRF_Olyy]

ftfy

Unless Barritt has dyed his hair blonde and grown his nose about 30 times, then it was Strettle making the tackles.

of course they did! to stop George North you use one of your biggest (and best-Gray)players to try and slow him down, then you use your next best (but bigger-Hamilton)player to stop him with an illegal shoulder, easy. Now what to do about Cuthbert umm!

Hardly.
Yes George North is big, and strong, but he's not bloody superman.
If people can tackle players like Alesana Tuilagi, they can tackle George North.

 

[Mogs999]

Unless Barritt has dyed his hair blonde and grown his nose about 30 times, then it was Strettle making the tackles.


Hardly.
Yes George North is big, and strong, but he's not bloody superman.
If people can tackle players like Alesana Tuilagi, they can tackle George North.

You're absolutely right (you forgot to mention fast!)he's not superman.I was responding to a statement about Scotland getting their defence right. if my memory serves me,North was the least of their problems, Halfpenny, Cuthbert(he's superman) to name a few, found more than a few chinks in Scotland's defence. Also, getting sin-binned is generally counterproductive to achieving your aims! Believe me as a Welsh fan I should Know!

 

[Saintjay]

Owen Farrell "I've been trying to do the things I do at the club here, trying to bring as much energy and as much information as I can "I'm not trying things I don't normally do, I'm just trying to do the things I do well."

That is it then kick chase, kick, kick, kick, chase. These comments worry me.

 

[HowieLO6]

Unless Barritt has dyed his hair blonde and grown his nose about 30 times, then it was Strettle making the tackles.

Strettle, for me, has actually been one of our better players thus far. He absolutely crackles with energy, has made a fair effort in tackling, despite his relative frailty, and has really got stuck in. Hasn't had much in the way of attacking ball, but has looked like an old-school nippy winger, rather than the depressingly-pedestrian Banahan or Volcano. And what better way to target North, by having facing him a man who gets up in defence extremely quickly. Big fan.