RBS 6 Nations - Ireland vs Italy - 25/02/2012, 13:30

[Seaton]

Anyone else hear McLean and Canale calling Ireland the best in the world at slowing down ball without being penalised? Thoughts?

Never.

Sir Richie can make your ball go slower than a week in jail if he wanted.

But he'd rather nick it, so the Italians (sic) may have a point.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

The universe doesn't want me to see this fixture:
Last year I was having a broken tooth sorted out, and missed it, and this year I've got a match on

 

[Big Ewis]

Anybody actually believe Italy can win this ?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

The universe doesn't want me to see this fixture:
Last year I was having a broken tooth sorted out, and missed it, and this year I've got a match on

I'm in the same boat, missed the match last year because I split my chin open and I miss both matches today because of a match.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

My match starts at two, but I only live down the road from the pitch, so I'm hopping straight in my car after to get back for the England match

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Mine is at 3:30 but the match is about 45 minutes away so I'll have to leave at about 2:15 so I'll get to see the first half of the Ireland game but the England Wales one was the match I really wanted to see this weekend.

 

[profitius]

Anybody actually believe Italy can win this ?

On paper, no chance. In reality with the way Ireland have been playing... its possible.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

From Tony Ward in the Irish Independent:

This week we have had various words of wisdom from players and management informing us just how great the Italians really are, how they are no longer a soft touch (how revealing is that?), and how they have expanded their game (run that by me again?).

It is one thing not demeaning the opposition, but showing them respect and ignoring reality are two very different things.

Ronan Keating probably got it right when he sang, "you say it best when you say nothing at all".

He's absolutely right. Players and coaches speak some amount of crap in the week leading up to games. Italy are limited. If Ireland perform to their potential, they should win by over 20 points. Declan Kidney, Paul O'Connell et al don't want to talk down Italy but everybody knows it's rubbish when they say Italy are becomming an expansive side and Ireland are worried about them.

 

[bushytop]

What's happening with the vbookie this weekend... want to bet heavily on green.

 

[big ginger 8]

Great conditions for the match today.

 

[Jockstap]

I hate this bs that takes place before the match at Lansdowne with Ireland's "President", it's embarrassing. Luke Fitz look's like an elf.

 

[Gavin]

Was only half of the Italian National Anthem played?

Confirmed that it was only half; poor on behalf of the Irish.

 

[big ginger 8]

I hate this bs that takes place before the match at Lansdowne with Ireland's "President", it's embarrassing. Luke Fitz look's like an elf.

What do you mean by this? He is the president.

 

[Jockstap]

What do you mean by this? He is the president.

I mean the fact that Ireland has a "president" at all is a joke.

 

[big ginger 8]

Not IMO really but this isn't the place for a political debate.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I hope Ireland get this wrapped up by Half Time so I can play my match knowing the National rugby team is having one of their worst days for about four years.

 

[bushytop]

What do you mean by this? He is the president.

Think he's referring to the fact that the Irish political leaders are the only ones that cosolidates their public image at 6N games.

Given Irelands republican history though I fully understand the need to highlight their independence from Britain at every opportunity.

 

[big ginger 8]

Sexton's kicking well in green and D'arcy made a break for the first time in ages yes against a poor centre it's good to see though.

 

[Jockstap]

I really hope we see O'Mahony given a go at 7 at some stage today to see what he brings to the party.

 

[Jockstap]

sigh