Scotland v Wales

[coonor]

Good win for Wales.
They defended well as Scotland had about 5 try scoring chances. I think Hook played well at 10 but some of his tackling was questionable. Lydiate and Warburton are not the strongest players but they do the basics well and are really good at the breakdown. Phillips was better but was slow at the breakdown and kicked poorly. Roberts was very good today. He defended well and was good at making the gain line. Wales weren't great. They lacked possession and kicked poorly.
Scotland were absoultly dreadful. They looked worse than Ireland did last week. They made way to many errors and they made poor decisions. Parks was absolutely dreadful. He was clueless in attack, was crap at kicking, passed poorly and couldn't tackle. Ansbro was not as good as last week. Scotland didn't make the gain line enough and couldn't penetrate the defence. Scotland really missed Grey and his ball carrying skills. One positive for Scotland was that Lamont was really good and made a great defensive tackle and was the only real threatening Scottish back.
Also Scotland scored 3 tries against France last week but although they had more possession this week they couldn't score any tries. Questions about the French defense continue.

 

[TVH11]

Today was the first time I've missed the national anthem in 12 years of watching Wales, I'm still very disappointed (stupid pub keeping it on soccer saturday too long)
In other news
Gotta say, I feel for Jon Davies when he kicked it through. I bet he was like
"yes no-one there, gonna get the ball and score my first try"
MEEEP MEEP
Shane Williams wizzes past and grabs the ball instead

Cheeky cheeky

 

[dullonien]

Just watched the game on iPlayer as I was stuck in Hull of all places. Not a great game, plenty of mistakes from both teams. Wales won because for 20mins they showed close to what they are capable of, and that was basically enough. Defense was magnificient, felt like '08 in that aspect. I thought our backrow as a whole today were great, worked very well together, with Lydiate and Warburton really getting about. Lydiate would have pushed Warbs close for motm had he not been sub'd, not sure why Gatland choce to do that! Disagree with coonor about Lydiate and Warburton not being physical, as they are hugely physical! Both players but in numerous big hits, and are very physical over the ball. Both are strong ball caryers aswell, but they weren't needed for that role today.

The win is the most important thing. It gives us something to build on now, and should boost confidence in camp nicely. But we're still not really firing! Our scrum halves are getting little to no protection at rucks, allowing opposition players to disrubt the ball. Whilst this is true, Phillips is also doing himself no favours, he's still slow and ponderous and is offering zero threat around the base of the ruck.

I thought Hook went OK, not great, not bad. Great run to set-up Shane's first try, but after that struggled defensively and didn't kick all that great out of hand. Apart from the first 20min though, he had very little ball in Scotland's half, as we simply couldn't keep hold of the ball. Deserves another start, as I think we need his creativity from 10 to start the game. Much better from Roberts aswell, made yards every time he touched the ball. Again we couldn't really get him into the game in the second half as we didn't have enough ball.

To echo Draggs, congrats to Turnbull and Priestland on their debuts. Turnbull looked his busy self in the brief time he was on the field.

Lots and lots to improve upon, but today was all about getting that win.

Good luck to Scotland for the rest of the tournament. P.s. get rid of Parks, he sucks (this goes for the Cardiff Blues aswell!)

 

[Draggs]

Today was the first time I've missed the national anthem in 12 years of watching Wales, I'm still very disappointed (stupid pub keeping it on soccer saturday too long)

They played it way too slow and butchered it anyway.
Any news on Peel's injury? Hopefully we will have Halfpenny back for Italy and give him a run at fullback.

 

[dullonien]

I'd stick with Byrne at fullback. Yellow card aside, he went well today I think and we really need his angles of running in attack. Still great under the high ball which is always nice. Decent kicking again too. If Halfpenny's fit, then have him on the wing instad of Stoddart. Stoddart has done ok in his two tests, but Halfpenny's all round game is a class above.

Wonder how Adam's getting on. Mitchell has done ok in his absense, but appeared to tire in the last quarter of the match. Still, good scrummaging performance from him, very encouraging.

 

[Draggs]

I didn't see Lee Byrne hit the line at all- no angles whatsoever.
We need a fullback, we've tried Hook who can cover, but between Roberts and Halfpenny, I'd go with Leigh. George North still has a week or two left, and then we could see a back three of Shane, George and Leigh.

 

[dullonien]

I thought Byrne hit the line well on one or two occasions in the first 20mins, and after that how often did the ball get out wide? He's the only natural fullback we have. Halfpenny's very rarely impressed from fullback when he's played there for the Blues. Priestland seems to be the next best option imo, although if Halfpenny had more regional time there I do like the look of a Shane, George, Leigh back three.

I'm not saying that Byrne played amazingly atall, just better than he has done recently. It's a tough one, as we really do need to develop another option, wheather that be Halfpenny or Priestland, just not sure when to do so. I feel that Byrne is our best option for the Italy game, but it's also the only game this 6 nations that we can afford to try someone different. Problem is that Gatland's refusal to give someone else a chance and instead shift Hook to 15 is really costing us, as we're now running out of time to find a backup/replacement in time for the WC (Hook certainly isn't it).

Personally I'd start Byrne against Italy and depending on the score / how he's playing, bring on Priestland with a good 30mins to make an impression and have a propper look at him there. It's a little unfair on Priestland, as he's best as 10, but he'll have time to stake a propper claim for the 10 shirt after the WC.

 

[lucky number 7]

Byrne and Keaney two years ago were like gods....The change of the game from ping pong to more fluid rugby does not suit their style of play.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

I remember seeing Byrne and Kearney tour South Africa with the B&I Lions and they were awesome. Nowadays they are not even close to the level of play they showed back then

 

[ironyistiring]

First of all, I don't know what you fella's are up to but (thank god) I managed to input more info in on line forms than can be reasonable to join a forum (or are the moderators a secret government society that demands a blood sample at risk of life?) Can't be too careful given your demograph.
Anyhow.

I have been passionate about rugby union for 36 years now but felt compelled to find a forum of like minds for the first time.

I don't know about your own governing bodies but am astounded that the sru, yes lower case, has no link on their site for direct feedback?

Today I am ashamed, do not take this lightly, we scots have had plenty opportunities before.

Wales have been disparate at best, lethargic and reasonably punished.

Today they travelled to murrayfield and re-ignited....

There were 15 men V 15men.

On form any man would have bet on a contest with those lazy arsed pathetic embarrasing fools in blue to win by no more than 7.

And of course, you break one of your worst runs in history against....

I have had enough, I feel demeaned by advocating the game to my forebears based on them.

Not one penny will pass from me and mine into sru from here on.

It is now anybody but the shiremen.

Pathetic, pathetic....ach..

Sick of it, celebrating a calcutta win like it's the world cup.

Good luck to Wales, they will need it, your man in the 10 shirt did well, as is the norm for a seedling.
The rest of the nations consider Hook to be no more than anymore, Mr Average.

Wales were so desperate for a win they defiled dignity yet still won, why? ( name the last test you witnessed with two in the bin) Playing fools that's why.

All this on top of the disrespect and lack of dignity displayed earlier? Enough, this is not league!

Outrageous day.

 

[gingergenius]

First of all, I don't know what you fella's are up to but (thank god) I managed to input more info in on line forms than can be reasonable to join a forum (or are the moderators a secret government society that demands a blood sample at risk of life?) Can't be too careful given your demograph.
Anyhow.

I have been passionate about rugby union for 36 years now but felt compelled to find a forum of like minds for the first time.

I don't know about your own governing bodies but am astounded that the sru, yes lower case, has no link on their site for direct feedback?

Today I am ashamed, do not take this lightly, we scots have had plenty opportunities before.

Wales have been disparate at best, lethargic and reasonably punished.

Today they travelled to murrayfield and re-ignited....

There were 15 men V 15men.

On form any man would have bet on a contest with those lazy arsed pathetic embarrasing fools in blue to win by no more than 7.

And of course, you break one of your worst runs in history against....

I have had enough, I feel demeaned by advocating the game to my forebears based on them.

Not one penny will pass from me and mine into sru from here on.

It is now anybody but the shiremen.

Pathetic, pathetic....ach..

Sick of it, celebrating a calcutta win like it's the world cup.

Good luck to Wales, they will need it, your man in the 10 shirt did well, as is the norm for a seedling.
The rest of the nations consider Hook to be no more than anymore, Mr Average.

Wales were so desperate for a win they defiled dignity yet still won, why? ( name the last test you witnessed with two in the bin) Playing fools that's why.

All this on top of the disrespect and lack of dignity displayed earlier? Enough, this is not league!

Outrageous day.

mate, agree with you, but get you're arse down to Rose Street, there's plenty scots there out drinking with the Welsh guys. Just enjoy the night for now...

 

[TRF_Cymro]

All I can say is with 13 men on the pitch Scotland could only manage 3 points, for me said it all about the Scots poor game plan. Dan Parks is a hindrance, sitting so deep in the pocket rarely did Scotland ever break the gain line. Richie Gray was a big loss, Blair should have started and heaven's knows why Sean Lamont was on the bench. Combined that with the negative play Scotland decided to go with no wonder they lost.

Wales are still behind, make no bones about it, today was not a pretty win but a W none of the less.

 

[ironyistiring]

Get in!

Been there countless times,enjoy.

At times though remember that the result is a factor, wonderful camaraderie is a given, pathetic performances need addressed.

Have an ale yet think of the deflated embarrassment their fathers feel.

Lazy Arsed Losers.

 

[ironyistiring]

You rest my case

We all know the minutiae of our home squad.

No man would sensibly pay to witness the countless wooden spoon displays.

I kid you not, we were very, very optimistic about this championship, as you would be, given recent results.

There has been no bigger protestors of Parks' performances than we, then last year he hit amazing form, no, AMAZING.
There were thousands of heads turning to each other in puzzlement then applause.
The fella could'nt even hit the 10 yard on a kick off previously.

He was told last week; hands. he was told this week boot; both abysmal outcomes.

Wales were down to 13, the lazy arses played the full 80 with 14, De Luca had input thrice, all negative.

The Welsh are always a threat worldwide, they did what they should and galvanised but it should not have been in Edinburgh, all said and done those lazy arsed workers gave them it.
Anyhow it matters not for england are on course now to bag the slam, the world cup, the superbowl, the ashes, Tour de france, synchronised swimming and the hockey world cup as far as sonja et al are concerned.

Fantastic build up today by the way, the fella Max ? and the mining of the 10 was superb, kudos.

All I can say is with 13 men on the pitch Scotland could only manage 3 points, for me said it all about the Scots poor game plan. Dan Parks is a hindrance, sitting so deep in the pocket rarely did Scotland ever break the gain line. Richie Gray was a big loss, Blair should have started and heaven's knows why Sean Lamont was on the bench. Combined that with the negative play Scotland decided to go with no wonder they lost.

Wales are still behind, make no bones about it, today was not a pretty win but a W none of the less.

 

[cyRil]

A win's a win. The performance is just where we are right now.
I'll take it and try to build on it. A c.20 point win at Murrayfield was beyond my wildest expectations tbh, so that's a great result - I honestly couldn't give a **** about how poor Scotland were, that's up to them to sort out.

 

[Seaton]

My condolences to the Cardiff supporters, and now understand what you mean. When saying that he has been awful this season

A truely, truely pathetic performance, special mentions must go to Murray, Jacobsen, Parks, Hines, de Luca and Southwell
They were all dire, that national football side could have put a better 'performance' than this

Sort it out Sir Andy

 

[Bluemoon]

The curse of the Cardiff Blues 10 continues. If its any consolation, we'll probably ship him off to Japan next year.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Pity, Really thought Scotland could win this.

 

[cyRil]

Oh yeah! Ps. I'm sooooooo glad I stuck my opinion on Parks out. He has one decent season and everyone jumps on his bandwagon.
He is a rubbish rugby player. He always had been prior to last season and he always will be.
Landed

 

[seatea15]

I really don't want to take anything away from the Welsh, it was a very good defensive effort. But damn, Scotland looked like it was 2/3 years ago.

I'm really starting to get worried about our number 10 issue, so much so that I'm thinking put Jackson in. Ready or not how much worse could it be?