6 Nations. 2017

Posted by: Bodger on 11 March 2017

Hugely disappointing game at Twickenham today. I was expecting a real nail biter but the game was over after 20 minutes. One team came to play the other to have a bit of a scrap. I think Scotland shaded the pushing and shoving but little else. Tell me Mr Cotter, what is the game plan when you are 15 down after as many minutes that you keep delaying your line-out with a pointless huddle, time and time again?

The tip tackle should have been a red but in keeping the spectacle alive only added to the frustration as England kicked way too much and if in the mood to be more clinical, would have shipped another 20 plus points on a mediocre outfit. In no way did the Scottish hooker take any care with his victim after his late tackle and it was only luck that Daly was reasonably ok after this reckless contact.

The Scots managed three “stuff it up your jumpers tries” which were both irrelevant and would have been heavily criticised had England scored only in this fashion. No ambition from the visitors and no real skill either. I guess “smoking your own dope” too much before the game is not the best preparation. It was though a pleasant sight to see a much overhyped Scottish team come unstuck after they beat a one dimensional Wales and a past their best Irish. I will not bother watching their Italy game. This traditional Wooden Spoon game will be a true waste of 80 minutes.

Posted on: 11 March 2017 by Bruce Woodhouse

I think that is a pretty tough analysis and I am an England supporter. Multiple injuries and the (correct in my view) yellow card pretty much destroyed any Scottish continuity and exposed a weaker squad. Seemed to me they lost composure in the first 20 mins and never regained it. As for 'stuff it up the jumper', well England have been happy enough to do that at times. Scotland stuck to their task, and they scrapped to the end. Well beaten for sure but some dignity I thought.

I think England were very impressive. The subtle skills of Ford never quite seem to attract the plaudits but I think he and Farrell are a really complementary pair. As ever it is forwards that win matches though and the second row plus Itoje are now getting to be world class. Vunipola coming off the bench must have been a bit of a tough sight for any team!

We went to our first ever 6 nations game this year. Chose a good one; Cardiff. Loved everything about it, and gives both of us goosebumps hearing the Welsh anthem anthem on TV.

it has been a great tournament so far in terms of intensity if not outright quality I reckon.

Bruce

 

 

Posted on: 11 March 2017 by JamieWednesday

Scotland were pants, though my Glaswegian wife was a little more dismissive than that...

Posted on: 12 March 2017 by tonym

I had the good fortune to be at Twickenham to see the game yesterday, and was struck by just how poor Scotland performed. It seemed to me they were totally bemused and confused by England's sheer force and speed, which from the off was simply awesome, and the Scottish team quickly became demoralised. My Glaswegian better half, resplendent in her Scottish rugby shirt, was pretty demoralised too and I felt a twinge of sympathy for the happy hordes Scots who'd travelled down for the match. That everyone remains good-natured after crushing defeat and after such large quantities of alcohol has been consumed is one of the great features of rugby matches.