6 Nations 2025

[Awooga_Iron]

Apparently we have a golden generation coming through. I'm becoming less and less convinced that Borthwick is the right head coach to take advantage. Shame because we've had moments of real positivity after the malaise of Eddie's last 2 years.

The off pitch existential stuff (pay wall 6 nations looming, clubs going bust, CTE) is of course very worrying.

[sendô]

Apparently we have a golden generation coming through.

They'll probably all end up playing in France and thus never getting picked though.

[dasnutnock3]

They'll probably all end up playing in France and thus never getting picked though.

Can't blame them, really - they'd get paid twice as much and you get to live in France.

[Loftyhammer]

I've gone for a trio of home wins in a mate's predictor league thing. Think we'll beat the French by 5

[sendô]

I'll have some of what you're having Lofty.

Can you score own goals in rugby? We might need the French to run a try or two in for us.

[Johnny Byrne's Boots]

I'll have some of what you're having Lofty.

Can you score own goals in rugby? We might need the French to run a try or two in for us.

Sadly not. You'd get a five metre scrum.

[Awooga_Iron]

Sadly not. You'd get a five metre scrum.

You've just reminded me of the Saffers at the world cup when someone took a mark and opted for a scrum. They won a scrum pen, put the ball into touch and had the throw at the lineout. What a statement that was.

Not quite Rene Higuita's scorpian kick, but definitely one of the more audacious things I've seen in rugby.

[Loftyhammer]

You've just reminded me of the Saffers at the world cup when someone took a mark and opted for a scrum. They won a scrum pen, put the ball into touch and had the throw at the lineout. What a statement that was.

Not quite Rene Higuita's scorpian kick, but definitely one of the more audacious things I've seen in rugby.

Rules were changed off the back of this weren’t they? Can’t stand his persona but can’t argue that Rassie has developed a very smart rugby team!

On my prediction yeah it’s probably delusional, but I’ve just got a funny feeling France coming to town will bring out the best in us.

Not sure about Smith being bumped to FB but glad Sleightolme is back in

[dasnutnock3]

Not sure about Smith being bumped to FB

Further evidence (IMO) that Borthwick is completely out of his depth at this level. Smith did well last weekend, and wasn't the cause for our failure to close the game out - that was largely down to some poor positioning and defending in midfield and the inexperience on our subs bench (Ireland had six times as many caps on their bench than we did).

I didn't think Steward did particularly well at FB and looked clunky in 1v1's, but Smith is not, and never will be, a specialist in that position.

[3times]

Further evidence (IMO) that Borthwick is completely out of his depth at this level. Smith did well last weekend, and wasn't the cause for our failure to close the game out - that was largely down to some poor positioning and defending in midfield and the inexperience on our subs bench (Ireland had six times as many caps on their bench than we did).

I didn't think Steward did particularly well at FB and looked clunky in 1v1's, but Smith is not, and never will be, a specialist in that position.

Borthwick is a by-product of Jones but without the acumen to be a head coach. Maybe a good forwards coach but defintely not a head coach. Surrounds himself with his mates as anyone that's any good doesn't stay long.

Absolustely agree about Smith (M). Best 10 we have and he is now at 15. France will bombard him with high balls with a good chase which will drive him back and take away any attacking threat. Well done Stevo

[Johnny Byrne's Boots]

Further evidence (IMO) that Borthwick is completely out of his depth at this level. Smith did well last weekend, and wasn't the cause for our failure to close the game out - that was largely down to some poor positioning and defending in midfield and the inexperience on our subs bench (Ireland had six times as many caps on their bench than we did).

I didn't think Steward did particularly well at FB and looked clunky in 1v1's, but Smith is not, and never will be, a specialist in that position.

This^^

(Marcus) Smith does some of his best work off the ruck. Sticking him at full back deprives England of someone who can quickly break through the line and find a killer pass or even score himself.

[sendô]

Lofty's gonna rue that prediction, isn't he?

[dasnutnock3]

I'll be as pleased as anyone if we win, but I really don't see how we can, unless the French manage to utterly implode. In the olden days, that was always a possibility, but seems like they're just too well drilled nowadays, as well as highly confident.

[alf git]

Moving Smith (M) to full back fills me with confidence that Borthwick definitely knows what he is doing.
There is zero chance of him getting smashed and missing the rest of the tournament through injury.

[Loftyhammer]

Lofty's gonna rue that prediction, isn't he?

It’s the hope that kills etc. As we all know too well!

[Johnny Byrne's Boots]

Alf

[alf git]

U20

England 27-10 France

Two from two for the English young 'uns.

[dasnutnock3]

U20

England 27-10 France

Two from two for the English young 'uns.

Caught the last few minutes. Says a lot about our union that we can be so good at u20, but our full international side is such a total mess.

[Johnny Byrne's Boots]

Caught the last few minutes. Says a lot about our union that we can be so good at u20, but our full international side is such a total mess.

Nothing to do with many of the good ones taking the French money (and climate) and our pig-headed RFU refusing to pick them. Oh no.

[Johnny Byrne's Boots]

Forza Italia!