dasnutnock3 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 26, 2022 6:52 pm
Indeed, I’m pretty puzzled why he didn’t bin Lawes for a clear knock on.
Mind boggling really. And yes, I know it was to England's advantage to keep him on the field of play...but I'd rather see the rules of the game applied consistently and correctly, regardless of how much (or little) time is left.
We should have been playing from the point the penalty was taken, until the game finished, with 14 men on the park.
England average for 80 minutes with glimpses of being half decent. Wales awful for 60 minutes then handy for 20. Referee useless for 80. He reffed a Quins v Castres game at The Stoop that I was at and he was dreadful then and dreadful today. He missed so much on both sides. Smith, Itoje and Dombrandt good for England. Much to improve on for England.
Jones should go at the end of this 6 nations. Borthwick would be my choice to replace him but I doubt he’d leave Leicester for a year or so or until he’s won the league as a minimum. Means we’re probably stuck with Mr I think I’m so clever. There’ll be calls for Farrell but the Ireland job is comparatively easy. You have almost total control over yourself players who only really play in the equivalent of the champions league. As an example - Marcus smith had played 120 games for Harlequins aged 22. His Irish counterpart Johnny Sexton has played 180 games for Leinster aged 36.
On the knock on, it’s not always a yellow for a deliberate knock on. It is if it’s a clear slap down and denies a try scoring opportunity but in the midfield where he’s gone for the ball it’s penalty only. At least that’s my understanding.
dave_l wrote: ↑Sat Feb 26, 2022 7:31 pm
On the knock on, it’s not always a yellow for a deliberate knock on. It is if it’s a clear slap down and denies a try scoring opportunity but in the midfield where he’s gone for the ball it’s penalty only. At least that’s my understanding.
I assumed, based upon what I have seen over several decades of watching rugby, that it was an automatic yellow as well as a penalty.
Usually it is a yellow because 9 times out of 10 it’s denying a scoring opportunity. Out wide with only a man to beat or slapping down the scoring pass flapping at an intercept. This is one of the rare occasions it was in the view of the ref not materially affecting. I wasn’t sure so checked with my mate who refs at amateur level.
From what I recall of the incident the ref didn't see Lawes knock on as he gave one against Wales, it was the touch judge who brought it to his attention. The replays showed the merest touch, if Lawes had cut his fingernails this morning he wouldn't have reached it.
I do wonder how many of these 'deliberate' knock ons are purely instinctive and not deliberate at all.
Wales under Pivac have been disappointing because I thought he was a much more expansive coach for the Scarlets, maybe it is a transitional thing. England have been turgid under EJ for quite some time. His whole game plan is completely focussed on securing the physical game which is fine until we are matched up, or meet the Springboks. And the other teams have a backs game.
The time to change EJ would have been at the end of the last world cup when the RFU inexplicably thought it wise to extend his contract. It would be difficult to change the coach now because the RFU can't afford to pay off EJ, and even if they could I think the only approach would be to parachute in a temporary coach for the next world cup a la Brian Ashton in 2007 (when he replaced Andy Robinson), as coaches and unions plan in world cup cycles.
There aren't really any stand out candidates from the English club scene, aside maybe from Rob Baxter who I think said a while back he didn't want it. In a dream scenario, I'd love to throw the cheque book at Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards, but the RFU can't and won't, and it will take a very big cheque to tempt Gatland back from NZ and his dream of being the All Blacks next coach.
I am actually hoping France win this championship because their style of play is much more progressive and entertaining.
Gaz wrote: ↑Wed Mar 02, 2022 2:08 pm
Wales under Pivac have been disappointing because I thought he was a much more expansive coach for the Scarlets, maybe it is a transitional thing. England have been turgid under EJ for quite some time. His whole game plan is completely focussed on securing the physical game which is fine until we are matched up, or meet the Springboks. And the other teams have a backs game.
The time to change EJ would have been at the end of the last world cup when the RFU inexplicably thought it wise to extend his contract. It would be difficult to change the coach now because the RFU can't afford to pay off EJ, and even if they could I think the only approach would be to parachute in a temporary coach for the next world cup a la Brian Ashton in 2007 (when he replaced Andy Robinson), as coaches and unions plan in world cup cycles.
There aren't really any stand out candidates from the English club scene, aside maybe from Rob Baxter who I think said a while back he didn't want it. In a dream scenario, I'd love to throw the cheque book at Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards, but the RFU can't and won't, and it will take a very big cheque to tempt Gatland back from NZ and his dream of being the All Blacks next coach.
I am actually hoping France win this championship because their style of play is much more progressive and entertaining.
I think Jones has reacted to being stuffed by the Boks in the world cup.
I also don't think he gives a **** about the 6 nations, he's all about world cups.
As for Gatland, no thanks his style with Wales and the Lions was as bad as Jones & Pivac now.
But you're right anyway, the RFU is skint so it wouldn't happen.
The Lions is a needs must scenario with very little time for planning and coaching, and I didn't think his Wales teams were all that bad to watch to be honest.
I followed Wasps back in the 2000s when I lived in Wycombe and maybe have a bias for Gats and Shaun, but Warrenball isn't to everyone's taste I suppose!
Wales are dealing well with the French defence: kicking over the top of it. France haven't scored since the 10th minute.... This could depend on who has the better bench.
This is a fascinating contest. When France nail the brand of free flowing rugby that they are capable of, they are a joy to watch...but Wales are more than coping with them. In fact, Wales appear to have stifled and strangled France to the point that they (France) seem scared to throw it around. Both teams are compact, there's little room for expansive rugby and yet, somehow, it's quite the game to watch.