Will Scotland benefit from playing at home? Will Ireland be able to achieve what the world’s number one team were unable to do playing at Twickenham? Answers on a postcard. Or below the line.
International rugby on the telly this weekend
Saturday 24th August
- Scotland v France 13:10 Premier Sports 2
- England v Ireland 14:15 (kick-off 15:00) Sky Sports Action & Sky Sports Main Event
Ovally Balls 
I hope you kicked him in the nuts, OT.
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Morning all……………
Sunday perspective on England/Ireland:
England looked very sharp under little pressure from an under-strength/under-cooked Irish team.
Worthy winners but result deceiving.
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Anyone got a link to watch the Vuelta via the internet??
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Didn’t watch either game but England are a sure thing for the Cup.
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Is that Welsh underdogging or facting, Tomp.
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I think the technical term is under-facting
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@deebee
Boris was remarkably down to earth. Genuinely wanted to listen to what I had to say about Neil Kinnock.
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Wales name their RWC squad a week today. I reckon the following are nailed on:
Halfpenny, Liam W, North, Adams
J Davies, Parkes, Watkin
Biggar
G Davies, A Davies
Evans, Smith
Owens, Dee, Elias
Francis, Lewis, Lee
AWJ, Beard, Hill
Tipuric, Navidi, Wainwright, Shingler
Moriarty
I make that 26, leaving 5 spots. One of Jarrod Evans or Patchell will definitely go making it 27.
Add in at least one back 5 player, probably Ball as three locks isn’t enough and Shingler is only cover at a push (although he did okay there last week). Also add another outside/utility back at least and that gets us to 29. This is probably the most open spot as they have the option of Amos who is back 3 (he has played 13 for the Drags and would be fine if it was only for the Uruguay game). Lane is wing/centre, Patchell 10/15 or Scott Williams who can only really play centre.
You could probably add Tomos Williams as he’s played a bit of wing and travelling with only two 9s is always a bit of a risk – you’re only a strained hammy in the warm up away from trying to get through 80 minutes with just one scrum half. Supposedly, Holmes has played a bit of 9 at club level so he might be the bolter.
That leaves two places, so it might be a 6th prop and another outside back to complete the 31. Basically a shootout between Wyn Jones and Carre. The latter has a much higher ceiling but is still pretty green. I expect him to get a start on Saturday and if he goes well he might make the cut.
If I was picking, then I’d take both Jarrod and Patchell, largely because I don’t trust either.
If I had to put money on it, I’d say that the final five places will go to:
Jarrod Evans
Ball
Tomos Williams
Wyn Jones/Carre
Amos/Lane
The two loose heads I couldn’t separate (although I’d always pick the Legend). Amos/Lane are in a gun fight: I think there’s no way that both go.
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I must say, having two sevens and an eight looks quite the thing for England. Still, mumble mumble just a practice game mumble mumble pastries mumble mumble.
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A bit of an insurance in case the worst happens, Tim.
I’ll look like a rugby savant.
By the way, I think you recommended the Mick Barron books back in the olden days. Picked up the first when I was in the UK a few weeks back. It was enjoyable. Will look for more in the charity/second-hand shops next time I’m there. So thanks again.
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Afternoon all. Scone time. And whilst I am unconvinced by the cream first argument I have solved it by going half cream first and half jam first. And then follow by the respective jam / cream combination. The results were pleasing.
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I’m on scones, too!
Bio eggs, flour, butter, yoghourt
raisins, sugar.
Cup of green tea
………….all after completing a marathon mowing session
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p.s. 32C and getting hotter – plus, no breeze……………
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lots of produce coming ripe:
– plums, peaches, figs, blackberries, grapes
courgettes (various types) tomatoes (ditto) cucumbers, melons, peppers, aubergines, chilis
busy, busy but……………………pool this afternoon!
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On the plane to Maputo. Home of the world’s best peri-peri chicken. Beer is pleasing too, especially with some local prawns. Throw in some vino verde and its brilliant. Will keep you posted.
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Slade I may divert the plane to your place. Sounds like heaven with all that produce!
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DeeB…………………………beer and prawns…………………………………swapsies
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DeeB
You’re welcome – just now it is perfect…………………………..
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Scottish fans – Skinner a big doubt:
https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/skinners-cup-hopes-in-doubt
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Bugger. I think he’s been decent in those games I’ve seen him in for both Exeter and Scotland. Plus, he’s quite versatile.
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This is a cracking comment on the Cif piece about borders.
A small excerpt:
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Crickets an amazing sport. Well done to Leach and the incredible Stokes.
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Well, that was interesting… has to be one of the most exciting and unusual tests of all time. What a hero Stokes is…. just phenomenal innings. A privilege to watch.
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Well that was an enjoyable afternoon listening to the cricket while I prepared a Mexican feast for tonight
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Bloody hell.
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An outstanding performance in any sport can be savored forever………………..well done!
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Old Trafford might be interesting if Jimmy is fully fit = Plus Smith back for Aus.
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Best innings ever by an Englishman. Unbelievable.
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Am surprised Kruis has not been cited. Thought he deserved a red.
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Be a short list, no?
:-)
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This one’s for the golfers out there.
The article’s mince, but the comments are good and I think will strike a chord with our fairway friends…
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/aug/25/scottish-golf-biggest-handicap-its-elitist-cubs-change-is-in-the-air
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Only 4 comments on this. 2 of them are slightly unexpected:
https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/itoje-helps-england-overpower-ireland/
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TomP – that Kerry chap sounds seriously weird/unhinged.
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S4C are showing a series of World Cup classics. Last week it was NZ v Wales in 2003, tonight it’s Wales v Ireland 2011.
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Nothing from 2007? How odd.
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TomP – couldn’t see any comments under that article?
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That Ireland game was terrific, mind. Was watching on Czech TV and the commentator kept telling the audience that George North was 19. Unfortunately, he kept calling Shane Williams George North and vice-versa.
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And Shane goes over early in the corner.
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Oh gosh. Big Sexy was never as Big or as Sexy as when he did D’Arcy. Heaven to be alive.
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Thaum, I wouldn’t bother if I were you. Just someone with very very very strange opinions.
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Thaum, they’re FB comments, so if you have it blocked…
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So what did that rotter Kruis do?
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@Iks – Late charge on Byrne(?) that caught him on the chin/neck. 6min13 in the video:
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Although there’s not much being said about a similar hit by Kearny on Curry: (Content warning: Barnes commentary)
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Actually, I’m almost surprised there hasn’t been a citing for the Kearney hit. Stiff arm to the neck/
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And yet Scott Barrett gets a red……
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It’s good of the aussies to travel all this way but it becomes a bit boring when they lose inside 4 days.
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Where is FD? It would be really nice to have him around now.
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When kiwis complain about getting carded for things they should get carded for… That.
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He and CJ are off onna trip across Asia inna red sports car – Looking For Sag.
Its our version of the Grand Tour.
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