In the exciting battle for the wooden spoon between Ireland, Wales, Italy and England, coaches have not learninged much from their previous selection errors. To be fair to Italy, they don’t have a huge range of players from which to select, and they have played brilliantly; they could and possibly should have beaten Ireland, so we’ll let Quesada off.
As for Ireland, it seems that Farrell has at least learninged that the Prendergast experiment has woefully failed after watching him splash around in the shallow part of the pitch in the first match, and create his own wadi in the second. While Crowley, like his other possible replacements, is dubious with the kicking tee (and by the way, kicking points is only HALF YOUR FUCKING JOB as a fly-half), he’s clearly much more effective on the pitch.
The inclusion of more Ulster players made a clear difference in the second match with Player of the Match being narrowed down to a choice between McCloskey, Baloucoune, Fischetti and Zuliani: two Ulstermen, and two Italians. So of course Farrell drops Izuchukwu, who also performed well, and Timoney remains on the bench.
As for England, the inclusion of Stewart continues to please ABE supporters, and Genge is always on a hair trigger for a card. Maro is looking less saint-like these days. Boris Johnson’s illegitimate son, the Pillock, provides a figure one loves to hate, sadly also because, like most super-villains, he’s pretty effective.
On to Wales. Well. Their set-pieces are functioning well, and I reckon they can beat Ireland. Also first-week Scotland, but not brilliant second-week Scotland. Probably not Italy either, especially if they keep kicking possession away, although possession is often coughed up anyway.
France obviously don’t need any learnings*.
*Have I mentioned how much I hate this horrendous evisceration of the English language?
Ovally Balls 
Why the hell didn’t we do this against NZ and Argentina?
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Gardner just looks confused that he had to blow that forward pass.
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Dupont might not make team of the week this time.
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Wee Darcy deserved that, not got away yet, but he has been stressing the French defence with his footwork all afternoon.
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Dupont throws a forward pass in the in goal area. Even the ref couldn’t believe that!
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Well, this is getting ridiculous now.
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Oh, France woke up.
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This is wonderful by Scotland ………. and a great game for the neutral!
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Surely a forward pass in that French try? Stunning counter, but it was forward. And that could impact the final standings if France get another.
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Bugger. Steyn looks done.
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Deebee – yes, we thought so!
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The look on LBB’s face when he realised his kick was going out on the full…. Very French!
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Great game, although I did not expect to feel like I am an Italy fan.
Ouch!
Chapeau l’Ă©cosse!
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Has Moefana done anything this match? I think I’ve heard his name mentioned twice.
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I tried to post just ‘Bugger!’ but got the It looks like you’ve already said that error.
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Scotland need another try.
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Remember when Scotland almost lost to Wales?
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Got to take the chance for 50.
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Glad we’ve got the 50 points because we’ve needed it this last quarter.
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This has been far closer than it should have been. Think we’ve just run out of steam. Still….
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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The fact that France finished only 10 points down, seems bonkers.
Which is a very weird thought to have.
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Well!
Let’s hope the next match is equally exciting.
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Pleased for France that they managed to pull themselves together towards the end, after all we don’t want whipping boys..
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Steyn for me, but they probably should just give it to all 23.
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Such gloves…
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Flattering score for France. I still enjoyed this.
Bravo les Écossais.
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Hmmmmmm.
Looks like I’m going to be hoping for England to win next week. Or draw without letting France have a TBP, and us winning with one.
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Showing that possible gouge again – ref’s looking straight at it. Hopefully the French player will get cited.
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Most complete performance I’ve seen from Scotland since, since I’m not sure. Surely, withh all due apologies, every neutral will be supporting Scotland next weekend? First, Italy this evening, then Scotland and England next week? Would like both Italy and Wales to win next week too!
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Tom Curry’s broke himself during the warm-up. Underhill to 7.
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Scotland played vs France like Glasgow vs Toulouse. Except they played for 80 minutes. Nothing beats pace and today Scotland made France look ponderous for at least 70 minutes.
Terrific pace and precision. Well deserved win.
I think France will have too much for England, but I certainly wouldn’t mind Scotland winning the whole thing.
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sniff
No-one loves us any more.
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Thaum, I just wrote the opposite.
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Who is going onto the bench?
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Well, I meant Ireland had enough wins lately, time for Scotland.
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If we don’t win, I’d like it to be Scotland, it’s true.
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SBT – Cunningham-South
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thanks Refit
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Blow the final whistle, ref!
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Wooo! England!
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Oof, this is tedious. Am considering picking up my book.
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Hmm, me too. Super Maro looking like a passenger here.
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Time for some Limoncello!
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At last! Something’s happened!
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So, we replace one full back who keeps getting caught out of position with another. Always been a weakness with Daly.
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Also. lots of space on Englands right .
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That was some piss-poor Italian defence.
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Also. lots of space on Englands right .
I think you’ll find that the space on England’s right is well occupied by Farage and his mates.
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Well, a lot of space for Roebuck on England,s right. Roebuck playing well. Never been a fan, but he is looking the part. Nice work by Fin Smith .
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Well the tries have been good. About 30 seconds of good play in a dire first half.
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