2016 Six Nations Rugby

[pharvey]

North got lucky with his try, overrunning the ball which was then obligingly tapped into his path by a Frenchman.

How could you possibly not see that this was a classic pre-determined move with "our George" selling a magical dummy miss-kick, bewildering the French defence then picking the ball from his toes before crossing the line with majestic ease.....

Anywho, onto today's games..... and I've got the day off to watch!!

Beelzebub's XV vs The Emerald Islanders : -

A real pity to see Ireland missing some big players through injury - Dave Kearney will certainly be a huge loss IMHO. However, it will be very interesting to see the partnership of new cap Stuart McCloskey and Robbie Henshaw in mid-field against the Lillywhites' partnership of Jonathan Joseph and Owen Farrell - a potential battle in the making. Also the partnership of George Kruis and Maro Itoje in the "boiler house" could cause Ireland some problems me-thinks.

Odds on for a Hartley Yellow Card? He certainly has history with his opposite number Rory Best and they have come to blows on a couple of occassions previously at club level - certainly no love lost between them.

The Rose Bearers will go into the game as favourites, but it's going to be a tight one IMHO which could go either way....

COME ON THE PADDIES - DO US A FAVOUR!!

The Pasta Munchers vs The Sweaties : -

A huge game for Scotland who will be desperate to put an end to their losing streak in the 6N, which now stands at 10 odd games - this really is a "must win". They don't have the best of records in Rome, but my bet is for them to bury their demons and come away with a decent win - although I can't see them putting 40 odd points on the Azzurri this time around.

Joshua Furno returns from injury and could cause the Gray brothers a few problems - he certainly had a stand-out season last year.

The Scots will be looking for another big game from their talisman and captain Greig Laidlaw who certainly wears his heart on his sleeve and on his day is a true match winner.

A good win could certainly turn the Scots' fortunes around.

Here's to a great evening (well, Saudi time) of rugby!!

[dtaai-maai]

A huge game for Scotland

Yes, I was reading earlier that Andy Nichol had said this was "Scotland's biggest game ever". While I take the point, it's a pretty sad day for Scottish rugby when a game against Italy becomes the most important in their history...


Watching in Saudi, eh, pharvey? No then, I suppose?

[pharvey]

Yes, I was reading earlier that Andy Nichol had said this was "Scotland's biggest game ever". While I take the point, it's a pretty sad day for Scottish rugby when a game against Italy becomes the most important in their history...

Yes quite...... Scotland are on the up after some hard times, but to lose this would be a huge backwards step. Still, I hope Italy play for the full 80 unlike they did against England.

Watching in Saudi, eh, pharvey? No then, I suppose?

Oh why not rub it in There's nothing like coming back to the digs after a long day on site to an ice cold... 7 Up - FFS

[arcadianagain]

England/Ireland a much more exciting match than yesterday`s snorefest.

[dtaai-maai]

England 21-10 Ireland

There can't be any complaints about a fairly comfortable win, particularly as England were a man down for half of the 2nd half. The first half was not totally dissimilar to the Welsh game yesterday, as England failed to turn domination into points, but you always felt they were on the brink, even when Ireland went ahead early in the 2nd half. The constant pressure eventually wore Ireland down.

Billy Vunipola was immense at No. 8, making carry after carry. Watson gets better with every game, and there were positive performances from Itoje and Kruis. The much criticised combination of Ford and Farrell at 10 and 12 seems to be working out pretty well so far.

One big difference between today's game and the Welsh game was the yellow cards - if they were given today (and I thought Care's was a bit harsh) why weren't they given yesterday? It's one thing having consistent refereeing within one game, but it should be consistent across the board.


Italy 20-36 Scotland

The scoreline perhaps a bit unfair on Italy, who played well but missed out on a few points, but a well-deserved win for Scotland, who were under a lot of pressure both on and off the pitch. Parisse was magnificent as always. An entertaining game.

[PeteC]

Standings after Round 3:

1 - Dai_L 12.25
2 ▲1 pooley 11.75
3 ▼1 pharvey 11.00
4 ▲3 oz 10.50 (Yellow Cap)
5 - lindosfan 9.50
- - redzonerocker 9.50
7 ▲2 BigBoy 9.50
8 ▼4 Pete 9.25
9 ▲3 JimmyGreaves 8.75
10 - hutchy10 8.50
11 ▼3 iron jack 7.50
12 ▼1 MasterClass 7.00

[Sabai Jai]

Enjoyed the England v Ireland game, wasn't sure if I fancied a lateish night but it was good.

Shame Italy deprived the Jocks of their rightful spoon

[JimmyGreaves]

Really enjoyed the England / Ireland game. Ireland gave a good account of themselves, the new players that are being introduced will improve the depth of the side once the injured guys get back on track. A bit of luck here and there and it would have been much closer.

[arcadianagain]

We`re still waiting for Pharvey`s take on the England/Ireland match, his prediction of a yellow card for Dylan Hartley was a bit off, next round should be decisive

[pharvey]

We`re still waiting for Pharvey`s take on the England/Ireland match

My apologies - the trials and tribulations of being non-Muslim and working in the Medinah area of Saudi have taken their toll!!
Have to say an exciting game and one I enjoyed (sadly more-so than the one in Cardiff ). Whilst a deserved win for Beelzebub and the boys, a fair few positives for the Paddies despite their handling letting them down on several occasions and the line-out struggling for one of the first times in several years. Stand out performance from new cap and Center, Stuart McCloskey - sure we'll be seeing a great deal more of him in the future.

As for "that team" , a BIG defensive performance ultimately sapping Ireland's energy, and a strong display from the forwards with Vunipola the obvious stand out - yet another huge game from him. Must be a shoe-in for the Lions tour.

Back-line looking very dangerous, however on the downside for me...... I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Mike Brown is a very talented player but a complete and utter knob. Insanely arrogant, petulant and quite frankly a danger to others on the field - clearly shown by his tap dance on Connor Murray's face. Accidental my @rse - it's dangerous use of the boot, end of.

The bugger then show's his other side in scoring a cracking try......

A lot of "off the ball" and (very) professional fouling during the game which spoiled things for me in some respects.

his prediction of a yellow card for Dylan Hartley was a bit off

Now, now, don't get ahead of yourself - plenty of time for him to revert to type!

Despite the fact that I think the guy is an out and out thug and probably should have spent time behind bars for some of the offences he has committed, I'll reluctantly admit that up to this point in the Championship he has conducted himself remarkably (and surprisingly) well. Perhaps the England Captaincy has indeed pushed him to turn a corner.

next round should be decisive

A simple stepping stone for God's Own on their way to another Championship....
In all seriousness, it is likely the Championship decider. Sadly, the dark forces of Lillywhite HQ seem to be in prime position - Wales are really not playing to their potential and unfortunately becoming very much one-dimensional. The Rose Bearers on the other hand seem to be going from strength to strength and gaining in confidence as they go.

That said, Gatland has obviously done a marvellous job of lulling our foes into a false sense of security and come the evening of Saturday the 12th, we shall be heading back down the M4 as Champions Elect!!

Has to be worth a bet!!

Will wait until I see the team selections before deciding to what degree we shall be victorious!!

[PeteC]

England and Wales this weekend is going to be the battle of the tournament, the battle of the year! I don't know who to choose. It's going to take a physical toll on both teams. One thing, a week later with Round 5, I would much rather be Wales playing at home against Italy than England playing in France. Pete

[dtaai-maai]

Despite the fact that I think the guy is an out and out thug and probably should have spent time behind bars for some of the offences he has committed, I'll reluctantly admit that up to this point in the Championship he has conducted himself remarkably (and surprisingly) well. Perhaps the England Captaincy has indeed pushed him to turn a corner.

You could be right on both counts, though I suspect he has the respect of most players. I recently watched an interview with him after he'd been made England skipper, and he comes across as a reasonably articulate, thoughtful and sensible person. I suspect there's a red mist that needs to be kept tucked away...

[arcadianagain]

What do you call a Welshman holding a bottle of champagne after the England v Wales game?















The waiter

[Big Boy]

Waiter?

[pharvey]

Steady on..............

Getting a tad over confident aren't we gents?