The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

Jones claims England’s poor Six Nations start down to drop in ‘arousal level’..... who'd have known

Then again, there's always been something a little "off" about the Lillywhites...

[Big Boy]

I agree, motivation has to be difficult when the opposition is not really up to the mark game after game.

[PeteC]

Nigel Owens had some criticism of the match.

'That must stop': Nigel Owens takes aim at England captain Owen Farrell after his antics against Italy

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/that-mus ... nst-italy/. (Video)

Former rugby referee Nigel Owens has taken aim at England captain Owen Farrell in a passionate column written in the Daily Mail UK and the refereeing in round two of the Six Nations so far.

England bounced back from a historic 11-6 loss to Scotland in the opening round of the Six Nations last weekend, by beating Italy 41-18 at Twickenham. The win keeps their title hopes alive for now, as they look towards a crucial test against rivals Wales in two weeks’ time.

But writing in his Daily Mail column, Owens didn’t hold back as he expressed his concerns about the state of the game.

Notably, Owens was seemingly disappointed with how Farrell was speaking to the referee in the win over Italy, and how it was allowed to continue.

Owens wrote that despite him having “huge respect for Owen Farrell both as a player and a person”, that “there was too much chat from him to the referee. That must stop.”

“He never did that with me. Every time I referee, I tell the players that there is a time and a place for a conversation,” Owens wrote for the Daily Mail.

“If they want to discuss something, they have to do it in the right manner. That is one of the game’s values.

“It is up to the referees to keep strong and stay on top of things like that. We don’t want to see it creeping in.”

The match also wasn’t without controversy, with Owens’ sharing his views on a controversial incident involving Farrell.

Owens, who recently retired after officiating his 100th test match, suggested that the England captain was fortunate to get away with a late hit on Italian scrumhalf Stephen Varney.

The incident occurred just before the try to Anthony Watson early in the second half.

“He was also fortunate not to be penalised for his late hit on the Italy scrumhalf…He knows the ball has been passed and he followed through to let him know he was there.

“It’s a penalty so England’s try that followed should not have stood.”

Owens also expressed his frustrations with other refereeing decisions.

Sour incidents somewhat outshone both of England and Wales’ wins, with Jack Willis having sustained a seemingly significant knee injury.

“You cannot target someone’s knees. Teams have been using judo coaches to teach players how to roll people away from the contact area. That should not be allowed.” Owens wrote.

“We need to go back to refereeing the law. It is illegal to collapse a ruck. It is illegal to enter below hip height.

“That would stop crocodile rolls like this happening, which will stop horrific injuries like this one.”

[pharvey]

I agree, motivation has to be difficult when the opposition is not really up to the mark game after game.

Now, now......

[pharvey]

^^ Farrell has got away with a fair bit in the past to be honest - you certainly can't knock his commitment, but he crosses the line a little too often (as do some others though..). He's well known for his "miss-timed" tackles - several of which tend to be minus the arms.....

He seems to fallen off his best recently and whether it is frustration at this or not, but his "back chatting" and general demeanor seems to have taken a turn for the worse.

[dtaai-maai]

Can't argue with any of the above. Frankly, I prefer Ford at No. 10, he's much more creative, but I don't think he's big enough for Eddie's liking. I've thought for a while that it may well be time to give Farrell a little rest - even his kicking is not what it was.

[pharvey]

Can't argue with any of the above. Frankly, I prefer Ford at No. 10, he's much more creative, but I don't think he's big enough for Eddie's liking. I've thought for a while that it may well be time to give Farrell a little rest - even his kicking is not what it was.

Ford is by far the more creative - saw a lot of him (at least televised) whilst he was with Bath. That said, and as you've inferred, all depends on EJ's tactics/"Game Management".

It's very painful for a Welshman to admit, but England have a huge depth of talent, but for some reason, recently things are not working. IMHO Farrell at 10 is a no-no - moving him to Center and putting Ford at FH would be better, but even then (EDIT: regards to Farrell) there are better options on current form. If he stays in the XV it could be an idea to remove the captaincy - he's off his game big style and doesn't need the added pressure.

I also think the Saracens players (Itoje in the main) have underperformed (to their standards) - no doubt due to lack of game play..... It's a huge jump to international level at the best of times. Unfortunately for Wales, they'll start hitting form now!!

Jonny May has also not been at his best and I think there's a bit of a mental block there with Gloucester doing so poorly in the league.... That said, look at his opposite number LRZ for Wales - and his Gloucester teammate!!

All in all, hoping for a classic game come the 27th and I'm sure the ones that live on the "East Side of The Bridge" will be back to their best.....

[dtaai-maai]

,,, and I'm sure the ones that live on the "East Side of The Bridge" will be back to their best.....

Am I the only one that has to go through the 4 points of the compass whenever I see east or west? I have no problem with left and right or north and south (or indeed up and down or in and out!), but I'm buggered if I can sort out east and west...

[pharvey]

Am I the only one that has to go through the 4 points of the compass whenever I see east or west? I have no problem with left and right or north and south (or indeed up and down or in and out!), but I'm buggered if I can sort out east and west...

Going clockwise from North.... Never Eat Shreaded Wheat - always good advice

[PeteC]

Dan Carter officially retired from professional rugby today. Story in the usual places.

[pharvey]

Dan Carter officially retired from professional rugby today. Story in the usual places.

No great surprise TBH - pity he didn't get game time in his final season. Absolute class player and apparently a thoroughly decent guy off the pitch. Best of luck to him - I'm sure he'll still play a big part in rugby.

A fair way to go for any international players to reach his record holding 1500+ test points - Farrell is the closest (currently playing), some 500+ points adrift...

[PeteC]

This New Zealand Herald interview sums it up well.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby- ... NIYPZGZ2M/

[pharvey]

Well this weekend will add fuel to the ongoing "discussions" with regards to foul play and punishment relating to contact with the head and potential head injuries.

After the two Red Cards in the Six Nations, there's been four Reds in two matches so far this weekend, for identical infrictions - connection above the shoulders with shoulder and/or elbow. Six in four matches - the refereeing of this is very strong to say the least. Have to say though all decisions were correct (even if one of the Reds was handed out to Bath by Wayne Barnes.... ). As an aside and joking apart, Barnes missed a few things IMO, but was spot on with regards to the two Reds and one Yellow handed out - gave detailed reasoning for his decisions and clearly discussed with the assistants and TMO, fair play (NOTE: @WB, this is the last compliment for some years.... It was painful to give)

Back to topic - At least two of these Reds came as a result of double/two-man tackles - one going low, one going high("er"). This type of defence has been coached/practiced for quite some time....... It's going to have to change and this will have a huge effect on defences...

The "doomsayers" will say the game is going to be destroyed - it's turning "soft"..... No, the game will adjust to suit the new "standards" - it will still be a very physical and competitive sport, hopefully a little safer in reducing the risks of head injuries.

I'm sure "Rugby Social Media" will be alight with this lot for a little while...

[pharvey]

Firstly, increase the above by one Red - it was five Reds in two matches......

Now this is another refereeing decision upsetting (Exeter) fans - perfectly correct IMHO. Follow the link, watch the video and make your own mind up!! [EDIT] Sorry - wrong video. Trying to find original link which showed him moving his feet (before the kick ...)

https://www.ruck.co.uk/watch-exeter-fan ... al-ending/

[pharvey]

Just watching London Irish vs Bristol, and a clear Red for a "Tip-Tackle" was given as a Yellow..... This was a hell of a dangerous tackle - far more so than several of the "Red Card Tackles" given over the past few weeks - poor refereeing.