Six Nations 2015

[Gnostic]

I don't disagree with you Gnostic, just asking for people's thoughts on potential replacements! Sheesh!

Sorry. When I suggested the same thing two years ago people came out with defences of Gatland saying that, there is nobody else.

In fact the same defence was used for Deans, when he did in fact change plans and styles markedly each each and in 2011 mid year for the RWC, but at no time did game plan match selection of the right skill sets for the plan.....

Have a search, there will be worthy candidates, but the WRU don't know if they just sign Gatland to an extended contract.... oh wait.

 

[mxyzptlk]

Special word for Scotland, that backthree is fantastic, as is Russell.

This is their first year under Cotter. During that Scotland-France game, I kept thinking if they stay injury-free, this is a team that's going to get much better in the coming year.

 

[mxyzptlk]

Lydiate has only played a handful of games without shinning in any of them.

 

[BabyBlueElephant]

This is their first year under Cotter. During that Scotland-France game, I kept thinking if they stay injury-free, this is a team that's going to get much better in the coming year.

They look very impressive. Been a long time since Scottish backs looked so threatening. Hogg and Russell are huge talents while Visser and Seymour are capable finishers. Used to be that an ironic cheer was let out once they scored but now they look more than capable of beating any 6N side at Murray field. Hopefully it continues a powerful Scotland only strengthens the game.

They're also a nuisance at ruck time. Cowan turned three or four balls over alone last game the French tight five struggled hugely with him That said he conceded a few penalties.

Wales Scotland will be epic.

 

[Llew]

Wales Scotland will be epic.

Hope so, will be there!

 

[Bardon]

Scotland v Wales really does look like it's going to be one to remember. The Scots will want to harness all the positivity that Cotter has brought and produce a result to go along with improved performance. Wales really need a win to keep any hope of a tilt at the title alive. I can see this one possibly being one of those see-saw games where neither team holds anything back.

 

[Highlander35]

We need the current crop to be injury free, and we need another handful of Players back so that the bench can turn a game, rather than just sort of float along.

Matt Scott, Sean Maitland, Grant Gilchrist, Chris Cusiter and either Weir or Jackson back would help a lot. Twas a rather underwhelming group of subs against France.

Cowan has repaid Cotters desire for bigger stronger forwards already, and it's obviously that players like Fusaro, Roddy Grant and the Killer Bees don't really fit his mold, and why big Al is being picked from the ProD2. Wonder if Strauss will be rushed in for the World Cup, would certainly be a risk as he's only eligible a couple of days before it starts.

 

[BabyBlueElephant]

Hopefully so. It's a must win game for both sides which adds to it. A Welsh team hurting against the best coached and most talented Scottish side this decade all at Murrayfield. If Wales are out after two rounds, well it almost feels inconceivable with a trip to Paris to come and of course the the title holders in Ireland.

 

[BabyBlueElephant]

We need the current crop to be injury free, and we need another handful of Players back so that the bench can turn a game, rather than just sort of float along.

wasn'

Matt Scott, Sean Maitland, Grant Gilchrist, Chris Cusiter and either Weir or Jackson back would help a lot. Twas a rather underwhelming group of subs against France.

Cowan has repaid Cotters desire for bigger stronger forwards already, and it's obviously that players like Fusaro, Roddy Grant and the Killer Bees don't really fit his mold, and why big Al is being picked from the ProD2. Wonder if Strauss will be rushed in for the World Cup, would certainly be a risk as he's only eligible a couple of days before it starts.

I remember many Scottish fans banging on about wanting Fusaro inclusion. Are you in that camp?

 

[the plastic paddy]

Is there no coach in rugby mad Wales considered capable of coaching the national team?

If he is Welsh he will come from somewhere in Wales and the accusation of bias will be bandied about if he selects someone from there. EDIT much the same as in Ireland I should add.

 

[the plastic paddy]

We need the current crop to be injury free, and we need another handful of Players back so that the bench can turn a game, rather than just sort of float along.

Matt Scott, Sean Maitland, Grant Gilchrist, Chris Cusiter and either Weir or Jackson back would help a lot. Twas a rather underwhelming group of subs against France.

Cowan has repaid Cotters desire for bigger stronger forwards already, and it's obviously that players like Fusaro, Roddy Grant and the Killer Bees don't really fit his mold, and why big Al is being picked from the ProD2. Wonder if Strauss will be rushed in for the World Cup, would certainly be a risk as he's only eligible a couple of days before it starts.

Maitland will be gone now he has signed for a wealthy PRL club, if only.....

 

[the plastic paddy]

Ireland team if Best is unfit, from a reliable source,

McGrath, Strauss, Ross, POC, Toner, POM, SOB, Heaslip, Murray, Sexton, Zebo, Henshaw, Payne, Bowe, Kearney.

Reps, Cronin, Healy, Moore, Hendo, Jordi, Boss, Madigan, Fitzgerald.

Would be very disappointed for Keatley were he not to get the bench spot. Likewise TOD.

 

[Bardon]

I think Maddigan will be on the bench just by virtue he covers more positions. I hope Keatley sees more game time over the tournament.

 

[KevinO]

Ireland team if Best is unfit, from a reliable source,

McGrath, Strauss, Ross, POC, Toner, POM, SOB, Heaslip, Murray, Sexton, Zebo, Henshaw, Payne, Bowe, Kearney.

Reps, Cronin, Healy, Moore, Hendo, Jordi, Boss, Madigan, Fitzgerald.

Would be very disappointed for Keatley were he not to get the bench spot. Likewise TOD.

Would start Cronin ahead of Strauss, but other than that I like this side. Maybe drop Boss as well.

 

[BabyBlueElephant]

If that is the team its a great one. Madigan deserves it over Keatley for me, Madders is in the form of his life this season, shouldn't be dropped altogether from his place in the 23 like previous team announcements by JS just because of a poor kicking performance at Wasps and a poor wolfhounds game that everyone struggled in.

That team should be too much for France. The prospect of SOB, Healy and Henderson coming on at 55/60 mins almost makes it feel like I've closure on Ferris retiring.

 

[Shelts89]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31366397

England name an unchanged 23 man squad for Italy, here's hoping that the XV remains unchanged.

Edit: Actually I wouldn't mind Tom Youngs in for Hartley since he missed his line outs, and cave troll (youngs) is better around the field anyway.

 

[JSRF10]

Ireland team if Best is unfit, from a reliable source,

McGrath, Strauss, Ross, POC, Toner, POM, SOB, Heaslip, Murray, Sexton, Zebo, Henshaw, Payne, Bowe, Kearney.

Reps, Cronin, Healy, Moore, Hendo, Jordi, Boss, Madigan, Fitzgerald.

Would be very disappointed for Keatley were he not to get the bench spot. Likewise TOD.

Serious impact off the bench, Boss aside. More than capable of beating France at home I think we can really lay down a statement ahead of the world cup with that panel

 

[Bardon]

I don't doubt for a second that this Irish team has the ability to beat France well, even a French team that seems to be coming into some form. What I'm not so sure about is the mental approach.

In the past when we've had a superior team in better form we've still made it difficult for ourselves against France. If Ireland get out to an early lead I'd like to see them pulling away in the last 20 minutes. Hopefully Joe can instill that ruthless streak that his Leinster team were famous for into the national team.

As Brent Pope often says, never give a sucker an even break.

 

[Highlander35]

The Welsh have overhauled their team and have named an experimental and wide running team to play against the Scots at Murrayfield.

Just kidding. North gets a "rest", Samson Lee TBC.

 

[BabyBlueElephant]

If Ireland get a lead I can't see us blowing it. Schmidt's teams are deliberately made to cope with the favourites tag. Leinster and irish players all rant about his "mind gym" where players are made to feel secure and comfortable with winning. That should eliminate the whole blowing it against the Frenches.

The last three games with France stands D - D - W, it'll be tight.