Scotland V England

[CitizenSmiff]

He did get us to a world cup final so I'd be hesitant to call for his head just yet, but it does feel like he's lacking accountability . Needs somebody to bang his head against a wall and point out that none of his ingenious number swaps are really working.

[Robespierre]

I met John Connelly in Queensland as he is Chairman of a cricket club. What he said about about EJ was a bit like the Democrats and Trump.... reckoned we would very soon get rid....

Good news! Maybe that’ll save me from hitting the bottle!

[mol2]

It's funny how easily people lose confidence and forget how far a team has come.

Who do we think England are, the All Blacks? When did England suddenly become a rugby team that should be expected to win every single game?

England should go out expecting to win every game. (As should the other top tier nations for that matter) and if they don't soul searching should occur each and every time. There is nothing unique about the All Blacks. England's ambition should be to surpass that and if the coaches or players don't buy into that then they are in the wrong job. You don't think Warren Gatland aimed for Wales to go out in the world cup semis?

South Africa won the world cup but England were not beaten by a great side. They had already lost to NZ and should have been easily beaten by England but for EJ picking a half fit Macko at loose head. The guy is a lightweight scrummager at the best of times and the South African coaches identified this and picked a pack to overpower Englands. Combine that with poor selections in the backs - May was clearly injured and Daly all at sea at full back. In some ways Sinckler getting KO'd was a benefit in that it brought on Cole, a vastly more powerful scrummager but even he wasn't able to prevent Macko being munched and the scrum showing several reverse gears as a consequence. That was all down to EJ and his insistance on picking certain players whether they are the best in the position or even fit.

[Tiglon]

It's funny how easily people lose confidence and forget how far a team has come.

Who do we think England are, the All Blacks? When did England suddenly become a rugby team that should be expected to win every single game?

England should go out expecting to win every game. (As should the other top tier nations for that matter) and if they don't soul searching should occur each and every time. There is nothing unique about the All Blacks. England's ambition should be to surpass that and if the coaches or players don't buy into that then they are in the wrong job. You don't think Warren Gatland aimed for Wales to go out in the world cup semis?

South Africa won the world cup but England were not beaten by a great side. They had already lost to NZ and should have been easily beaten by England but for EJ picking a half fit Macko at loose head. The guy is a lightweight scrummager at the best of times and the South African coaches identified this and picked a pack to overpower Englands. Combine that with poor selections in the backs - May was clearly injured and Daly all at sea at full back. In some ways Sinckler getting KO'd was a benefit in that it brought on Cole, a vastly more powerful scrummager but even he wasn't able to prevent Macko being munched and the scrum showing several reverse gears as a consequence. That was all down to EJ and his insistance on picking certain players whether they are the best in the position or even fit.

Completely missed my point. There is a difference between expecting to win and being expected to win. There's an even bigger difference between either of those and saying the coach should be sacked after two defeats.

Especially when a lot of the same people are saying all is well at Tigers after many many more defeats

Apart from the run up to 2003, England have never been an all-conquering side, so why is it now outrageous that they aren't in 2020?

If Jones is sacked because England aren't the best team in the world then England will have a new HC at least once a year.

[JP14]

Weather very poor, Ford should have been a lot more central to the posts for his dropgoal attempt, but apart from that cannot ask for much more.

[chewbacca]

Obviously the weather is dreadful but England seemed determined to kick their way to defeat.

[ashleytiger]

How is it possible, with only a 7 point lead, with only 1 minute 13 or so seconds on the clock, a scrum half with 97 caps box kicks possession away?

[JP14]

How is it possible, with only a 7 point lead, with only 1 minute 13 or so seconds on the clock, a scrum half with 97 caps box kicks possession away?

Because Scotland were piling pressure on the breakdown and he’s keeping the ball as far away from their tryline as possible.

[JP14]

Great power from Gengey!

[Dr H Flashman MBE]

How is it possible, with only a 7 point lead, with only 1 minute 13 or so seconds on the clock, a scrum half with 97 caps box kicks possession away?

Because Scotland were piling pressure on the breakdown and he’s keeping the ball as far away from their tryline as possible.

...was going to say the same thing. Young’s could have come on scored a hat trick and people wouldn’t still criticise him. And in answer to your question, the clue is in it “97 caps”..you are not rubbish at any level to have that many caps..he knows what he is doing.

[drc_007]

Dire conditions, one of those cases where you don't want to be in possession in your own half.

Still a win is a win.

Still need a proper No8 though.

[ABClub]

Gengey's post match interview is brilliant for those who haven't seen it.

He could be playing himself into a starting shirt with Mako looking far from full fitness.

[WhitecapTiger]

Gengey's post match interview is brilliant for those who haven't seen it.

He could be playing himself into a starting shirt with Mako looking far from full fitness.

Sausages

[ashleytiger]

How is it possible, with only a 7 point lead, with only 1 minute 13 or so seconds on the clock, a scrum half with 97 caps box kicks possession away?

Because Scotland were piling pressure on the breakdown and he’s keeping the ball as far away from their tryline as possible.

Maybe a good idea for a scrum half (I played hooker); didn't do my poor old ticker any good at all.....

[BFG]

How is it possible, with only a 7 point lead, with only 1 minute 13 or so seconds on the clock, a scrum half with 97 caps box kicks possession away?

Because Scotland were piling pressure on the breakdown and he’s keeping the ball as far away from their tryline as possible.

Maybe a good idea for a scrum half (I played hooker); didn't do my poor old ticker any good at all.....

To be fair it makes sense to kick the ball where it might find Hogg.
He is a gift that just keeps on giving.