2024 Six Nations Chat

[OakhamTiger32]

Fine margins.. Italy could well have beaten France had that kick not hit the bar and were it not for a last gasp penalty tonight they would have been 5th not 2nd! Shows how close it has been this year.. very fine margins! In fact.. weren’t Scotland denied the win late on against France also with an ‘inconclusive’ try? France really rode their luck this year despite being an incredible side

I don’t think France have been anywhere near their best but have certainly got better as the tournament progressed. I’ll have to look at the replays of that tackle but I trust you if you say it was legit

Watched it again and there does seem to be a no arms tackle by Earl.. 76:44 on clock.. dips in to the tackle, very low down.. must have come from the TMO because over 10s elapse before he says advantage.. I was looking at the moment the ref said advantage but the offence was before

[PIEANDAPINT]

Despite disappointment, one of the better 6 nations of recent years. Pleased for Italy who were very competitive in all but one game.

[Robespierre]

There’ll always be « what ifs », but four tries against three is a hell of a performance. Borther’s England are on the way up!

[Tigers86asw]

England have come a long way this tournament. The majority of the team are in it for at least 3 years, if not more.
They played some very good attacking rugby.
Their defence caused problems- although still in its infancy.
They look very fit- shock!
They have players who can break the gainline.
They appear to have an attacking identity.
Coaching are therefore showing clear value.

Issues?
No immediate successors to Cole.
No backup to Lawrence with Tuilagi retiring.
Smiths role is still not clear.

[mol2]

Couple of thoughts.

Is George ideal as captain. Doesn't go the whole game?
It's daft to have Smith covering full back. Not big enough- height or power.
Daly does not cut it.
Where are the other props?

[sapajo]

England have come a long way this tournament. The majority of the team are in it for at least 3 years, if not more.
They played some very good attacking rugby.
Their defence caused problems- although still in its infancy.
They look very fit- shock!
They have players who can break the gainline.
They appear to have an attacking identity.
Coaching are therefore showing clear value.

Issues?
No immediate successors to Cole.
No backup to Lawrence with Tuilagi retiring.
Smiths role is still not clear.

Did not know that Manu has retired?

[TigerFeetSteve]

England have come a long way this tournament. The majority of the team are in it for at least 3 years, if not more.
They played some very good attacking rugby.
Their defence caused problems- although still in its infancy.
They look very fit- shock!
They have players who can break the gainline.
They appear to have an attacking identity.
Coaching are therefore showing clear value.

Issues?
No immediate successors to Cole.
No backup to Lawrence with Tuilagi retiring.
Smiths role is still not clear.

Did not know that Manu has retired?

Out of contract with Sale, they are rumored to have signed the Fiji skipper to replace him, heavily thought to be going overseas which deems him ineligible.

[Pellsey]

France's tries were pure class. England scored due to poor defence. As was the case last week, the best team won IMHO.

[Leicestertinytiger]

Think England will be happy with the tournament overall. Look a much better team to the one that started and more settled

Over the summer we really need to try and unearth the next generation of props. Baxter, Heyes, Opoku-Fordjour on the bench against Japan. Hopefully move on from Daly. IFW will be back firing, him and Freeman are two quality wingers.

[Pellsey]

Think England will be happy with the tournament overall. Look a much better team to the one that started and more settled

Over the summer we really need to try and unearth the next generation of props. Baxter, Heyes, Opoku-Fordjour on the bench against Japan. Hopefully move on from Daly. IFW will be back firing, him and Freeman are two quality wingers.

Completely agree on all counts. I still think Steward deserves to play (Furbank is not international class) but his omission just means he will be fresh for Tigers.. Smith was pretty good though.

[Scott1]

1 minor gripe is that I thought the front row could have lasted a bit longer. It gave me nightmarish flashbacks to Lancaster laptop rugby!

[Leicestertinytiger]

Agree about the subs, coaches need to trust what they’re seeing on the pitch rather than the GPS data and pre-set subs.

Think Underhill being back has been massive. Doesn’t seem to get many plaudits this tournament and isn’t as flashy as Earl at 8. But he’s quietly gone about smashing people and getting turnovers. Think he’s been great but don’t see anyone talking about him.

Obviously Earl is now up there in the world class bracket. Mad SB didn’t play him last six nations.

[Scott1]

Agree about the subs, coaches need to trust what they’re seeing on the pitch rather than the GPS data and pre-set subs.

Think Underhill being back has been massive. Doesn’t seem to get many plaudits this tournament and isn’t as flashy as Earl at 8. But he’s quietly gone about smashing people and getting turnovers. Think he’s been great but don’t see anyone talking about him.

Obviously Earl is now up there in the world class bracket. Mad SB didn’t play him last six nations.

Underhill is world class in what he does,now he's fit and on top form him and Martin are destructive and are perfect foils for the likes of Earl.

[CJ]

A fantastic tournament - known as the best in the world and that’s spot on. As for the final day - just amazing. Every single match was a wonderful advert for rugby. Still buzzing.

[sam16111986]

France's tries were pure class. England scored due to poor defence. As was the case last week, the best team won IMHO.

Cause it's pure class to slice a hack through off an overthrown lineout.

Two sides played a very good test match at a frenetic pace with a huge amount of physicality. England just gave away a couple of unforced penalties and France ended up punishing them. I've got no problem with France winning on the day and had they not got the last penalty I'm sure the French fans would have said the same. The competitive rugby the last two weekends of the tournament has been a great advert for the sport.

The only team that's been a real let down were Wales. Gatland acknowledging it and tenders his resignation only for it not to be accepted.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co ... 585149.amp