2015 Six Nations

[thebish]

could be worse... we might suffer in the second half when the tank runs empty and the subs bench is less than stuffed with experience....

[TANGODANCER]

Thought I read Ciprianni would play?

[thebish]

i think Ford has done enough to earn his place - cipriani is the incomer...

[TANGODANCER]

As a totally enthusiastic, ever patriotic but not over-knowledgable international Union watcher of the armchair variety, (I know the basic rules and have rarely missed many games on T.V over quite a few years) what are our realistic chances against the Welsh this time? All the sides have seen quite a few changes as time marches on, no more Michalak, Wilkinson, Steve Wood or Bod and quite a few I honestly don't know. Are we in with a good shout?

[KeyserSoze]

As a totally enthusiastic, ever patriotic but not over-knowledgable international Union watcher of the armchair variety, (I know the basic rules and have rarely missed many games on T.V over quite a few years) what are our realistic chances against the Welsh this time? All the sides have seen quite a few changes as time marches on, no more Michalak, Wilkinson, Steve Wood or Bod and quite a few I honestly don't know. Are we in with a good shout?

For the game? Maybe, depends which Wales turn up. The injuries though mean we probably won't realistically challenge. Ireland to win I'd guess.

[Worthy4England]

Wales are pretty settled in their lineup. England have won once in Wales (2011) since 2003. Last time out there, we went with the Championship to lose and watched an awsome second half power display by the Taffs, as they ran up a record winning margin.

They have 648 caps to our 358 (more caps in their forwards than in our team). We have lots of injuries. I think it might be closer than the 27 point drubbing last time we visited, but I think an England win, whilst not out of the question, would be one against the head.

[thebish]

As a totally enthusiastic, ever patriotic but not over-knowledgable international Union watcher of the armchair variety, (I know the basic rules and have rarely missed many games on T.V over quite a few years) what are our realistic chances against the Welsh this time? All the sides have seen quite a few changes as time marches on, no more Michalak, Wilkinson, Steve Wood or Bod and quite a few I honestly don't know. Are we in with a good shout?

with the injuries and the resultant reorganisation - coupled with the settledness of the welsh and the fact they are at home...

we're basically stuffed... we start out as decided underdogs...

but.. sometimes underdogs bite back - and the opening rounds of fixtures sometimes throw up a shock before teams get into their stride... better to play them now than in 2 weeks time...

[TANGODANCER]

Thank you. All in which case I'll say...COME ON YOU WHITES,,,,,

[thebish]

Thank you. All in which case I'll say...COME ON YOU WHITES,,,,,

^ seconded!

once again, though - will be stuck doing panto....

friday night, and saturday matinee and evening to go...

(on Weds night, I think the audience heard an unscripted "Get the %&*!! in" from backstage... )

[KeyserSoze]

Oh no they didn't!

[jaffka]

We always have a chance.

The pressure is on Wales and that early team announcement could just back fire, it's allowed each English opposite number to imprint that mans name and be totally focused on winning their personal battle and imposing their personality on them.

Greatness awaits this England team if they can pull off the unexpected and win when so many don't think we can.

[thebish]

We always have a chance.

The pressure is on Wales and that early team announcement could just back fire, it's allowed each English opposite number to imprint that mans name and be totally focused on winning their personal battle and imposing their personality on them.

Greatness awaits this England team if they can pull off the unexpected and win when so many don't think we can.

aye - let's hope so... the welsh are never quite as good when they are not underdogs...

having said that, that's probably jinxed the whole bastard game!

[jaffka]

It's the second row that worries me, no specialist replacement on the bench.

Anyway nowt I can do about it, worrying is now Lancaster and co's responsibility.

Our job is to believe.

[TANGODANCER]

Almost time for Sweet Chariots swinging low....

[KeyserSoze]

f*ck. Cant' stream the game abroad on t'bbc, can I.

Given bosses aren't in I'm tempted to take an extended break

[Worthy4England]

I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England's green & pleasant Land.

Beer.

[KeyserSoze]

[Worthy4England]

...I think I'll call your gaffer and tell him/her you have nowt to do.

[Prufrock]

Strong start!

[Worthy4England]

Too static. Forwards need to get a fcking grip.