Ireland vrs England

It was a deserved win for Ireland. It was expected but it was a highly competitive game. Ultimately, the difference was the amount of possession. Ireland spent much of the second half camped in England's 22. As well as England defended, the pressure was always going to tell. And it did.

England did some things well and is an improving young team but it is still a level below the best four in the world. Ireland's game against France is now the likely title decider.

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22Michelle · 61-69, T

Watching yhe game my take was that England put in a massive effort, but it all seemed rather thud and blunder. Ireland took some time to get going, but in the end won with some ease. That said, as in the autumn internationals it looked a bit off the pace. It just didn't look like the kind of performance Ireland have shown in previous years. The question is whether that's just first game rust or signs the changes, ageing etc., are having an effect.
I akways treat the gurst round results with a pinch of salt. Teams usually shake off some rust, work out what worked, what didn't. Other teams do the same, but of course look at the opposition and gauge what they can exploit, what they gave to guard against. So let's see who improves, who looks more vulnerable in the second round.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@22Michelle Yes. Though the England/Ireland game did have the most intensity of the fixtures.

England just didn't get enough ball and out back three are all good snafflers but we lack a heavy ball carrier. I get that kicking makes sense against a bigger team but it only makes sense if you can sometimes turnover the ball and we couldn't. The good news for England is that the defense is much better. It will need to be against France.

Scotland can beat Ireland but they'll need to play better than they did against Italy.

22Michelle · 61-69, T

@Burnley123 As I said in my post first game is about shaking off the ring rust. The question for all the teams is how much they can improve. France I think will, Wales not so sure. Scotland, and Italy, will. The two I have doubts about are Ireland and England. Are Ireland still the team they were or are they starting to slide? If they still have it then they win. If they are starting to slide Scotland can turn them over.. England I just feel they're still too one dimensional. Lots of power, but rather predictable, and most of them look gassed in the final quarter.
So my predictions for next week. France to win, Italy to win. Ireland to either demonstrate they are still one of the top teams in the world and win, or that they are sliding and Scotland to win what will be a bad tempered game. Cards may turn the game.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@22Michelle I am predicting England to beat Scotland though,

22Michelle · 61-69, T

@Burnley123 Optimistic much? Seriously their power game could work given the players Scotland are missing. However, if Scotland can just about match the power game then they have too much flair and options to open England up. As previously, for me England are too one dimensional both in defence and attack. They will have to improve a lot before the Calcutta Cup rolls round to be considered favourites. It could happen, but it's a big call to say they will. A heavy defeat to France could see them drop further back into their shell.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@22Michelle I think England is improving and has better players overall. We have more power and potentially more skill. I'm going to piss you off even more by saying that I think Marcus Smith should get the Lions ten jersey ahead of Finn Russel.

I do think it will be close and Scotland is a bogey team but England is at home. I think we win. I'll eat humble pie if I'm wrong.

22Michelle · 61-69, T

@Burnley123 Home advantage is certainly an advantage. Whether it will be enough I'm not sure. As before I think England are far too one dimensional and reliant on bludgeoning the opposition. And yes it could work, but Scotland only need to be close in that physicality to allow their flair to make openings. So can England win, yes. Will they win? Let's see the second round performances. Based on the first round I'd still make Scotland slight favourites.
As for Marcus Smith he's good, but Lions good, again let's see his performances over the whole 6N. He's definitely a media favourite in an England team that is pretty much devoid of flair. Finn Russell is still favourite for that berth, but again let's see over the entire 6N.