Leicester v Scarlets Fri 7.45

[Beasties]

On the evidence of tonight, I'd rather have Thomson at SH for Eng than Youngs. His passing from lineouts was exemplary. Watching Youngs dither the night away near the Scarlets tryline was painful, as usual.

Manu's power was joyous to behold. Obv we'll have to treasure this viewing. More encouraging was that fact he wasn't blowing out of his arse near the end of the match. Dare we dream?

[Tigersman]

Great and necessary win today. Not perfect, but hopefully signs of how Murphy's Tigers will play.

A few thoughts:
- What is the purpose of Polota-Nau? He has contributed nothing to Leicester after arriving with such fanfare.
- Does anyone remember the last time Ben Youngs tapped and ran from a penalty? He keeps looking and dummying, but never seems to go. I think it's emblematic of his scrambled state of mind - he's second guessing himself and trying to play safe all the time.
- Thompson's looking the missing link in our back row. More of that please!
- Manu is due for an injury now. Sprained thumb, perhaps. This kind of form is where you'd put him in England sides on merit, rather than name, so he'll crock himself any second.

Puja

Agree with much of that
Would add
Kerr, Reffell and heyes took their chances well.
Williams, Wells and Spencer played well as a lock and 6 unit.

Talk is Polotau is returning to Aus and Tigers trying to sign Taylor from wasps.

[Spiffy]

Liking this Ford under Murphy. Please Jones play him for what he can do not want you want him to do...

Unfortunately he's more likely to be dropped for what he can't do.

English rugby selection in a depressing nutshell.

But what is it that Farrell can do that Ford can’t?

His defence is a myth and his leadership is basically being mouthy.

You, and many others can see it. But unfortunately Eddie Jones cannot. Ford is more skillfull than Farrell in all aspects of FH play. He just has not been trusted to play his natural game at the national level, and he won't be as long as Jones is in charge.
It's not just Ford. Jones cannot get selection right, particularly in the areas of backrow, SH, midfield and FB. Yes - that's a large chunk of the team.

[fivepointer]

Thats more like it Tigers. A proper, no nonsense full on performance. Direct and powerful built on a very fine effort from the pack.
From an England POV Manu's performance will be very welcome. Ford good too and Thomson and the locks were first rate.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Lots to work on. Got ourselves stuck a few times in attack where we lost the thread and reverted to one out easy to defend runners.

Much more heart though and finally giving Manu opportunities to make yards and pull defenders in. Better, generally, defensively. Well better than the games preceding this one.

Wonderful to see Manu starting to sharpen up. Starting to look fitter to and was certainly hungry yesterday.