Minute-by-minute - England vs Ireland

[Digby]

I would actually put Ford and Farrell quite high on my list of current 10’s likely to slot a crucial drop goal. Although I concede that probably says more about the lack of drop goals scored in test rugby nowadays.

Sexton would have to be 1st, but after that not sure who I would fancy.

Surely Sanchez

And then in no particular order our lads, Lealiifano, Pollard, Lopez, Biggar, not really sure why I'd opt for Lealiifano over Foley, but I do

[Banquo]

I would actually put Ford and Farrell quite high on my list of current 10’s likely to slot a crucial drop goal. Although I concede that probably says more about the lack of drop goals scored in test rugby nowadays.

Sexton would have to be 1st, but after that not sure who I would fancy.

Surely Sanchez

And then in no particular order our lads, Lealiifano, Pollard, Lopez, Biggar, not really sure why I'd opt for Lealiifano over Foley, but I do

Biggar has more than our lads combined; Sanchez has 12.

[Digby]

I would actually put Ford and Farrell quite high on my list of current 10’s likely to slot a crucial drop goal. Although I concede that probably says more about the lack of drop goals scored in test rugby nowadays.

Sexton would have to be 1st, but after that not sure who I would fancy.

Surely Sanchez

And then in no particular order our lads, Lealiifano, Pollard, Lopez, Biggar, not really sure why I'd opt for Lealiifano over Foley, but I do

Biggar has more than our lads combined; Sanchez has 12.

Obviously I'd trust Biggar more than our lads to run underneath and catch his own drop kick, but I don't know I'd trust him to be more accurate, unlike Sanchez. If I had to pick one after Sanchez I think I'd go with Pollard, nothing more than a gut take on the situation

[Scrumhead]

Ford has 2 for England, 10 in total. Faz has three for England, but only 5 in total. Those are not the stats of trusted drop kickers. But as Timbo says, its not a prevalent scoring method any more. Jonny had 58, with 36 in tests, to go to the other extreme; even Dan Carter managed 8 internationally.

Sometimes I think we should go for more drop goals.

It goes without saying that I’d far rather see us running in great tries, but there are times when a drop goal would be a good option to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

[Raggs]

Thing is, when you're 30? yards out, and centre of the pitch, unless you're desperate for the 3, you are in theory in prime attacking position, even if off slow ball.

[Timbo]

Actually, now I remember England were trying to set up a drop goal at the end of the game against NZ last Autumn- before Lawes threw a shit offload over Slade’s head-and I’m sure it was Ford in the pocket.

So if they’re both on the field at the same time, maybe Ford more likely...

[Puja]

Actually, now I remember England were trying to set up a drop goal at the end of the game against NZ last Autumn- before Lawes threw a shit offload over Slade’s head-and I’m sure it was Ford in the pocket.

So if they’re both on the field at the same time, maybe Ford more likely...

I'd back Ford more to have the minerals under pressure, as I think his skills are more innate, with Faz's being more learned and more likely to crack.

Mind, having said that, the two from Faz in those youtube videos that I found were sweetly struck, albeit there was no pressure on.

Puja

[Digby]

Thing is, when you're 30? yards out, and centre of the pitch, unless you're desperate for the 3, you are in theory in prime attacking position, even if off slow ball.

Of more interest to use than some teams. We need to get going on phase 1, if we're prosaic by phase 3 we're basically kicking it away anyway.

Even having all the carriers we do now that can actually still create multiphase issues when so many are trying to be viable carrying options, and the balance goes out of kilter on having enough players to support our breakdowns

[Danno]

Thing is, when you're 30? yards out, and centre of the pitch, unless you're desperate for the 3, you are in theory in prime attacking position, even if off slow ball.

Of more interest to use than some teams. We need to get going on phase 1, if we're prosaic by phase 3 we're basically kicking it away anyway.

Even having all the carriers we do now that can actually still create multiphase issues when so many are trying to be viable carrying options, and the balance goes out of kilter on having enough players to support our breakdowns

Can't argue with that, so might as well kick for the sticks a bit more