RugbyRebels

I'm not sure if it's because I'm a bit under the weather and tired, but Healey is really getting on my nerves this weekend.

Henry Thomas is absolute quality. I hope he gets an injury free run. Same for Zach Mercer.

I think we can safely say that the new laws haven't affected the resourcing of the breakdowns. It's one hell of a battle at the breakdown.

Mellsblue wrote:Henry Thomas is absolute quality. I hope he gets an injury free run. Same for Zach Mercer.

yep, Mercer very mobile and visible; Underhill under the radar, unseen work

Mellsblue wrote:I think we can safely say that the new laws haven't affected the resourcing of the breakdowns. It's one hell of a battle at the breakdown.

I'd say its more selective and counter rucking than el jackelo?

Hopefully Hughes be ok

Carley has really taken against Bath's front row - no idea if he's right or not

Which Tyler wrote:Carley has really taken against Bath's front row - no idea if he's right or not

its all very mysterious. Not a great half in truth.

Banquo wrote:

Mellsblue wrote:I think we can safely say that the new laws haven't affected the resourcing of the breakdowns. It's one hell of a battle at the breakdown.

I'd say its more selective and counter rucking than el jackelo.

Agreed. It was a comment on numbers in there battling rather than the specific tactics. A couple of posters here may have decried the end of rugby as we knew it after Exeter v Wasps last weekend, and it might have been an admission by one of them that he may have been a bit premature.

Banquo wrote:

Which Tyler wrote:Carley has really taken against Bath's front row - no idea if he's right or not

its all very mysterious. Not a great half in truth.

He's not alone. There have been a few dodgy performances from the refs so far this season.

Pretty damn scrappy. Both defences rushing, playing right on the edge of, and over, the offside line, stifling space.

Did Hughes go off?

Mellsblue wrote:

Banquo wrote:

Mellsblue wrote:I think we can safely say that the new laws haven't affected the resourcing of the breakdowns. It's one hell of a battle at the breakdown.

I'd say its more selective and counter rucking than el jackelo.

Agreed. It was a comment on numbers in there battling rather than the specific tactics. A couple of posters here may have decried the end of rugby as we knew it after Exeter v Wasps last weekend, and it might have been an admission by one of them that he may have been a bit premature.

That'd be me then . I still think there are less being committed on the whole, but as someone else pointed out, it could lead to what we are seeing; defences are stringing out, but then selecting when to blitz and counter ruck. I still maintain its still too weighted towards ball retention/attack, and the game would be much better for having more, and more contests at the breakdown, unless you enjoy many very similar phases of rugby, waiting for a defensive error.and I still think the direction of travel for RU is wrong, but I did before the new laws.

TheNomad wrote:Did Hughes go off?

Yep. The concensus seems to be dead leg so nothing too serious.

Yep, "scrappy" is definitely the word of the match - along with idiot commentators

Banquo wrote:

Mellsblue wrote:

Banquo wrote: I'd say its more selective and counter rucking than el jackelo.

Agreed. It was a comment on numbers in there battling rather than the specific tactics. A couple of posters here may have decried the end of rugby as we knew it after Exeter v Wasps last weekend, and it might have been an admission by one of them that he may have been a bit premature.

That'd be me then . I still think there are less being committed on the whole, but as someone else pointed out, it could lead to what we are seeing; defences are stringing out, but then selecting when to blitz and counter ruck. I still maintain its still too weighted towards ball retention/attack, and the game would be much better for having more, and more contests at the breakdown, unless you enjoy many very similar phases of rugby, waiting for a defensive error..

Agree with all that. It's the opposite end to when the powers that be gave too much leeway to the defensive team and, as the team in possession were scared of losing the ball at the breakdown, all we watched was kick tennis. Why they fiddled with it I'll never understand.

Wasps really struggling for direction; not sure they know what they are trying to do

Hope Freddy comes on at 10

Huzza

Half an hour for Burns to have a crack at taking the starting slot.

Priestland pretty uninspiring today, so some sparkle and wit could go a long way.

16th man wrote:Half an hour for Burns to have a crack at taking the starting slot.

Priestland pretty uninspiring today, so some sparkle and wit could go a long way.

aye, and a good start.

16th man wrote:Half an hour for Burns to have a crack at taking the starting slot.

Priestland pretty uninspiring today, so some sparkle and wit could go a long way.

Rhys was a step (back) up on last week, but he's leaving the option open there.

That's a lot of strapping on that left leg for Freddie there...

painful

at least Simpson is out of giving us misery

Its all too flat and lateral to be honest; two sides shorn of players and confidence, I guess

This really is a terrible game ...