RugbyRebels

p/d wrote:Itoje will be back. Is Launch really captain material? Though I think our captain should come from the pack.

It’s got 2015 written all over it. And in truth not sure we are any better

We are better, although I think that’s more to do with the fact that our first choice group of players are much better than 2015, rather than the management. If this current team had the advantage of playing a home World Cup I think we’d be formidable.

Agreed. I don’t think there’s much in it, but I do think this is a more talented/better balanced squad.

You guys still have a talented team who can beat anyone on their day. It’s not the dominant side of the early noughties than the media tries to portray it as sometimes and a few key players out make a huge difference.

Farrell is a decent fly half when his pack are going well, less so when under pressure.

For what is worth I think you need a new scrum half and a replacement for Tuilagi who isn’t having the impact he once did and who completely buggers up any opportunity for the ball getting wide.

I think it will be a different story in toe RWC provided you don’t have too many injuries and provided you don’t kick the ball contiuously to on of the best full backs in the business.

Sandydragon wrote:You guys still have a talented team who can beat anyone on their day. It’s not the dominant side of the early noughties than the media tries to portray it as sometimes and a few key players out make a huge difference.

Farrell is a decent fly half when his pack are going well, less so when under pressure.

For what is worth I think you need a new scrum half and a replacement for Tuilagi who isn’t having the impact he once did and who completely buggers up any opportunity for the ball getting wide.

I think it will be a different story in toe RWC provided you don’t have too many injuries and provided you don’t kick the ball contiuously to on of the best full backs in the business.

Well, what's the likelihood of either of those things happening?

Puja

The injuries thing is really in the lap of the gods. Everyone suffers but I think England have some special issues in the area.

Tactically Eddie could change, but he does seem blinkered in style and personalities.

Anyhow, let’s hope Wales and England get to meet each other in the semis.

Banquo wrote:

Beasties wrote:

but I'm glad we lost today. I

I am certainly not! Losing usually leads to re-trenchment not re-evaluation, unfortunately.

I used to hear this line from certain Wales fans all the time. You don't hear it so often now.

Losing never solves anything. You're right to be frustrated by your team's failings but once you start wanting them to lose, you've rather lost sight of what sport is about IMO. As Banquo says, losing is more likely to beget more losing.