And to finish - Ireland

[Puja]

Ringrose and Ryan out: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56407826

On the one hand, it's good because it'll make our job a hell of a lot easier and I wouldn't mind a confidence boosting win for this group of players. On the other, I want to see this new approach tested more.

Anyone not in favour of the same XV from last week? I'd drop Slade for Lawrence on the basis that FFS just doesn't offer enough penetration, but other than that, I think same again.

Puja

[fivepointer]

Feel very sorry for Odogwu if he doesnt play at all this 6N's. If he's fit i'd like to see Randall getting a run. Wouldnt mind seeing Obano on the bench. Lawrence to start at 13, yep i'm all for it.

None of these will happen as i'm sure there wont be a single change.

[Digby]

The thinking with Odogwu is he isn't fit.

Underhill might be an option, Ewels was decent much to my surprise so the expected change isn't going to happen. I hope he doesn't bring Daly back Malins, but he could. He did with George over LCD and that after LCD played well.

If we have got anyone carrying a knock this would be a sensible time to be nice to the clubs, other than Sarries

[Spiffy]

Ringrose and Ryan out: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56407826

On the one hand, it's good because it'll make our job a hell of a lot easier and I wouldn't mind a confidence boosting win for this group of players. On the other, I want to see this new approach tested more.

Anyone not in favour of the same XV from last week? I'd drop Slade for Lawrence on the basis that FFS just doesn't offer enough penetration, but other than that, I think same again.

Puja

It may not necessarily make your job easier.
Ringrose is a tad off form anyway, so Ireland will field the hard nosed pair of Aki and Henshaw in the centre and look to trample Capt. Courageous in the Fickou mode.
Ryan's absence will mean a move for the outstanding Beirne to lock, with a return to the back row of the abrasive O'Mahony who is always up for a good pop at the English and will be chomping at the bit after his ban.
If Ireland are to make a game of it they have to stop giving away free ball to England with endless, poor box kicking, or else Watson and May will have a field day.

[Dan. Dan. Dan.]

Would love to see Lawrence start. Also Obano to the bench is a good call, Genge hasn't looked himself for the whole tournament and I think he's a player that would thrive from a stick.
I fear Malins will be back on the bench, but at least Daly looked good coming on, although we were ascendant at that point.
Still to and thro with LCD and George. Not to mention Wilson vs Underhill!

[Digby]

If Ireland are to make a game of it they have to stop giving away free ball to England with endless, poor box kicking, or else Watson and May will have a field day.

If they're going to make a game of it they need to make it something of a scrap not a rugby game as was the case against Scotland. Harder to do that against England, but piling into England looks a bet than playing a game of rugby. This as ever supposing pens and setpeice don't skew badly

[Stom]

I'd go for 4 changes total.

Underhill in for Wilson
Lawrence swapping with Slade
Obano replacing Genge
Randall replacing Robson

[Raggs]

Isn't Randall broken?

[Scrumhead]

Without being particularly good in other areas, Ireland have been very good at the breakdown. Connors, Beirne and Stander are all good over the ball and we’ll need to protect our ball carriers a lot better than we have been.

Underhill coming back in to the side might help with that.

I’d also be open to the idea of Obano on the bench too. Genge really hasn’t been great and as Dan said, I suspect he’d respond well to being dropped.

[oldbackrow]

I'd go for 4 changes total.

Underhill in for Wilson
Lawrence swapping with Slade
Obano replacing Genge
Randall replacing Robson

Can I ask why Underhill in for Wilson? Underhill just back from injury (although did look good for Bath) but thought Wilson did a lot of work, 10 tackles none missed and a turnover. The fact that we 'only' conceded 11 turnovers (3 from Youngs) was partly down to his work.
Others I'd agree with if Randall is fit.

[Puja]

Ringrose and Ryan out: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56407826

On the one hand, it's good because it'll make our job a hell of a lot easier and I wouldn't mind a confidence boosting win for this group of players. On the other, I want to see this new approach tested more.

Anyone not in favour of the same XV from last week? I'd drop Slade for Lawrence on the basis that FFS just doesn't offer enough penetration, but other than that, I think same again.

Puja

It may not necessarily make your job easier.
Ringrose is a tad off form anyway, so Ireland will field the hard nosed pair of Aki and Henshaw in the centre and look to trample Capt. Courageous in the Fickou mode.
Ryan's absence will mean a move for the outstanding Beirne to lock, with a return to the back row of the abrasive O'Mahony who is always up for a good pop at the English and will be chomping at the bit after his ban.
If Ireland are to make a game of it they have to stop giving away free ball to England with endless, poor box kicking, or else Watson and May will have a field day.

I'd still rather not face Ringrose - he's a class player, form or no form, and it's not as though Aki and Henshaw is the most subtle of pairings. I've got no qualms about our defence facing bosh and bosh.

What's your opinion on Farrell Snr so far? I am long of the opinion that he's a superb defence coach only, who needs to be kept very firmly in his box - am curious as to what the Irish feeling is on him as the grand high poohbah.

Puja

[Spiffy]

Ringrose and Ryan out: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56407826

On the one hand, it's good because it'll make our job a hell of a lot easier and I wouldn't mind a confidence boosting win for this group of players. On the other, I want to see this new approach tested more.

Anyone not in favour of the same XV from last week? I'd drop Slade for Lawrence on the basis that FFS just doesn't offer enough penetration, but other than that, I think same again.

Puja

It may not necessarily make your job easier.
Ringrose is a tad off form anyway, so Ireland will field the hard nosed pair of Aki and Henshaw in the centre and look to trample Capt. Courageous in the Fickou mode.
Ryan's absence will mean a move for the outstanding Beirne to lock, with a return to the back row of the abrasive O'Mahony who is always up for a good pop at the English and will be chomping at the bit after his ban.
If Ireland are to make a game of it they have to stop giving away free ball to England with endless, poor box kicking, or else Watson and May will have a field day.

I'd still rather not face Ringrose - he's a class player, form or no form, and it's not as though Aki and Henshaw is the most subtle of pairings. I've got no qualms about our defence facing bosh and bosh.

What's your opinion on Farrell Snr so far? I am long of the opinion that he's a superb defence coach only, who needs to be kept very firmly in his box - am curious as to what the Irish feeling is on him as the grand high poohbah.

Puja

He is getting a lot of flak on Irish discussion boards, mainly to do with rather aimless back play and the continued selection of two IQ New Zealanders - J.Gibson Park at SH and Lowe on the wing. Neither is good enough, particularly Lowe in defence, and Ireland has several better players in both positions. At the moment he is not a popular coach.The general feeling is that he may be keeping the seat warm until O'Gara returns to Ireland after successful coaching stints in France/NZ/France again.
The one bright note is the definite improvement in the Ireland lineout since Paul O'Connell was called in to clean it up. They totally dominated Scotland in that area. Could be a mighty battle up front at the weekend. Particularly looking forward to the Itoje/Henderson head -to-head. The latter is getting back to something like his best form.
On the centre issue - Henshaw has dropped some bulk, gained some gas, is showing some skills and is more than a mere bosher now. Many believe that 13 is his best position with a little space to play in. He has looked one of the best all-round midfielders in the 6N so far. Aki is more predictable but is a hard, straight runner who can offload a bit on a good day.

[morepork]

O'Gara is quietly building up some quality coaching skills. He ran the backs at the Crusaders and they were pretty much humming under him. Not particularly flashy but ruthlessly efficient.

[Mikey Brown]

It may not necessarily make your job easier.
Ringrose is a tad off form anyway, so Ireland will field the hard nosed pair of Aki and Henshaw in the centre and look to trample Capt. Courageous in the Fickou mode.
Ryan's absence will mean a move for the outstanding Beirne to lock, with a return to the back row of the abrasive O'Mahony who is always up for a good pop at the English and will be chomping at the bit after his ban.
If Ireland are to make a game of it they have to stop giving away free ball to England with endless, poor box kicking, or else Watson and May will have a field day.

I'd still rather not face Ringrose - he's a class player, form or no form, and it's not as though Aki and Henshaw is the most subtle of pairings. I've got no qualms about our defence facing bosh and bosh.

What's your opinion on Farrell Snr so far? I am long of the opinion that he's a superb defence coach only, who needs to be kept very firmly in his box - am curious as to what the Irish feeling is on him as the grand high poohbah.

Puja

He is getting a lot of flak on Irish discussion boards, mainly to do with rather aimless back play and the continued selection of two IQ New Zealanders - J.Gibson Park at SH and Lowe on the wing. Neither is good enough, particularly Lowe in defence, and Ireland has several better players in both positions. At the moment he is not a popular coach.The general feeling is that he may be keeping the seat warm until O'Gara returns to Ireland after successful coaching stints in France/NZ/France again.
The one bright note is the definite improvement in the Ireland lineout since Paul O'Connell was called in to clean it up. They totally dominated Scotland in that area. Could be a mighty battle up front at the weekend. Particularly looking forward to the Itoje/Henderson head -to-head. The latter is getting back to something like his best form.
On the centre issue - Henshaw has dropped some bulk, gained some gas, is showing some skills and is more than a mere bosher now. Many believe that 13 is his best position with a little space to play in. He has looked one of the best all-round midfielders in the 6N so far. Aki is more predictable but is a hard, straight runner who can offload a bit on a good day.

Yeah that lineout battle is going to be very interesting, following the Scotland game. Got to say I've thought Ryan has been way, way overhyped but he was very impressive yesterday.

[Mr Mwenda]

I was hoping that the irfu would bugger up recruitment and England make a play for ROG for after the next world cup.

[Banquo]

Ringrose and Ryan out: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56407826

On the one hand, it's good because it'll make our job a hell of a lot easier and I wouldn't mind a confidence boosting win for this group of players. On the other, I want to see this new approach tested more.

Anyone not in favour of the same XV from last week? I'd drop Slade for Lawrence on the basis that FFS just doesn't offer enough penetration, but other than that, I think same again.

Puja

Not sure how Slade cops it on lack of penetration grounds when he's been making breaks the last couple of games. I'd think about dropping him on defensive grounds though.

[Banquo]

Ringrose and Ryan out: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56407826

On the one hand, it's good because it'll make our job a hell of a lot easier and I wouldn't mind a confidence boosting win for this group of players. On the other, I want to see this new approach tested more.

Anyone not in favour of the same XV from last week? I'd drop Slade for Lawrence on the basis that FFS just doesn't offer enough penetration, but other than that, I think same again.

Puja

It may not necessarily make your job easier.
Ringrose is a tad off form anyway, so Ireland will field the hard nosed pair of Aki and Henshaw in the centre and look to trample Capt. Courageous in the Fickou mode.
Ryan's absence will mean a move for the outstanding Beirne to lock, with a return to the back row of the abrasive O'Mahony who is always up for a good pop at the English and will be chomping at the bit after his ban.
If Ireland are to make a game of it they have to stop giving away free ball to England with endless, poor box kicking, or else Watson and May will have a field day.

Beirne has been brilliant. Henshaw has made a good play for the Lions 12, be interested to see how he goes at 13.
POM as pantomime villain will be fun, he's got away with so much over the years.

[Stom]

Ringrose and Ryan out: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56407826

On the one hand, it's good because it'll make our job a hell of a lot easier and I wouldn't mind a confidence boosting win for this group of players. On the other, I want to see this new approach tested more.

Anyone not in favour of the same XV from last week? I'd drop Slade for Lawrence on the basis that FFS just doesn't offer enough penetration, but other than that, I think same again.

Puja

Not sure how Slade cops it on lack of penetration grounds when he's been making breaks the last couple of games. I'd think about dropping him on defensive grounds though.

I think he's saying FFS doesn't offer penetration and Farrell is undroppable, so you've gotta ditch Slade. I agree with this sentiment.

I also think Slade is a great bench option as he can effectively cover 12, 13, 15. I'd then ditch Daly for Coka when fit and firing, or alternatively another powerful back of some description, if we can find one.

I'd be willing to bring Daly back, though, just feel like it'd be nice to have that power impact off the bench.

[Digby]

Joseph a bench or starting option still? or have we simply moved on?

[Banquo]

Ringrose and Ryan out: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56407826

On the one hand, it's good because it'll make our job a hell of a lot easier and I wouldn't mind a confidence boosting win for this group of players. On the other, I want to see this new approach tested more.

Anyone not in favour of the same XV from last week? I'd drop Slade for Lawrence on the basis that FFS just doesn't offer enough penetration, but other than that, I think same again.

Puja

Not sure how Slade cops it on lack of penetration grounds when he's been making breaks the last couple of games. I'd think about dropping him on defensive grounds though.

I think he's saying FFS doesn't offer penetration and Farrell is undroppable, so you've gotta ditch Slade. I agree with this sentiment.

I also think Slade is a great bench option as he can effectively cover 12, 13, 15. I'd then ditch Daly for Coka when fit and firing, or alternatively another powerful back of some description, if we can find one.

I'd be willing to bring Daly back, though, just feel like it'd be nice to have that power impact off the bench.

Both f and s have made more clean breaks and beaten more defenders than their oppos in the last two matches #justsaying- although I feel dirty for pointing that out; it has to be said that Faz has been ok the last two games as a player (albeit poor captaincy v Wales, and we still shipped a load of pens v France). I would still like to see Faz benched, though would be unfair based on last time out. Slade has been making more breaks on the back of improved pace of play and Ford on the gainline. In truth, I was more highlighting his very poor defensive performance v France, which seems to have gone almost unremarked in the reportage.

[Banquo]

Joseph a bench or starting option still? or have we simply moved on?

I think Eddie has, but I'd still want him starting. He's started to throw some great passes for Bath too, from what I've seen.

[Stom]

Not sure how Slade cops it on lack of penetration grounds when he's been making breaks the last couple of games. I'd think about dropping him on defensive grounds though.

I think he's saying FFS doesn't offer penetration and Farrell is undroppable, so you've gotta ditch Slade. I agree with this sentiment.

I also think Slade is a great bench option as he can effectively cover 12, 13, 15. I'd then ditch Daly for Coka when fit and firing, or alternatively another powerful back of some description, if we can find one.

I'd be willing to bring Daly back, though, just feel like it'd be nice to have that power impact off the bench.

Both f and s have made more clean breaks and beaten more defenders than their oppos in the last two matches #justsaying- although I feel dirty for pointing that out; it has to be said that Faz has been ok the last two games as a player (albeit poor captaincy v Wales, and we still shipped a load of pens v France). I would still like to see Faz benched, though would be unfair based on last time out. Slade has been making more breaks on the back of improved pace of play and Ford on the gainline. In truth, I was more highlighting his very poor defensive performance v France, which seems to have gone almost unremarked in the reportage.

I agree with you, tbh.

But the midfield does feel like it needs a different kind of player in there, just to add a little variation. And the one at risk is Slade...

[francoisfou]

If Farrell knows that he's droppable, he'll maybe come back a better player, and on that basis I'd bench him and bring in Lawrence to partner Slade.
Farrell got steam-rollered once or twice against France, and with Akhi and Henshaw next Saturday, he'll come in for more of the same.
Do it, Eddie! You know it makes sense!

[Banquo]

I think he's saying FFS doesn't offer penetration and Farrell is undroppable, so you've gotta ditch Slade. I agree with this sentiment.

I also think Slade is a great bench option as he can effectively cover 12, 13, 15. I'd then ditch Daly for Coka when fit and firing, or alternatively another powerful back of some description, if we can find one.

I'd be willing to bring Daly back, though, just feel like it'd be nice to have that power impact off the bench.

Both f and s have made more clean breaks and beaten more defenders than their oppos in the last two matches #justsaying- although I feel dirty for pointing that out; it has to be said that Faz has been ok the last two games as a player (albeit poor captaincy v Wales, and we still shipped a load of pens v France). I would still like to see Faz benched, though would be unfair based on last time out. Slade has been making more breaks on the back of improved pace of play and Ford on the gainline. In truth, I was more highlighting his very poor defensive performance v France, which seems to have gone almost unremarked in the reportage.

I agree with you, tbh.

But the midfield does feel like it needs a different kind of player in there, just to add a little variation. And the one at risk is Slade...

I agree we could do with more dangerous runners in midfield. I also should have said that Faz is likely a key part of why Slade's defence was poor.

[fivepointer]

Slade missed 6 tackles against France. That was 50% of his attempts. Really quite a poor effort. Didnt do an enormous amount in attack either. I like him as a player but do wish he would produce that really definitive outstanding performance just to prove my faith in him is justified.
Farrells attacking stats are illuminating from the weekend. 18 passes, 3 offloads and only 3 kicks.