Here's Jonny!
- 31 Jan 07, 07:13 PM
London - I鈥檝e seen Jonny Wilkinson in an England shirt and he looked good.
OK, it was an England training top and the opposition was only England鈥檚 Under-20 side, but all the same it was marvellous to see the gambolling happily around a paddock like he鈥檇 never been away.
England held an open training session at Bath University on Wednesday and the first man out on the pitch was, you guessed it, Wilkinson.
He was fully involved throughout the session, talking lots, calling the shots and looking like a man doing what he was born to do.
His skills looked sharp 鈥 the 20-yard, one-handed reverse pass from behind his back was particularly impressive.
And, although his selection is obviously a gamble, it was clear why new coach Brian Ashton has decided to throw him into the team after little more than 40 minutes of action since his latest injury.
As part of his drive to freshen up the England team, Ashton has relocated their training base to Bath University, which is rapidly gaining a reputation to rival Loughborough as a centre of sporting excellence, and Josh Lewsey for one says the facilities are out of the top drawer.
It is much more utilitarian than Pennyhill Park, which Sir Clive Woodward used as a base, or Bisham Abbey, which Andy Robinson used before the ill-fated autumn internationals.
But the players seemed totally unfazed by the students wandering around outside their changing room and the students themselves 鈥 some of whom are top-notch sportsmen in their own right - did a great job of pretending not to notice the likes of Wilkinson padding about the corridors.
The two-hour training session started with ball handling and tackle-bag drills before the backs and forwards split to work as separate units.
The penultimate part of the session, which ended with kicking practice for the backs and more line-out work for the forwards, was the most interesting as the under-20s provided the opposition for a semi-opposed 鈥済ame鈥.
England were far from perfect, with several passes going to ground and hesitancy at times about when to spread it and when to drive it around the fringes.
But when it clicked there was plenty of pace and power on show, and possibly more importantly the players genuinely looked like they were enjoying themselves rather than being inhibited by a fear of messing up.
What happens on the training pitch can bear little relation to how they will perform on the day, namely this Saturday against Scotland.
But the England players had smiles on their faces and who knows, perhaps they are ready to put the smiles back on the faces of their long-suffering supporters as well?
Wales 27-18 England
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But lets be fair to the other teams of the 6n, scoltland are probably the second easiest team in there (italy as an obvious 1st, or last, depending on how you look at it), and if i was Brian Ashton, i'd prefer to start off against a team with a history of mediocrity at our own ground, because if you look at the talent in each separate position from both sides, england are quite a bit better. No offence to the scots intended, but lets face it, if a team that was lucky last year but still only got 3rd place is going to beat the revamped world champions, rugby's in a pretty sorry state
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Jonny does seem like a bit of a gamble at first glance, but, then again, flood and geraghty would have been bigger ones! both of the lads have talent, but this is not a game to be trying to build a youngster's confidence!! the only youngster, for me, who looks like he has the swagger to cope with being chucked in at the deep-end is cipriani - and he isnt getting a look at fly-half at wasps at the moment (clearly his position!!). Incidentally, was cipriani training with the U20's? I would like to see him v jonny!!!
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While I agree with much of what aleeeeeee says I strongly disagree that Scotland were lucky last year. Yes, we were limited in what we did, but ultimately ground out the necessary results. England never looked like winning at Murrayfield, and we beat France due to our excellent use of the rolling maul in the first half. Ok the French may have started slowly and come back in the 2nd half, but it wasn't lucky. Yes, we lost to Ireland and Wales away, and though we weren't paticularly good we were not really hammered. We were doing ok against Wales till Murray got sent off, although we probably still would have lost. Then finally we beat Italy in Rome, not easy against a fast improving side.
In summary, yes, we were not very good, but lucky, no.....
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Dont think any team will do the Grand Slam. There is not a lot between any of the teams and home wins may be the order of the day. Write off England at your peril,they have a strong pack and if the backs get into gear they wont be far away.
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Is Dave Clazey ( ex anglo scotish player) past it at 32 years old and nearly 30 stone? Great player but does he warrant a place in the mighty Hampstead two's.
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What is aleeee jabbering on about... using phrases like 'history of mediocrity' and 'second easiest in there'. Firstly this team beat england and france last year with performances to be proud of. Our own (current) team has yet to prove they are worthy to wear the jersey and our supporters have voiced themselves to reflect this. Secondly, if there are any lessons to be learnt about comparing individuals vs the team then look no further than Scotland, they play for each other and their country (not only in Rugby but in football as well). If England could achieve just a fraction of this in Cricket, Football, OR rugby right now AND loose then I would be proud to be an england supporter. As it is I cringe when people make such ridiculously bold statements when so many elements aren't in place or proven. We have 11 changes (a symptom the other national teams suffer from too), the level of confidence cannot be at anywhere near what the previous WC team was... come on people, and lets manage our own expectations first!!
I will be there cheering England on, we have every chance to start our 6N campaign with a positive result. The only piece of news a take with some relief is that JWhite (an awesome and truly destructive player) isn't fit for the Scots!
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#1. You are one of those arrogant types who is disliked by supporters of the other 5 nations. 11 lost tests out of 12 and one of these teams was Scotland! Not a very good record.
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International rugby matches are decided in the forwards. You only need look at the All Blacks, who have only become the world-beating force they are after they re-discovered forward play.
Forget Jonny and the backs' selection, the key issue for England is to find someone to play Richard Hill's role.
During England's WRC run Hilly was by far and away our most important player. Our problems in the last couple of years have stemmed from the inability to secure quick ball at the breakdown. Lets hope Magnus Lund can do that. I cant't help thinking that Tom Rees would do it better though.
Thanks to the front five England will always win more ball than the rest, we just have to win it quicker at the 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th phases than we have been doing.
Grand slam will come our way if we can do it!
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Many don't rate the Scots. I'm sure they don't give a damb what anyone thinks. England, beware.
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Nice to see Wilkinson and the team having a laugh.
I think having the team at a University brings them closer to earth as they train, live and laugh with a bunch of scummy students.
Can't get closer to earth than that, trust me, I study at RGU!
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Its 6n time again and the anticipation for comptetive matches from every single encounter hasn't been higher.
I think this is probably the first year when i will attempt to watch ALL of the matches. No side is guarenteed anything, home or away.
Under estimating your opposition is a big mistake and usually a hard lesson learned. Something, apparently, some fans still need to graps.
England have a lot to prove and i think their passion will return in spades, but they will struggle with consistency and should concentrate on gelling their squad.
Lets hope for exciting and fair rugby from all teams.
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Its unfair to say the Scots were lucky last year, ok it was a back to basis game plan but hey it worked and we got the results, I鈥檓 sure were not away to prance forward and win the world cup but credits where credits due, we play a game that suited us last year and got the results.
This year should be a great event with everyone getting closer,
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I think we have to be realistic about all the teams in this six nations and see whether any of them are capable of winning their World Cup groups.
I am very keen to see Wilko back and also to see Farrell with Tindall. But surely we have to be asking the question, can this be a World Cup winning team? I am not interested in rubbish comments from Eddie Jones such as "England could make it through to the semis"...thank you Mr Jones, still bitter after 4 years???
England have a a very big job to do and they have to believe they can retain the WE. I think they can and I hope this six nations campaign helps them towards achieving that goal.
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JW is a better player than he was prior to his dreadful run of injuries. There is a certain amount of truth in that, becuase for all you trumpet blowing English fans. He could not be any worse than he was on the Lions tour.
Remember the old Scots proverb - "The further the monkey climbs the tree, the more it shows its ar**"
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Swing Low Sweet Chariot!
Be Brave Scotland!
Allez Les Bleus!
Let's See Some Fiery Welsh Flair!
Come On Ireland, It's Grand Slam Time!
And last but certainly not least: Forza Italia!
As a neutral rugby fan (who loves to flash his England colours at any opportunity) I'm truly excited for the prospects of this year's tournament! Finally, England's noses seem to be pointing in the right direction (for the love of God, Jonny please survive at least one game, you deserve it mate)! Scotland, while without the talisman that is J. White, are definitely strong opponents and should never again be written off by anyone as "also-rans"! Wales have made it through the dark period of admin re-shuffles and injury blights (although I'll really miss seeing Shanklin in the red) and will hopefully be as exciting to watch as ever! I can't wait for Italy to start scalping some major teams and will get their first opportunity with France this weekend. Good Luck to them, I say! (Speaking of Italy and scalps though, any bets on whether Bortolami's scrum cap will be ripped from his head at international level too? If yes then in which game is it most likely to happen?) Ireland... enough's been said, its time to shine! Let's see an Emerald Slam!
Finally France... I'm sorry but I'll show my shiny white colours emblazened with the blood-red rose here: you won it last year, you're hosting the WC this year, and though you are fearful opponents (despite being notoriously temperamental), I do hope that someone else wins it this year. Of course I'm expecting any true blue response to begin with the lines "A les enfants de la patrie-ie-eh..." and would like to say I respect your team and its supporters. As I do all teams (kinda obvious by now). I just wanted to say good luck to all teams and their supporters, let's cheer our boys on till our hearts bleed, and hopefully enjoy what could be a very exciting 6N!
...GO ENGLAND!!!!
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The cult of Jonny continues. Do please tell me when you see him walking on water.
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I agree about the importance of Richard Hill. Watched him closely for Saracens last weekend and he did not seem to run about too much, but was there in the right place at the right time, pretty much all the time. Made two tackled in a row at one stage when he was the only man there, how he got up so fast I will never know. Bobby Moore was a great defender because he know where to be, Richard Hill is the same. There is a man to fill that role, his name is Richard Hill, and he is only 33 and back playing well.
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I think the key selections are Joe Worsley and Mugnus Lund.
For to long England have lack specialists in these positions within the team. Worsely will run all day, do all the donkey work and make every tackle, leaving Lund free to be a true openside.
The last time we had a genuine 7 in the team Robinson decided to play him (Pat Sanderson) at 8 - WTF?!
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You mentioned Englands long-suffering supporters James. Try supporting Scotland then you will understand the meaning of being a long-suffering supporter.
The gap between the teams isn't as big as the media would have us beleive. People down south have no knowledge of the Scottish players and seem to think they have only taken up the game the week before. The 大象传媒 or should that be the EBC, should be ashamed of its coverage of the run up to the six nations. As far as they're concerned it's Johnny and Andy versus some irrelevant nobodys. Where is the balanced and informed coverage?
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Good idea for Ashton to switch the traning base, as it will help freshen things up. Who was filling in for Balshaw at 15, as reports are that he is injured? Jocks first up is an ideal game for JW to ease back into the England team and winning ways.....
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Scotland where lucky last year!!!?? who are you kidding they played as a TEAM something england need to start thinking about. I am english and an avid fan of the team but lets face it england played so badly last year because we had no consistancy, the team was changed every day and the lack of fluidity in the backs was embarrasing. Forget the world cup lets start thinking about 4 years time. No team has ever retained the cup why are we so arrogant that we think we can win with an ever changing unconvincing team?? Forget the hype get back to basics, passing and catching seem to be good places to start.
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The pro english garbage that gets turned out on this site is astounding. England have won 1 game in 9 tests but all of a sudden they pick a team that "on paper" looks like it could do some damage and they are world beaters once again. The team does look reasonably impressive but they have yet to play. Lets leave the plaudits to after the game when we see how good they actually are. I also agree with the earlier post. This site and the 大象传媒 in general really need to start putting out less biased coverage. This is the reason no-one likes england and everyone loves to beat them! It's not because of the players themselves but the over hyping media!
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How do you find out when England have open training sessions?
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So bring back Johnny and England can retain the world cup.
Okay now sober up and have a look around. Put Johnny and Andy up against the All Blacks. Still feeling confident. Just because someone had a stormer against the under 12s, 47 minutes of club rugby and a wow against the under 20s in training is not preparaton for the 6 nations.
Remember the Lions test when Johnny was awful and even missed his goals.
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Whatever happened last year has no bearing on this year's six nations. You only need to look at England in 2004 - the World Cup winners turning from gold to dross - or Wales last year after their triumphs of the year before. Scotland have some key injuries and some selection issues (particularly at 10), England are an untried blend. Wales can't seem to fit all their stars in the same team and still function as a team, Ireland are weak up front and who ever knows which Fench Team will show up? Italy are improving rapidly as a forward unit but lack ideas in the backs. They will still trouble everyone for an hour, though.
Put all of that together and I think we're in for some good, hard-fought, close matches.Really looking forward to it!
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How do you find out when England have open training sessions?
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Whatever happened last year has no bearing on this year's six nations. You only need to look at England in 2004 - the World Cup winners turning from gold to dross - or Wales last year after their triumphs of the year before. Scotland have some key injuries and some selection issues (particularly at 10), England are an untried blend. Wales can't seem to fit all their stars in the same team and still function as a team, Ireland are weak up front and who ever knows which Fench Team will show up? Italy are improving rapidly as a forward unit but lack ideas in the backs. They will still trouble everyone for an hour, though.
Put all of that together and I think we're in for some good, hard-fought, close matches.Really looking forward to it!
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Excuse me...Scotland weren't lucky last year. They were UNlucky not to win the tournament after defeating England and France. Suspension and injury cost us...
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Guys, lets get a grip eh? JW for all that he is a born rugby player, he isn't going to turn Englands recently abismal form into the world cup wining form again. Good one Ashton for putting two blockheads in the middle of the English backline one that has dodgy knees and lets not forget.. has NEVER PLAYED AN INTERNATIONAL GAME OF RUGBY BEFORE.
Scotland will be all over England like a bad rash.
C'mon boys.
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I agree with the comment above that the teams are a lot closer than ever before which is good for the game and will hopefully make for very enjoyable rugby. As for winning the 6N it is all about momentum, Ireland have it at the moment and as long as we can beat Wales i think we can do it. The English need to remember that a good team on paper does not equal a good team. All in all it should be a great 6N, especially looking forward to the 2 home games at Croker!
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As per usual all the focus is on the pretty boys out back and the engine room is over looked. Vickery's 1st game as skipper will be as important as Farrell's 1st in the team. Good luck guy's great to have Rugby in the news for the right reasons.
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That number 7 we have been looking for to replace Richard Hill has just been called up to the bench. His name is Tom Rees!
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Can anyone explain to me why Eddie Butler commentates on every England match?
He is really annoying! He clearly has no interest in England or a fair view on the game. Can鈥檛 he go and comment on the Wales games? Surely two commentators, one from each country represented, is ultimately more interesting and balanced? I feel sure his efforts would be far more appreciated following Wales
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"NEVER PLAYED AN INTERNATIONAL GAME OF RUGBY BEFORE."
Err, he's played quite a lot of international rugby, actually:
"Farrell was a full International by 18. He made his debut against New Zealand in 1993 and became captain of his country by 21. Farrell has made 34 appearances for Great Britain and also represented the country in two World Cups. In 1993, he became the youngest winner of the Challenge Cup when he came on as a substitute aged 17 years 11 months. In 1994, he was named the youngest ever player of the year.
He is only the second player to score more than 3,000 points in all competitions at Wigan. He is said to be an inspiration to young players within the squad. He celebrated his Testimonial Year in 2002, and won the Golden Boot as the best player in the world in 2004, the Man of Steel Award twice, and the Players Player Award."
He may have switched codes, but that record suggests a man who's probably less nervous than anyone else on the pitch: he lives for competing at the highest level, and offers real possibilities.
On a separate note: good to see the anti-England whinging and whining up and running so firmly already. Why can't some people just enjoy the rugby?
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Can anyone explain to me why Eddie Butler commentates on every England match?
He is really annoying! He clearly has no interest in England or a fair view on the game. Can鈥檛 he go and comment on the Wales games? Surely two commentators, one from each country represented, is ultimately more interesting and balanced? I feel sure his efforts would be far more appreciated following Wales
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well we have to beat scotland or we've got no hope at all! but surley everyone is going to try and take jonny out first especially if they no where his injuries have been,which come on isnt hard as it is in the papers. but ill be behind them all the way and i believe that jonny has the strength and determination to get through the 6n and with robinson on the wing (who is really nice and down to earth-i met him at sale!) well be fine (i hope) and we just have to work as a team and the crowds will give them all courage and detemination for the win!! Good Luck Boys Do ENGLAND Proud!!!
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Have to agree with Robert Carr - this England lot haven't played yet! Just because you've bought back a couple of old players and changed a few names, you think you've got it won. Brave of BA to make some of those decisions - it might work.... for awhile. Have you thought about how it might be if the Scots beat you? And I really hope they do and I think they will! England have been rubbish... and it may get worse. There is no certainty that they'll go further than the Group rounds at the WC.
With some new old faces in the side it may help to win a couple of games, but it won't do England any good for the longer term. JW and AF are not the answer - the pace and intensity of the world game has changed alot since JW played (amply demonstrated by NZ here recently) - he may prove to be an embarrasment. Looking forward to it all though - its all good for rugby!!
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Scotland are a team on the up, they had the best 6 nations last year for a long time. Wales are still strong but not a strong as a couple of years ago... maybe. Ireland - looking forward to see how good they really are, they have everything in place behind the scenes, can they now produce. Italy - sorry, don't know much about them except they are competetive and getting harder and harder to beat. France - who knows, could be a great rugby year for them or it could be a massive flop, watch that space. Lastly England - all we want is a return to the days when teams were worried about facing us. Can we win the 6N, probably not. Have we the talent, I think we have. Have we the proper support from the money grabbing organisations running our game, no. Are we excited about the prospect of good English rugby under Aston - we certainly are and hopefully will still be after the tourament.
On a grander scale let's one of us win the World Cup and keep those antipodean ancestors empty handed.
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Scotland are a team on the up, they had the best 6 nations last year for a long time. Wales are still strong but not a strong as a couple of years ago... maybe. Ireland - looking forward to see how good they really are, they have everything in place behind the scenes, can they now produce. Italy - sorry, don't know much about them except they are competetive and getting harder and harder to beat. France - who knows, could be a great rugby year for them or it could be a massive flop, watch that space. Lastly England - all we want is a return to the days when teams were worried about facing us. Can we win the 6N, probably not. Have we the talent, I think we have. Have we the proper support from the money grabbing organisations running our game, no. Are we excited about the prospect of good English rugby under Aston - we certainly are and hopefully will still be after the tourament.
On a grander scale let's one of us win the World Cup and keep those antipodean ancestors empty handed.
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Could not agree more about Eddie Butler. The man is a pain in the arris!.
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Scotland are a team on the up, they had the best 6 nations last year for a long time. Wales are still strong but not a strong as a couple of years ago... maybe. Ireland - looking forward to see how good they really are, they have everything in place behind the scenes, can they now produce. Italy - sorry, don't know much about them except they are competetive and getting harder and harder to beat. France - who knows, could be a great rugby year for them or it could be a massive flop, watch that space. Lastly England - all we want is a return to the days when teams were worried about facing us. Can we win the 6N, probably not. Have we the talent, I think we have. Have we the proper support from the money grabbing organisations running our game, no. Are we excited about the prospect of good English rugby under Aston - we certainly are and hopefully will still be after the tourament.
On a grander scale let's one of us win the World Cup and keep those antipodean ancestors empty handed.
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Scotland are a team on the up, they had the best 6 nations last year for a long time. Wales are still strong but not a strong as a couple of years ago... maybe. Ireland - looking forward to see how good they really are, they have everything in place behind the scenes, can they now produce. Italy - sorry, don't know much about them except they are competetive and getting harder and harder to beat. France - who knows, could be a great rugby year for them or it could be a massive flop, watch that space. Lastly England - all we want is a return to the days when teams were worried about facing us. Can we win the 6N, probably not. Have we the talent, I think we have. Have we the proper support from the money grabbing organisations running our game, no. Are we excited about the prospect of good English rugby under Aston - we certainly are and hopefully will still be after the tourament.
On a grander scale let's one of us win the World Cup and keep those antipodean ancestors empty handed.
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Awesome - this banter is what sport is all about - opinion. Great blog, look forward to regular entries once the 6 Nations gets underway.
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Eddie Butler- I would lock him up at the Millenium Stadium and only let him out for Internationals (on the touch line!). Good use of my licence fee!
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Im a avid Welsh fan but ultimately love good rugby and I dont care who it is - England, Scotland or even Nambia.
But I have to say nothing gives me more entertainment than popping into this site and reading some of the comments comming from the English.
I dont wish to tag all the England supporters with the same brush and its nice to see there are some English supporters with a level head and at least two eyes.
My prediction that the English front five will be that much stronger and on that basis should dominate possession. However if the English backs play like they have for the last 24 months its possible Scotland could well pull it off.
I have no doubt in my mind that most of you are soccer converts and know nothing about this beautiful sport. 12 wins from 13..... and "the Scots are lucky" Thats hilarious hahahahahaha English Supporters - pull your heads out of that monkeys @rse !!
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"Good one Ashton for putting two blockheads in the middle of the English backline one that has dodgy knees and lets not forget.. has NEVER PLAYED AN INTERNATIONAL GAME OF RUGBY BEFORE."
Andy Farrell has played plenty of international rugby - all that will be under scrutiny is his tactical awareness. Judging by the fact that England's head coach (who I daresay has seen a bit more of Farrell, and dare I say it, has a bit more nous than you) is ready to play him, it seems to me like a bold and potentially successful move.
I didn't see anyone criticising the presence of Wilkinson and Tindall in 2003. Everyone gets injured, and yes, Wilkinson has had terrible luck, but for the most part he has suffered unrelated injuries. Why pick Balshaw and Vickery, but not Wilkinson? This appears to be a very injury prone team - but the best one I feel we can put out.
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Just to back up the comments on Richard Hill, in all the fanfare about Wilko and Farrell not much attention on this.
To our Scottish brothers, there seems an edge of worry to their comments. Scotland are a good side and deservedly won their 2 games last season, but they will Lack Jason White. JWilko and Farrel and the strength of the England pack are a threat for any int side. Did anyone consider that despite the lack of top class rugby Wilko may be fitter, sharper, stronger and better than ever?
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This is the begining of a rebuilding process that will take us into the World Cup.
Its time for us to forget the disappointing performances over the last couple of years and get firmly behind the boys.
With Billy Whiz and Faz alongside Wilko we have the makings of a rejunivinated back line.
Myself a league convert to union I am convinced we can make this work - bar a bit of learning along the way. Inside Centre is and always will be the perfect position for Faz.
No negativity - its time to be positive and time to show the southern hemisphere we are in the World Cup to WIN IT
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Ahh how the mighty fall. Great to see the bickering of the English. Lets leave the talking to the boyos on the pitch. The lads will feast on a Pot Noodle before the game (food of Wales isn't it) kiss our sheep goodbye and get on with the Anthems - ahh we love a good old sign song, we do.
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I have to stick up for Eddie B. Though he's Welsh. He is unbiased,amusing to listen to i.e. witty.He has a very good knowledge of the game and its recent history. He was a good international and I think Captain of a strong welsh team. He makes a good sparring partner with Brian Moore(also who has a good knowledge of the game and its recent history) Eddie is nearly on a par with the great Cliff Morgan.He is loads better than Bill McClaren,who appealed to uninformed listeners i.e.non players or grannies who are watching the 6N because they like the hunky young men who are running aroung the sports ground chasing that funny shaped football. No Eddie is a brilliant commentator who gets the comment right attached to what is happening on the pitch. he has a lot of origional comments and is never boring i.e. repeating mindless sound bites that some football commentators end coming out with. So bbc stick with Eddie and the pitbull the ex-players choice as the best commentators apart from ITVs Basil Brush who commentates for their coverage of the world cup.
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It is a shame that there seems to be clamouring for a foothold on both sides of an ultimately pointless arguement.
On one side you have the "England for Everything" group. Apparently with this new team we may as well forget turning up at competitions as we have them won already! Swing low sweet chariot and all that...Jobs a good-un
On the other side we have the doom merchants. Apparently with this team we may as well forget turning up at competitions as well! Only this time we have them lost already! Bugger!
Thing is though, they haven't played yet..
Jonny W has the same arms legs eyes and brain that he always had, so judge him after a few games...Andy Farrell had the tenacity, skill, and dedication to become widely regarded as the best league player in the world. So judge after a few games.
There is nothing to suggest that this team can't be great or indeed that they will be. What we do know is that what was there before was...well...do we need the stats again?
Results deemed change neccessary, so give it a chance. Then have your argument, and base it on fact!
(for the record...No Richard hill? THAT is criminal!)
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Only one Scotland player would make the England bench? Looks like a 50 point plus victory for England then if they are that superior. How on Earth did they manage to lose to Scotland last season and lose just about every game thereafter? Could it be possible that maybe they aren't anything special?
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I agree with Simon G, banter is great as i this blog but your only as good as your last game and if i remember rightly that was against the Boks and we came off 2nd in that game. A 1 point victory from the boot of JW is all i need to start celebrating on Saturday night big style !!
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I'm a very proud Englishman who is looking forward to the rugby starting - not exactly expecting miracles, but as long as our style of rugby improves and the players actually look like they are enjoying it then progress has been made. All 5 games will be tough for all teams - very little seperates the sides. On current form, then the Irish have to be favourite, but that depends on how their forwards front up (front row to be precise). The Welsh will entertain - Gareth Jenkins is a wiley old coach, so there will be surprises from their forward pack of that there is no doubt. The French will mesmorise in one style or other. The Italians will bosh all packs up front - for 60 minutes - but do they have the outside backs to win games. The Scots will be terriers in the mold of Calder and Jeffrey, but with more - they now have a more than capable fluid game. As for England - well we will only find out on Saturday. The players are capable, the coach is capable, the game plan will no doubt be capable - but.....it's all exciting stuff. I for one will be singing Jerusalem over God Save the Queen (why do we persevere with this anthem as it was for the Empire - when it existed - not for ENGLAND)and thoroughly enjoying it all..once I've been beaten up in my own game first of course!!
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Regarding Eddie Butler - What makes you think we want him commentating on the Welsh games? Altho listening to him and the great Jonathan Davies commentating together is good fun - see how many "put downs" JD puts in during the course of a game!
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Great Blog, looking forward to the banter throughout the 6 Nations.
James, like the way your photo suggests to people that haven't met you that you might have hair!!
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I can't wait for Saturday. I reckon the Engish team looks like one ready to enjoy their rugby, something that has not been evident of late. However, as a Scot, I hope they don't enjoy it too much. All this reference to JW just hits home how much we'll miss ours.
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I agree with the selection of JW and AF. I think we need to find some exciting new centres, and AF could be the answer (if not, at least we tried). To blood farrell, you need (union) experience around him, picking flood and farrell would've been too risky. We could've gone for goode and farrel, but whilst goode is solid, it would've been settling for mediocrity and not pushing things forward, which we need to do.
Goal kicking has let us down recently, to the tune of 9 or so points per game, costly in what looks set to be a tight 6 nations, JW could be the answer.
I dont think tait or anthony allen are international centres yet (give them time), tindall is in form, why not pick him? a team needs to be a mix of youth and experience to grow and evolve, I like that ashton has brought back some of the old guard.
I dont for a second think that england are back to their 2003 best, but i do think we've turned a corner, maybe not in time for the WC, but it's progress.
I think ireland will win this 6 nations, and push NZ hard in the WC (although dont back against the AB's crippling O'Driscoll again).
Oh, and one other thing, its very easy to get on the anti-england bandwagon, get your own houses in order and remember its about rugby.
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Hey, check out what Munster RFC have to say on the matter:
Enjoy!
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Lock up Edie Butler if you like, but make sure you do the same to his japseye gofer Brian Moore.
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Jonny has already put a smile on my face just by being fit and starting at 10.
Good Luck Jonny, I can't wait 'til Sat. 4pm
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The England team looks impressive on paper, but they haven't played enough games together& not at all in some cases. Thats why Ireland are favourites, very settled side. If they get the tournament under their belt with a settled side, they won't win it but they could cause an upset& decide who does.
Good to see Johnny Wilkinson back& this is an Ireland fan!
Best of luck to all!
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Ashton needs to do for England what Frank Hadden has done for Scotland. Both coaches came into their respective roles with similar challenges ahead of them. Scotland before Hadden had no confidence, dropping the ball all over the place and only being able to move forwards backwards and sideways, ie there was no incisive diaganol runs. From what England have shown over the past year the problems are exactly the same. What Frank Hadded done last year was to keep it simple and to make sure that the team was enjoying playing rugby. If Ashton does the same then England can build a winning team for the WC otherwise who knows, the wooden spoon?? And all this attention on JW is ridiculous and typical, the guy has only played a handful of matches over the last 3 years and everytime its ended up in dissapointment, never mind him making 20 yard 1 handed reverse spinning passes lets just wait and see how he is after his first big hit.
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No. 48 Scotland won 3 matches last year and lost 2. Opposite of England. Comments re JW sounded like an extract from the six million dollar man! I am surprised about the number of people on the various blogs who believe JW is a better player than he was. Lack of practice makes perfect!
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Build 'em up ... knock 'em down. It's the same old rubbish before every English sporting event. Given the countless English teams (not just rugby, but cricket, football and a whole host of other sporting disappointments) that have promised so much but delivered so little I would have thought that the English of all people would be more careful with being overly complacent before tournaments. Yes we did win the world cup over 3 years ago, but since then we've lost 2 or 3 games in every single 6 Nations (including being thoroughly outplayed by Scotland last year), and if you care to remember the autumn internationals we've no reason to expect much more of a return this time round. I am as avid an England fan as anyone, and hopefully they'll play brilliantly and win on Saturday - but even if they don't, it won't be the end of the world as long as they learn from the performance. What will be a disaster is the inevitable media-assassination of our coach and best talents as soon as we don't play as well as New Zealand.
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I really don't know why they are risking Johnny as he will just get injured. I am Scottish and I admit he is a world class player but recently he is so unexperienced game wise. He will just get injured this weekend against the Scots and he will be out for longer.
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with regards to JW, looking forward to his return. He a good player that england have certainly missed. I found it funny though to read the paper the other day and see JW being compared to the likes of Tiger Woods of golf and Michael Jordan of basketball... Its unfortunate yes that he has been injured for so long but to be compared to likes of those sports people when all he has done really is kicked a few field goals in a world cup i think is absurd. There is no way he has dominated a generation of rugby like those other players have in their respective sports and well I cant really see it happening when he returns and stays fit for more than a season..I would put dan carter ahead of him anyday ( and I not kiwi for that matter ).. anyways JW I have put it out there...prove me wrong.
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England ! you make me laugh, you are so fickle!! you do the same for every sport, build yourself up for a big fall!! but yes i must agree your team do look impressive on paper, but wont it be funny on Sat night if (WHEN)you lose, what will BA do then ? You could always bring back Martin Johnson or Jeremy Gusscot!!
COME ON SCOTLAND!!
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Peter Singleton, maybe, maybe. For me it is more excitement than worry. I get the feeling that after such a long period of struggle for the Scotland team (you English think you've had it bad) and after some good victories over the last year or so, the Scotland team have tasted success and are hungry for more. All in all quite a young Scottish side too. As ever, the English media have almost completely written us off(no changes there, totally agree with u Robert Carr). Sure this will only strengthen Scottish resolve. Look forward too 6 nations, bring it on!!
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i perosnnaly think that the english team have a good chance at the 6 nations, n possibly even a grandslam, but what we need is consistency and time for r new look team too gel together and make chemistry in the forwards and backs. the uva nations, r making out that JW's comeback is a weakness, not a gift for every english rgby fan going, the thing is, he injured all the time but is still yet to shine, the world cup, was great, but thats inda past now n saturday is our goal to beat the scotts, wilkinson is capable of magic beyond belief on the rugby pitch, lets see wat the wizard can do! before any of you even start of thinking writing our lad off 4 good. Now, onto AF, rugby league convert, awesome player in that code, can take huge hits and can deliver them, overall, his rugby skills are excellent, he needs time to adapt to this code, has had it in training, so probably may have a good run out at "the fortress" on saturday.... good luck england.. get us back on track... GO ENGLAND
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please, please, please can people spell Jonny Wilkinson correctly. It's embarrassing how many 'fans' spell his first name as 'johnny'.
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"Hey, check out what Munster RFC have to say on the matter:
Enjoy!"
Excellent link, thank you.
For every carping, snide whining commentator in here: go and read that link. Munster are aggressive, great rugby players and hard as nails -but that link displays sportsmanship; something a number of posters in here might find a little difficult to appreciate - but you can't buy it or whine your way to it. Well done Munster: I'll take Irish eyes smiling over Jock accents whining any day.
As an England supporter, I look forward to seeing whether Ireland can realise their dream. I don't want them to beat us, but I have no problems if the better team wins on the day. Unlike Scottish supporters here, it appears that they wish to play great rugby and win a Grand Slam - not just beat a single nation they hate, and whinge about the press coverage of their team...
Dear God - England has spent 4 years witnessing a terrible collapse, and yet to read some of these posts, you'd think we all went around boasting about how great we are - and believing it. England are at the nadir of their performance for a decade, rudderless (at least until now) and trying to find a way out of the depths of rugby despair. Unsurprisingly, some of the press are selling news by predicting a resurgence.
Some of you need to try and find a little courtesy and respect in your sour hearts - it may be met in kind. I have had great craic with supporters of every national team I've met - except one. Any guesses? Ask yourselves why.
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Wilkinson should be thrown in at the deep end, anything to try and get the England team to play better then we are. At the moment, we have no hope of retaining the world cup, so we might as well try something different...
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I've said it before and I'll say it again I don't care if we lose every match at the six nations as long as we look good doing it. We can't get any worse so if we throw it around a bit in the backs and play swift attacking rugby I'll be more than happy.
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Why is Wilkinson even being considered? He is no doubt an indredibly talented rugby player but there must be only so much more injury and physio one guy can take. I think its unfair that so much is expected of him as he hasn't had an England shirt on for ages and he needs to be so careful unless he doesn't want to wear another for the next 3 years!!!
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I am a rugby league man at heart but also appreciate the virtues of the 15 man code. As much as I hope Farrell does well I agree with the Richard Hill comments. He just gives England that something ..... Not sure what but he like Johnson makes the team tick. With him there defence and possesion come easier and without one of those two things you cannot score points and hence win games. Get him back asap and the World Cup will be interesting if nothing else.
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Jonny Wilkinson is a far to big a gamble for England at this moment because England belive that Wilkinson is the one who solves all the problems but he is not. He is under so much stress by the press he will probaly not preform as well as he could.
Also he has only played against a team of under twentys so he is probaly not in the best form at this very time.
England have got a lot wrong with them but they could probaly pull through
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personally i feel that selecting wilkinson is worth the gamble. To me altough they are talants for the future i don't feel flood and geraghty are ready for top flight international rugby. plus wilkinsons experience could prove vital and i would like to think he has a lot left to offer. i'm gutted dan ward smith is injured i'm totally bored with corry.
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Hugely looking forward to the 6N because any one of 4 can win. I am an England supporter and am just excited by the new look team and Wilko who is definately worth a gamble without Hogson around. But practice at Bath Uni is one thing... I worry about the back row's abulity to win enough ball though, that is Englands main weakness as I see it. I reckon it can do some damage. In this world cup year I hope the northern hemisphere teams raise the bar so that we can stop NZ or a S. Hem. side team winning the RWC.
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The best no. 10 in the world is Dan Carter.
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Fly halves:
1)Dan Carter (NZ)
2)Stephen Larkham (AUS)
3)Stephen Jones (WAL)
4)Andre Pretorius (RSA)
5)Ronan O'Gara (IRE)
6)Felipe Contepomi (ARG)
7)Nick Evans (NZ)
Where is Wilkinson?!?!?!?!?!
your desperate "oh, jonny, we love you jonny! youre so amazing, jonny!"
rubbish is sooooooo pathetic, and is there for the rest of the world to see, why can't you!?!?!?!?!?! prepare to be embarrased at the world cup!
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Jim - "Where is Wilkinson?!?" you ask. Just back from over a thousand days of injury: that clearly makes it an outstanding performance against Scotland & Italy! He will get better as he gets match-fit and will be well up your list by the end of the 6N. He's one of the few world-class players England has got, and more need to step up to the mark鈥
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Nevermind Dave Clazey, what about his even fatter friend Andy "Tinky" Taylor!
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