Comments on: England vs Samoa: 5 things we learned

By: DanD

DanD — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 07:37:37 +0000

The forwards made just 31 carries, against the boks it was more than 60. At least twice Haskell was skipped out by Youngs for some reason, and another Haskell took the ball took two steps to fix the defence, and gave a pop pass (something England have been working on) to Webber, who’s just as good a carrier. He can’t run it if people don’t pass.

And his work was far more effective than Wood, his physicality was a step up, with some big tackles killing Samoan momentum, and some strong work in the breakdown providing quicker ball (helped a lot in the breakdown before Mays 2nd try, could have been a really slow breakdown there).

He wasn’t on the same form he showed at the start of the season, but I’d still take him ahead of Wood.

By: TeeCee

TeeCee — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 22:25:06 +0000

Been saying this for weeks. I was talking to a friend of mine today who has played at county level.
He lays the blame firmly at the door of the coaching staff to(Rowntree excepted)

So having established that Lancaster is as much use as an asbestos firework,WHO would you put in charge,cos we all seem to agree he is not the man for the job but no one comes up with ant alternatives………

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 21:58:16 +0000

9) The emperor has no clothes on

I was very positive over the direction SL was taking us over this 6N and we performed pretty well for 2/3rds of the summer tour. Now however I’m seeing a novice coach who’s read a couple of books on culture with a large empty trophy cabinet for future glories that don’t look like they will ever come to pass. Compared to the likes of Cotter and Schmidt who’ve coached and won at a high level, travelled and experienced different cultures and bring real rugby intellect to their teams. Both achieving far more, in less time, with less resources at their disposal. Both are demonstrating the difference an elite coach can make to a team in a relatively short space of time.

By: simon scantlebury

simon scantlebury — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 18:30:02 +0000

(8)It was wet so we threw it around badly instead of kicking for territory with kickers at 10 and 12.Conclusion absence of basic rugby intelligence and leadership

By: Benjit

Benjit — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 18:12:53 +0000

6) Farrell is not fit.

7) Barritt is not fit for purpose