You and I see through different eyes. I've seen flashes of brilliance and solid play from some of the England players punctuated by spells of leaden footedness and loss of concentration. Probably good to watch for some but which I find hugely frustrating. It shouldn't be that difficult to concentrate for 40 minutes before a break, they are professional sportsmen ffs. Andy
For what it’s worth I think England look entirely predictable (again) and lack flair. J May running sideways for 30 yards as an example.
By the skin of their teeth. Itoje has been villain and hero in equal measure throughout the tournament. A win is a win. Andy
Nice again, like last fall, England steels the game in the last minute. Thanks to refereeing. It has to be a curse...
Well, let me just say this: a referee uses his TMO when he sees a try, but has a doubt. And asks: « TMO, is there any reason for me not to call it a try ». Then TMO does his/her job. Here, Barnes says: that’s not a try (see where he is standing during Itoje’s action - about two feet away). Then asks the TMO: « For me this is not a try. What do you think? » And she answers: « But it is Sir ».(Otherwise France wins in Twickenham). Andy, remember please that Barnes is the same man who invented a French knock on in the last 10 seconds of the Automn cup final, when France was, again, leading the score. In Twickenham. You had it in your press, we had it in ours. Come on! The positive about all this is that France dominated with 11 players that had not played for a month. That’s a promise. Today’s going to be a huge pride hit and hopefully, that’ll help them win the tournament. The goal being the 2023 RWC. But yes, that was a fantastic game from both teams tonight. Glad France was that team able to awaken the 15 of the Rose.
It was a try (as a non England supporter). He grounded it as he crossed the line then it was held up. The first camera angle clearly showed that IMHO.
Absolutely not what Barnes saw, as Itoje’s own arm was in the way, along with Woki’s hand. At least that’s the feeling on this side of the channel (and in Barnes mind...) Still, Itoje was beyond the line, after a fantastic offensive action from England, so it is well deserved, no argument about this. It’s just the dodgy refereeing that we are fed up with, over here...
Yes i've much younger eyes than you sir,England were guilty in the breakdown area everytime going forward with players not supporting the ball runner.Man of the match should have been Jonny May with his celebrations on the sidelines with a few minutes at the end, it looked like he'd heard that Boris has reopened the pubs.
Not a follower of international rugby per se but my girlfriend is an avid Wales fan. Didn’t know he was an Irish referee until one of the commentators mentioned it so what you say is news to me. It is my understanding that the TMO can advise the referee that they have made an incorrect decision so have no issue with Itoje’s try. I do however believe this 6 Nations has been dogged by poor refereeing in general and I am not a fan of the current set of rules although I appreciate the need to limit the potential for player injuries. I played schools and county rugby in the late 60’s to the mid 70’s when the game flowed or at least that’s what I remember Andy
As an Englishman I was supporting France yesterday for the first time, mostly because I'd rather see England lose than the Welsh win, every team has been totally rubbish, and the refereeing farcical so for a change it was actually a pretty good game the first we've seen so far this tournament.
Ah yes, sorry, my mistake. Brace is the man I was ranting about... Sincere apologies to Mr Barnes. Well, I must admit I was fairly pissed off yesterday evening and that pint of triple karmelit didn’t help either (God that shit is strong on an empty belly...) I feel much better and at peace with England this morning. I guess I slept over it, as you say.
