Yeah, I’ve been skeptical of the calls for him to go as it seemed to me primarily an issue of us just not having the talent in this next generation. But he looked like Ange these past two games, just watching on helpless without showing much of an idea for what else to do.
It might not be enough to meaningfully improve anything, but it was the only choice available and going on without changing was likely to be really damaging to this generation.
Yeah there is that confidence side. I’ve heard that training has been a pretty relaxed, very unprofessional affair. Not great coming into that Italy game. I can see what he is trying to do but it is both way out of date and we clearly dont have the players to deliver it.
I believe it was the right thing to do because there are serious questions on tactics and selections that are on Gatland.
The issue I have, like everyone is the WRU using this without any further sweeping changes which are absolutely essential if rugby is to remain a key sport in Wales. We are still waiting for the so called review. I suspect, with no evidence, they dont like what its saying. I do not want Gatland to be some fall guy for this. If you’ve not seen it yet it is worth looking at Ken Owen’s post game comments. They are very critical of the WRU and rightly so.
Anyway Matt Sherratt of Cardiff Blues has been appointed for 3 games. No idea what is happening with the other coaches.
Just in time for Wales to have a whale of a game against the Oirish.
I dont think it matters. We are never winning that game anyway.
With Gatland there the mental damage to the squad just increases. I dont think this makes that any worse. It’s an opportunity to actually install a little belief back in the squad. Just a little belief that there is an international level team in there somewhere.
Some better selections, a minor reorganisation and balance will do some good. Almost guaranteed that Ben Thomas plays at 12 for example.
It’s brutally obvious but we really dont know what Gatlands thoughts on him at 10 were.
Great game. Congrats to Ireland. Too smart in the end. So so much better from Wales.
I can feel a debate on the red card coming.
Congrats to Wales also. Was a tough game and a great one to watch.
I think Ringrose was lucky to avoid a straight red. I do like the 20min rule for unfortunate head contacts but that was a stupid tackle.
We’ll miss him v France so I guess that’s additional punishment
Yeah not disagreeing with the decision, it was a red. I think debate will be around the fact that Ireland were free to bring Aki on who, to be fair gave Ireland the platform to win the game.
Still Ireland are a hell of a side. I’m finding Prendegast an interesting 10. Clearly gifted, excellent decision making, but seems slow in defense. I’m trying to decide if he could replace Russell as the Lions 10. Gibson-Park has to be a shoe in for scrum half.
Slight aside I was surprised how Wales managed to keep Mahoney quiet. Haven’t seen that in a long long time.
Happy to get the win despite the poor rugby, especially first half. Fin Smith had a good game though and continues to show he belongs a big stage, though that night be my Saints goggles.
Personally think Borthwick needs to drop Marcus Smith for either Steward or Furbank. M Smith a very good player but doesn’t fit in with the rest of the backs and shoving him around everywhere is damaging the quality of play.
I thought England were lucky. Some really fortunate calls but they dug it out.
There is something wrong with England’s back play. Short of a first phase strike move they offer very little. They should be better than that. Worth noting England have kicked more than any side in the 6 nations and have ghe slowest ruck ball which doesnt help.
Yes, that’s what I meant. Ref could have given a straight red rather than yellow+review which can then only lead to a 20min red
We were lucky, but at the same time three missed conversions leaves Scotland with only themselves to blame even with some debatable calls. Russell had a mare with his kicking today.
The problem with the back play is Borthwick doesn’t know how to make Marcus Smith fit but knows he’s a quality player so keeps trying. Think he needs to accept that M Smith just doesn’t have chemistry with the rest of the backs. Steward in at fullback until Furbank is fit and then pick the full back based on the opposition would be my solution. Also Borthwicks clearly instructed them to consistently go for box kicks which makes for some tedious rugby, and negates a lot of the quality we have on the wings, but that’s how it’s been under him since he took over.
In an ideal world we’d replace Borthwick with a coach who has a clearer idea of what they want to do and how to do it, but for now I’d settle for accepting that Marcus Smith, for all his quality, doesn’t fit in with the rest of the backs.
Also just for the sake of my Fin Smith propaganda, the mans a fly half and his tackling is fantastic, same as at club level. Most tackles from anyone on the pitch
Allianz stadium? Really? Sorry but it is Twickers and always will be. Take your Allianz and stick it up your bum along with that can of Red Bull
Are Tarquin and Jemima still going?
Or have they been priced out? 
Finn is currently in vogue, along with other double barrelled names
After a plethora of £500 lunches washed down with bottles of Y’quem, they may well be; the plebeian posers. Eh @cog?
So who’s going to be the Lions 10? No one really standing out
Russell or Pendergast for me I think.
I think moving Smith 1 to full back may have worked against him as a test starter at 10 but he might still go because he can double up as a full back.
Pendergast gonna be a star but not sure he’s ready. Finn is obviously brilliant on his day but not a reliable kicker as yesterday showed.
I wonder if Farrell might actually fancy Jack Crowley. That’s who he was starting as Ireland coach
Interesting result today in the Ireland France game, if Scotland can nick a result against the French and England don’t shit the bed in tomorrow/next week then Borthwick will have fluked his way to a Six Nations win.
France would have to go Spursy for that to happen, which isn’t impossible but is unlikely.
