England fan here. We don’t travel over the water well except when there’s an argument over the bloody carpet😂. Still think our centres aren’t up to it and not at all sure we can outmatch you guys. Just hope it’s a good game with no bad injuries. Good luck lads!
@@mhoppy6639in all fairness England defense during the autumn was well impressive but management taking off smith with 10-15 minutes left was Englands downfall in a few games Hopefully with Dan sheehan back our line out might start working again Should be a cracking game My prediction England is the dark horse No grandslam France to win the tournament Wales to get the wooden spoon
Disagree on Furlong. I cannot remember last truly good game Furlong had for Ireland. His injuries and fall off in play has been noticeable. Especially in the scrum, were he has really struggled. Finlay Bealham is not as good round the park but in the scrum? He is.
Going off Ireland's performances in the November internationals and the fact we have a new temporary coach, along with the testing out of some new players, I don't feel Ireland are in a position to win this 6 nations. This is a great chance for England to beat Ireland again this year. I feel France may to be too strong for everyone this year though.
Don't see England turning us over in Dublin. No rain forecasted all week either so it will be intense and fast. Ireland by 5 to 7 points. Never underestimate England not when it's Ireland vs England. Can't wait. 😬
Not really ridiculus as they are trying to protect their league . How many players do they allow to leave when GP is struggling for quality at the moment
Love the Six Nations build up, especially this one. The tournament is always entertaining but I've got a funny feeling about this one. It's France for me, no slam though.
Irish fan. This game is going to be within 3 either way. Last few performance against Ireland England were unlucky not to come out with something. If the Ireland lineout miss-fires, and thats pretty bloody likely, then I can really see England pinning us back.
I would pick: 1. Genge/Baxter 2. Langdon 3. Stuart 4. Itoje 5. Coles 6. Chessum 7. Earl 8. C-South/Curry T 9. Mitchell 10. Smith F 11. Sleightholme 12. Lawrence 13. Freeman 14. Roebuck (waboso when fit) 15. Furbank/Steward/Marcus Smith
The English games are always "challenging" for us . . . in the last 2 years they have put it to us and won last year so nobody will be taking anything for granted and England need the win
See the Furlong thing is based on reputation rather than actual play. Furlong has not been the same player for at least 2 years. If anything, Bealham is a better scrummager. Ireland won't miss Furlong that much. People are remembering who he was as oppose to who he is now.
(Irish fan here) the point about the referee is a good one. so many laws are open to interpretationn now it's a really difficult task for refs to maintain consistency. Which is probably how mack hansen probably should have framed his rant instead of inferring referees are cheats. Hope I am wrong bur I think england will suprise everyone on saturday by beating us. They have been so close for a number of big games now and should start hitting their groove soon.
Great summary Guys, thank you!! Yes, FS is great under the high ball, but lacks pace and rather flat-footed, really undone v SA in autumn, Colby and Williams??
Ireland need to resolve the lineout issues they had in the autumn, and the high volume of silly mistakes, otherwise they are vulnerable. Going to be interesting to see if Farrell stepping back from head coach will make any difference
Holy shit, some crazy score predictions in some comments here, Ireland by 15 or 20?? Not a chance, hoping Ireland by 3 or 5 but this game could go either way
Jack williis is the best english rugby player in Europe lads. Saw him against Leinster a few years ago in the champions cup semi final in Dublin. He really stood out, despite Dupont, Ntmack and other big names on the pitch.
Didn’t do much damage againts munster a couple of weeks ago. He was pretty anonymous to be honest. Never mind Leinster who are the biggest rep in the Irish squad (also undefeated so far). It’s a massive step up from CC to international level playing against Ireland/Leinster away in the Aviva
As a SA-Yorkshireman, I say Ireland by 22. They have the experience, the imagination, the better pack, the better backs and they’re at home. Can’t think of one area where Eng look better than them - and that includes in the air.
I said the same last year in twickenham ... 😂😂 ... England have a hell of a team in the works .. and if you would pick jack Willis .. probably top 3 in the world in his position.
This is my favourite type of England fan, ones who refuse to believe we have a good squad and have already written us off. Ireland by 22 is insane lmao. We literally beat them last year, when they were on better form than they were over the autumn.
New rules suits good scrum halves, good kickers, good chasers and good jacklers. TBH Irelands tactics of going through phases after phase doesn’t maximise these rules. England have the all the above but not great at developing phases. I think it’s a tighter game.
@@Gilescowdemdemyes yee won with a try that had foot in touch and just squeezed it with a drop goal,ireland were in poor form that day,but doesnt say much about england just scraping bye.
Just seen the team, will love to hear what you are going to say about Curry & Curry!! Fascinating choice. Trouble is when the opposition direct your selections or am I over critical?
Was going to put a tenner on England to win, but then i saw the bookies are offering 5000 to 1 on Gemma Collins being the next James Bond and that feels a far safer bet.
The biggest compliment to the England pack was Rassie picking an almost reserve pack of forwards against Scotland to have his starters fresh for England.
If you're picking Steward, then you have to pick some pacey dangerous wingers. Murley and Sleightholme to start. Freeman into the centres with Lawrence. Slade is past it.
you cant just start a winger in the centres, who has never played their before in an away international, he wont understand any of the running lines and we'll be cut to ribbons. the disrespect centres get is insane, apparently anyone can just play there and its fine, heard talk of Ben Earl being touted to do so, imagine what a quality centre like BOD, Greenwood, Nonu etc would have done to him........
Hes really good at 13 ,he knows where the try line and how to get there but is totally selfless and will take the hit to release the man outside , defensively outside dingwall very very good
Lads Crowley will be starting 10, no question. Hes been great recently. Prendergast just isnt ready for this level test match, not to start anyway. He could have a good impact though in the 2nd half when players are tired.
I’m kind of hoping for this as a Leinster fan. I think if Prendergast starts and it goes wrong, we might well ruin the kid before he reaches his potential. The psychological aspect is massive.
Really enjoyed the discussion about this upcoming game. Seems to me that Borthwick is still trying to get the 'balance' right in the back-row and the backline. I expect this to be a very close affair - one score difference. Just can't decide who has the edge.
Dunno about that, I think england will fancy their chances now. Its been close the last few years, we (ireland) had a poor autumn and who knows how we will react without farrell there. It will be close
Ireland have a solid side their line out needs to improve. They should be solid even without Furlong, bealham is a very strong tight head who has hands I don’t see England getting anything other than parity. Porter has been much better the scrum he likely has been working on technique this season because him and Slimani blitzed bath two weeks ago. We do need to see the attack from Andrew goodman click. But Ireland should have enough firepower once they don’t give stupid penalties I’m looking at McCarthy there. Ireland by 7 due to form of current players in their squad many undefeated this season. Also steward is not above keanan under the highball.
England have at best only got parity in the scrum for many years. Believe that may change with under 20s boys arriving and at last will stuart maturing , but Saturday I’m hoping for parity. 🏴
Would agree with the majority of this take. However the comment about Bealham and his “hands” is not something that is in his arsenal. I couldn’t recall the amount of handling errors that guy continuously makes. If you checked the stats over the autumn he most definitely isn’t as fluid passer or catcher as furlong. Having said that though he’s a good scrummager but if Genge starts he will be putting a serious amount of pressure on him. Not just Genge but most players will be looking to smash eachother to get that call up to the Lions squad. Will be a savage game though
As an England fan, I agree England will at best gain parity up front. I like Genge, but am unsure he's a genuine scrummaging prop. Ireland have a better pack. Should be a great game.
@davidmarsh5274 I'm. Wary of England at the breakdown you made us miserable I feel you have the edge in line out if we start Kellaher and not sheehan but I feel it will be parity at scrum time. Ireland doesn't have the most powerful one but they can definitely lock one out.
You can't put Izzy in against England on the opener for his first 6N game. Too much pressure. I'd love to see him start against Wales though. Prendergast needs time in the 6Ns this year. He's a phenomenon.
Yeah, Faz is brave enough to pick Benderghastly because he’s the most talented option. Especially with the Lions approaching. Smith and Russell will feel him breathing down their necks come the spring and tour selection… ☘️🦁☘️
Totally agree. Always thought we will be ahead of Ireland come the World Cup but right now Ireland are brilliant. Wish them luck for 3 in a row but not Saturday. 🏴
Hill and Willis have performed in the Prem. As I tell Prem fans every pre-6Ns that is zero guarantee of success at test match level. I have lost count of the number of players I was told were going to be "world class," "game breakers" etc based on Prem form only to see them flop at test match level. Earl has earned his stripes. Hill and Willis need to show they can before anyone starts crowning them as outstanding. I have my doubts they will.
It feels like it will be close but who knows. England have been competitive against the best in the last year but just come up short. But they always have so many high quality players they are always there or there abouts. For Ireland we just aren’t at the races for the first time in a long time in the autumn. Leinster are now playing a different style to the national team which I think has caused problems. That said the handling errors etc. that we saw are nothing to do with that and they need to reduce the penalty count. I can’t though, with the quality of players available see that bad form continuing. They will snap out of it eventually and hopefully Saturday is the day to put a few critics back in their boxes. Sam Prendergast can also show on a large stage what he can do.
If Crowley played for Leinster, everyone would be talking about him being one of the best 10s in the world. He is unfortunately at Munster who can’t give him the consistent go forward ball and he still shows up well
Here we go again crying about crowley..ifs and buts,hes not playing with a firward pack to help him out,get over it,it is what it is.he is very good snd defensivley stronger than sam,but he diesnt attack like him or pass like him,that said i dont mind who starts as long as we win.
@@amantedellopera1681 not crying about it at all. Just an observation and opinion. Prendergast is a great player and we are lucky to have two outstanding 10s coming through at a young age. Frawley was the next coming until he made some mistakes when not given an armchair ride. He is another option we are lucky to have also.
Frawley .. good utility .. not at the level needed .. if he was .. he would have nailed down a position in the leinster squad some time in the last 6 years. Byrne brothers are not at the level. Never were. Good in a dominant team. Crawley is class .. prendergast has a little more to offer .. hopefully 10 years of those guys keeping pressure on each other will have us in a good place.
It will be interesting with the reffing across the competition as in a good or bad way ireland and france are the two best nations at pushing the laws to their limit, Ireland probably more so. Maybe see some bent rule innovation around the kick chase as well?
It all depends which Ireland team shows up, if we see the 2024 version of Ireland, then England will win and win well, if we see Ireland from 2023, then Ireland will win at a canter. Ireland will need to come out of the gates with all guns blazing and cut out the poor lineouts and handling errors and monster the breakdown. They'll also need to deal with Englands rush defence.
Outside of Murley not seeing much pace in that backline. Not loving back row. Ben Curry is ok but never seen him perform above average at test match level. Tom Curry looks a ghost of the player he was. Ireland could have a field day with that back row.
James Ryan is playing brilliant rugby at the moment It’s two powerful packs against each other. Porters scrummaging has come on this season. Even teams
They've conveniently forgot the snowy game on st pat's weekend in Ireland where Ireland won the slam against them. Scored a try because the end zone was extended for some reason due to the snow
For me the game will be won at the breakdown. Ire thrive on fast ruck speed, so eng backrow are crucial there. Huge question mark still remains on Eng defence. I think 28 -18 to Ire
@James-zh1eh hard to call, Mack has the X factor but has not been at the top of his game following his injury, but hes a big game player so likely Hansen
You forgot to mention what you think the Ireland starting 15 will be, having spent more than half the pod on England. Hopefully England will make the same mistake on Saturday!
Only France are going to ask Ireland questions that they might not be able to answer. Can't see England, a developing side, beating Ireland - Settled, top 2 in the world for several years, at home. Nah, An English win in this weekend would be a minor miracle.
This match to me is Irelands 6 nations decider. Play well and win and we have a great chance of winning it out. Play poorly and lose and we will struggle throughout the tournament. Tbh. I think the second one is the most likely but I hope not. Think even though we have some great players other countries seem to have figured us out a bit and the innovation seems to be missing. Think Mike Catt influence has been badly missed and no one talks about it. Lineout has been a shambles since it derailed us at the World Cup and has been our Achilles heel. England always bring a physical stubborn challenge that we always struggle with and England +6 at even money is an incredible bet in a match they have every chance of winning. Crowley is the better option to start as well but feel they will go with prendergast. They seem to be fast tracking him regardless of the result for down the line. Can see a mid table finish for Ireland with a mixed bag of a tournament with a pocket full of what ifs and regrets at the end.
If you want to attack the scrum, picking Genge and Dan in the front row is not the way to go. Starting Opoku-Fordjour at loosehead or Baxter with LCD at hooker is a better option for that.
The English back row bomb squad is making me a bit nervous. If its close with 20 mins to go, their introduction could be massive. We need to build a decent lead or things could go sideways....
Meh. Prem players get unreal hype this time of year that does not mean they are going to produce at test match level. Ollie Chessum and WIllis off the bench should not be scaring anyone. I watched Willis in a few games, he was good but in last game I saw v Castres? He was fairly anonymous against a big physical back row. Chessum I saw in one game, Tigers getting eviscerated by Toulouse. I get he was returning from injury buthe looked awful. Honestly think Ireland has a big advantage in the back row.
@ Scraped past Arg and Aus. They were hanging on for dear life at the end. Ireland didn't perform well in the Autumn series. They were giving away a ridiculous amount of penalities which was uncharacteristic of them. Let's see if they have ironed out the issues.
So desperate for England to get off to a great start, but I just can't see it. I can see the Irish forwards getting on top when going forward and that will make the difference.
I would love Ireland to start Izuchukwu at 6, front row Boyle, Kelleher, Clarkson, MaCarty, Ryan, Doris and JVF Prendergast, JGP, Hendshaw, Ringrose, Lowe, Osbourne and Nash. Porter, Sheehan, Bealham, Byrne, Conan, Aki, Crowley and Murray off the bench to finish strong Keenan, Handsan, Baird could easily be swapped in to starting roles More likely Ireland start stronger with Crowley, Porter etc. but I think we should be aiming to finish stronger Great to see Murphy to get a run against Scotland the week after Bench, Porter,
Consistency and discipline is the unknown for both teams. Real beasts and skills in each side, but both playing at their best, Ireland win. I fear fussy reffing is gonna have an impact n then it will become one-sided. I hope I'm wrong cos Ire v Eng should be a spectacle given the match ups.
Irish fan here. Got a nasty feeling about this. From opener against France last six nations we've looked worse in every successive game nearly. I'm not expecting a good performance. Id like to see Ireland take to the air the way you're suggesting England do. Handling hasn't been good enough to justify running from our own half. And id like to see how well they could do it if they went to a predominant kicking game - could be very impressive
Freddie steward being good in the air isn't the game winner for England. The Irish backline are all naturals in the air. This game will be won in the centre.
We all love Slade...dependable, smart, slick, kicks off left foot etc.. but ffs have we no quality alternatives in a population of 65 million?? Would be nice to have a 13 with speed , size, and all of slade's qualities..Slade is safe but not a game winner! But still an awesome player..just not quite world class 13
I'm worried about this one for Ire .... the lineout is massively malfunctioning .... backs have little game time after injuries ..... more handling errors and penalties than previous cycles. If Eng show up, they will beat us IMHO!
England fan ... sorry I can only see an absolute hammering from ireland .. 25 point margin. England centre combination is poor. England will try to slow it down, set piece but Ireland will totally run away with this
Combinations?.. Mitchell and fin smith ,slieghtholme ,Dingwall , Freeman No idea why England insist on breaking them up and then bringing them on taking them off to ensure no period of overlap and at the least sensible time regardless of what is going on the pitch? In qualifying that remark they have recent experience with good results against Irish teams in club rugby over a couple of seasons
As a South African this pod is absolutely world class! We love it down here.
Refreshing to see a non toxic comment from a Saffa
We are the best fans and the worst fans at the same time.
Good on you boys
@@MrDindando Refreshing to see someone being nice to a Saffa.
Nah this and Squidge's FR-UK so insightful man love it
Irish fan here. This will be a very close game. Can’t call it. Dan Sheehan back is absolutely huge for us, but we’ll miss Furlong.
England fan here. We don’t travel over the water well except when there’s an argument over the bloody carpet😂. Still think our centres aren’t up to it and not at all sure we can outmatch you guys. Just hope it’s a good game with no bad injuries. Good luck lads!
@@mhoppy6639I think it will be a tight one.
@@mhoppy6639in all fairness England defense during the autumn was well impressive but management taking off smith with 10-15 minutes left was Englands downfall in a few games
Hopefully with Dan sheehan back our line out might start working again
Should be a cracking game
My prediction England is the dark horse
No grandslam
France to win the tournament
Wales to get the wooden spoon
Disagree on Furlong. I cannot remember last truly good game Furlong had for Ireland. His injuries and fall off in play has been noticeable. Especially in the scrum, were he has really struggled. Finlay Bealham is not as good round the park but in the scrum? He is.
Going off Ireland's performances in the November internationals and the fact we have a new temporary coach, along with the testing out of some new players, I don't feel Ireland are in a position to win this 6 nations. This is a great chance for England to beat Ireland again this year. I feel France may to be too strong for everyone this year though.
Really enjoy your pod chaps, awesome stuff..!! 👊😎🌹
Wow Goodie, 'Ireland by 15' I think its going to be much closer, a one score game.
Hate to say it but I think he’s right.
He's taking the piss with a view to motivating his team!
I was surprised at that. Ireland were bang bang average in the autumn but still did better than England overall! I think Ireland win but by 5-7
Don't see England turning us over in Dublin. No rain forecasted all week either so it will be intense and fast.
Ireland by 5 to 7 points.
Never underestimate England not when it's Ireland vs England.
Can't wait. 😬
@@RazorMouthrain every day except Thursday
Know its been said many many times but absolutely ludicrous that Jack Willis isn't in the English team & I'm Irish, so delighted.
He's arguably their best player alright
We should sign him and get him to switch allegiances. Him and his brother are eligible under new(ish) laws.
@@eamonlyons8069if he switches allegiance then Scotland get him. Something to do with a Tongan granny. 🏴
Not really ridiculus as they are trying to protect their league . How many players do they allow to leave when GP is struggling for quality at the moment
Jacques Houillisse ? 😂
I'm looking forward to this. I'll be watching from the States, but damn this is super exciting all the same!!!
Love the Six Nations build up, especially this one. The tournament is always entertaining but I've got a funny feeling about this one. It's France for me, no slam though.
Love the pod great knowledge love there is real no biase as well all gut feelings and honest opinions 🙌🙌
Irish fan. This game is going to be within 3 either way. Last few performance against Ireland England were unlucky not to come out with something. If the Ireland lineout miss-fires, and thats pretty bloody likely, then I can really see England pinning us back.
England won the last match against Ireland though?
England will get soundly beaten (England 'fan' here).
@michaelcoyne3700 Yes, you're right. I was thinking of the one before in Dublin before the WC
I would pick:
1. Genge/Baxter
2. Langdon
3. Stuart
4. Itoje
5. Coles
6. Chessum
7. Earl
8. C-South/Curry T
9. Mitchell
10. Smith F
11. Sleightholme
12. Lawrence
13. Freeman
14. Roebuck (waboso when fit)
15. Furbank/Steward/Marcus Smith
Look at that, a side with the 10 in his correct position! Yet this kind of common sense seems to be pure voodoo rocket science for borthwick
I don't know what he's watching on his laptop but it can't be the live game in front of him
The English games are always "challenging" for us . . . in the last 2 years they have put it to us and won last year so nobody will be taking anything for granted and England need the win
See the Furlong thing is based on reputation rather than actual play. Furlong has not been the same player for at least 2 years. If anything, Bealham is a better scrummager. Ireland won't miss Furlong that much. People are remembering who he was as oppose to who he is now.
It’s who comes on if Bealham is injured that is the issue
(Irish fan here) the point about the referee is a good one. so many laws are open to interpretationn now it's a really difficult task for refs to maintain consistency. Which is probably how mack hansen probably should have framed his rant instead of inferring referees are cheats. Hope I am wrong bur I think england will suprise everyone on saturday by beating us. They have been so close for a number of big games now and should start hitting their groove soon.
Just a helpful Paddy here - it's pronounced "Kay- lin Doris". Great content
Kay-lin
@@randalmacdonald2618 Yup, 100% right. My bad. Thanks
@@Robert-g3w7n - no bad at all - not the easiest of names to pronounce :-)
Great summary Guys, thank you!! Yes, FS is great under the high ball, but lacks pace and rather flat-footed, really undone v SA in autumn, Colby and Williams??
I agree but we don’t have the pace of those players in our side currently so may not matter so much
Agree, he's stiff as a board.
Love these guys
Great pod, gonna be a fantastic game. Best of luck to both teams 🍻 Come on England
Ireland need to resolve the lineout issues they had in the autumn, and the high volume of silly mistakes, otherwise they are vulnerable. Going to be interesting to see if Farrell stepping back from head coach will make any difference
Holy shit, some crazy score predictions in some comments here, Ireland by 15 or 20?? Not a chance, hoping Ireland by 3 or 5 but this game could go either way
Excellent POD men 👌🏉
Jack williis is the best english rugby player in Europe lads. Saw him against Leinster a few years ago in the champions cup semi final in Dublin. He really stood out, despite Dupont, Ntmack and other big names on the pitch.
Didn’t do much damage againts munster a couple of weeks ago. He was pretty anonymous to be honest. Never mind Leinster who are the biggest rep in the Irish squad (also undefeated so far). It’s a massive step up from CC to international level playing against Ireland/Leinster away in the Aviva
@@internaaffaira986munster played toulouse a few weeks ago? have you missed out on a year? jan 2023 is the last time I think they played each other.
@ What are you on about? lol
(Irish fan here) @@PB22559 Jack Willis plays for Toulouse. can't play for england. lol
As a SA-Yorkshireman, I say Ireland by 22. They have the experience, the imagination, the better pack, the better backs and they’re at home. Can’t think of one area where Eng look better than them - and that includes in the air.
We need you to be a cheerleader for us lol 😂 thanks though for the confidence
I said the same last year in twickenham ... 😂😂 ... England have a hell of a team in the works .. and if you would pick jack Willis .. probably top 3 in the world in his position.
This is my favourite type of England fan, ones who refuse to believe we have a good squad and have already written us off. Ireland by 22 is insane lmao. We literally beat them last year, when they were on better form than they were over the autumn.
New rules suits good scrum halves, good kickers, good chasers and good jacklers. TBH Irelands tactics of going through phases after phase doesn’t maximise these rules. England have the all the above but not great at developing phases. I think it’s a tighter game.
@@Gilescowdemdemyes yee won with a try that had foot in touch and just squeezed it with a drop goal,ireland were in poor form that day,but doesnt say much about england just scraping bye.
Very enjoyable pod gent's
Just seen the team, will love to hear what you are going to say about Curry & Curry!! Fascinating choice. Trouble is when the opposition direct your selections or am I over critical?
Was going to put a tenner on England to win, but then i saw the bookies are offering 5000 to 1 on Gemma Collins being the next James Bond and that feels a far safer bet.
They don't get it, M. I'm costraphobic! 😂
The biggest compliment to the England pack was Rassie picking an almost reserve pack of forwards against Scotland to have his starters fresh for England.
Pretty sure they played Ireland the week after Scotland. They played England after France
Pretty sure Rassie doesn’t have reserves and starters 😂
Its going to be very tight. Kicking will be crucial. Ireland for the dubya, but I'm Irish and I'm nervous for this one
That impression Goodie 😂😂😂
Watch McCarthy nail on his Lions test spot this 6N. He’s the hardest of the hard. ☘️
McCarthy is not in the squad due to injury
If you're picking Steward, then you have to pick some pacey dangerous wingers. Murley and Sleightholme to start. Freeman into the centres with Lawrence. Slade is past it.
We all know borthwick won't do that, but he should
you cant just start a winger in the centres, who has never played their before in an away international, he wont understand any of the running lines and we'll be cut to ribbons. the disrespect centres get is insane, apparently anyone can just play there and its fine, heard talk of Ben Earl being touted to do so, imagine what a quality centre like BOD, Greenwood, Nonu etc would have done to him........
@@snowyrichmond5445 freeman has played centre regularly for northhampton
Has he really? 😂 then I'll keep my mouth shut 😅😅 I'm not a Saints fan......so my apologies
Hes really good at 13 ,he knows where the try line and how to get there but is totally selfless and will take the hit to release the man outside , defensively outside dingwall very very good
Lads Crowley will be starting 10, no question. Hes been great recently. Prendergast just isnt ready for this level test match, not to start anyway. He could have a good impact though in the 2nd half when players are tired.
No question 😂😂😂
I’m kind of hoping for this as a Leinster fan. I think if Prendergast starts and it goes wrong, we might well ruin the kid before he reaches his potential. The psychological aspect is massive.
According to Ruairi O Connor, Prendergast is starting and he usually has inside info on the team before its announced.
I hope Crowley starts though
You were saying?
Really enjoyed the discussion about this upcoming game. Seems to me that Borthwick is still trying to get the 'balance' right in the back-row and the backline. I expect this to be a very close affair - one score difference. Just can't decide who has the edge.
Hahaha goody impression of borthwick sounds like Mel B from bo selecta uhhh ya bastard ya lol he's on the money Ireland by 15💪🇮🇪
Jim is a dreamer, Ireland are very hard to beat at home and they wont want to ever lose to England.
Dunno about that, I think england will fancy their chances now. Its been close the last few years, we (ireland) had a poor autumn and who knows how we will react without farrell there. It will be close
If the 6N is so unpredictable like many NH fans claim, why is Jim a dreamer?
My prediction will be a draw😂
@@cornelcarelse7613 Ireland have better players and but for the odd blip will usually win
Let’s hope there’s no ridiculous red card like the last time in Ireland
It's all about the delivery lads, keep it up 👏😂
The Irish will be rubbing their hands if England play an obsessive aerial kicking game. Gaelic football is in their blood :).
Ireland have a solid side their line out needs to improve. They should be solid even without Furlong, bealham is a very strong tight head who has hands I don’t see England getting anything other than parity. Porter has been much better the scrum he likely has been working on technique this season because him and Slimani blitzed bath two weeks ago. We do need to see the attack from Andrew goodman click. But Ireland should have enough firepower once they don’t give stupid penalties I’m looking at McCarthy there. Ireland by 7 due to form of current players in their squad many undefeated this season. Also steward is not above keanan under the highball.
England have at best only got parity in the scrum for many years. Believe that may change with under 20s boys arriving and at last will stuart maturing , but Saturday I’m hoping for parity. 🏴
Would agree with the majority of this take. However the comment about Bealham and his “hands” is not something that is in his arsenal. I couldn’t recall the amount of handling errors that guy continuously makes. If you checked the stats over the autumn he most definitely isn’t as fluid passer or catcher as furlong. Having said that though he’s a good scrummager but if Genge starts he will be putting a serious amount of pressure on him. Not just Genge but most players will be looking to smash eachother to get that call up to the Lions squad. Will be a savage game though
Easterby was talking about working on the attack in camp in Portugal, Goodman needs to show his worth in this campaign.
As an England fan, I agree England will at best gain parity up front. I like Genge, but am unsure he's a genuine scrummaging prop. Ireland have a better pack. Should be a great game.
@davidmarsh5274 I'm. Wary of England at the breakdown you made us miserable I feel you have the edge in line out if we start Kellaher and not sheehan but I feel it will be parity at scrum time. Ireland doesn't have the most powerful one but they can definitely lock one out.
Very enjoyable podcast. And we are treated to "Steve Borthwick" interview towards the end
Could someone tell me if Dupont missing last year and playing for the sevens at the Olympics ment they won that?
Ireland fan here
My XV:
1. Porter
2. Sheehan
3. Bealham
4. McCarthy
5. Beirne
6. Izuchukwu
7. VDF
8. Doris
9. Gibson-Park
10. Crowley
11. Lowe
12. Aki
13. Ringrose
14. Hansen
15. Keenan
Bench: Healy, Kelleher, Clarkson, Ryan, Baird, O'Mahony, Murray, Frawley
You can't put Izzy in against England on the opener for his first 6N game. Too much pressure. I'd love to see him start against Wales though. Prendergast needs time in the 6Ns this year. He's a phenomenon.
Yeah, Faz is brave enough to pick Benderghastly because he’s the most talented option. Especially with the Lions approaching. Smith and Russell will feel him breathing down their necks come the spring and tour selection…
☘️🦁☘️
@@owenL LOL
@@SMacCuUladh Too much pressure for Izzy at 6 but not too much for 21 year old Prendergast? Not sure I agree.
@@ron1346 Prendergast seems to be a different kind of player imo.
There's some great players on that England team and if the gel it's going to be a very close game. Can't wait
20:50 thats f-ck'n rich isn't it lads. England won that match last year, with a try that had a clearcfoot in touch.
Haha, I forgot about that. Great try 👍
Ireland have never had a dodgy call go their way have they...
Hill, Earl and Willis is an outstanding back row going forward. It might not be ready yet but needs game time.
Totally agree. Always thought we will be ahead of Ireland come the World Cup but right now Ireland are brilliant. Wish them luck for 3 in a row but not Saturday. 🏴
Is Cummingham South injured?
Hill and Willis have performed in the Prem. As I tell Prem fans every pre-6Ns that is zero guarantee of success at test match level. I have lost count of the number of players I was told were going to be "world class," "game breakers" etc based on Prem form only to see them flop at test match level.
Earl has earned his stripes. Hill and Willis need to show they can before anyone starts crowning them as outstanding. I have my doubts they will.
@ Earl had to be given an opportunity like everyone else though. The same excuse was used for years under Eddie Jones and he wasn’t picked
"The referee is key in this". The referee is always key, every tight game is decided by the referee in rugby union.
Genge will destroy bealham in the scrum. Surprisingly Borthwick went 6-2 in the subs. Good chat. Battle of the subs in the last 20.
Genge is so arrogant that whoever is against him in the scrum will inevitably raise their game.
DT reporting that the back row will be Curry, Curry and Earl. CCS, Chessum and Willis to come off the bench, 6/2 split, in the 2nd half.
Ireland by more than a score. England’s defence especially is a massive concern.
This will be the difference
It feels like it will be close but who knows. England have been competitive against the best in the last year but just come up short. But they always have so many high quality players they are always there or there abouts. For Ireland we just aren’t at the races for the first time in a long time in the autumn. Leinster are now playing a different style to the national team which I think has caused problems. That said the handling errors etc. that we saw are nothing to do with that and they need to reduce the penalty count. I can’t though, with the quality of players available see that bad form continuing. They will snap out of it eventually and hopefully Saturday is the day to put a few critics back in their boxes. Sam Prendergast can also show on a large stage what he can do.
Jim's deep breath when Ben O'Keefe was mentioned lol
Always nervous for this one but we'll sneak it and win the Slam. SUAF
If Crowley played for Leinster, everyone would be talking about him being one of the best 10s in the world. He is unfortunately at Munster who can’t give him the consistent go forward ball and he still shows up well
Prendergast is the only choice for the current squad
Here we go again crying about crowley..ifs and buts,hes not playing with a firward pack to help him out,get over it,it is what it is.he is very good snd defensivley stronger than sam,but he diesnt attack like him or pass like him,that said i dont mind who starts as long as we win.
@@amantedellopera1681 not crying about it at all. Just an observation and opinion. Prendergast is a great player and we are lucky to have two outstanding 10s coming through at a young age. Frawley was the next coming until he made some mistakes when not given an armchair ride. He is another option we are lucky to have also.
How can he really be rated on club form?
No they wouldn't ffs
Frawley .. good utility .. not at the level needed .. if he was .. he would have nailed down a position in the leinster squad some time in the last 6 years.
Byrne brothers are not at the level. Never were. Good in a dominant team.
Crawley is class .. prendergast has a little more to offer .. hopefully 10 years of those guys keeping pressure on each other will have us in a good place.
I think you will be fine either way Goodie, always welcome, Ireland by 15 is a whopping score, I hope you are right, but feel it will be closer.
Andy speaking like Steve Borthwick lmao 😂👍
It will be interesting with the reffing across the competition as in a good or bad way ireland and france are the two best nations at pushing the laws to their limit, Ireland probably more so. Maybe see some bent rule innovation around the kick chase as well?
It all depends which Ireland team shows up, if we see the 2024 version of Ireland, then England will win and win well, if we see Ireland from 2023, then Ireland will win at a canter. Ireland will need to come out of the gates with all guns blazing and cut out the poor lineouts and handling errors and monster the breakdown. They'll also need to deal with Englands rush defence.
England lineup is:
Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart,
Itoje, Martin,
T Curry, B Curry, Earl
Steward; Freeman, Lawrence, Slade, Murley; M Smith, Mitchell;
Outside of Murley not seeing much pace in that backline. Not loving back row. Ben Curry is ok but never seen him perform above average at test match level. Tom Curry looks a ghost of the player he was. Ireland could have a field day with that back row.
It’s two years since England lost by more than 9 points. One score game.
James Ryan is playing brilliant rugby at the moment It’s two powerful packs against each other. Porters scrummaging has come on this season. Even teams
Jim said England to win so ireland by 20 to 40😁
They've conveniently forgot the snowy game on st pat's weekend in Ireland where Ireland won the slam against them. Scored a try because the end zone was extended for some reason due to the snow
Ireland will no doubt have been working on the lineout issues from autumn series and bealham will need to be on his a game, im tipping ireland by 5
Keenan is better in the air then Stuart
You'd hope a fullback is better than a prop!
😂
Is there ever a time when England think they’ll lose
Think you boys take us this week, Easterby might need a couple of games to bed in his ideas.
Sheehan hopefully starts, class apart. ☘️
For me the game will be won at the breakdown. Ire thrive on fast ruck speed, so eng backrow are crucial there. Huge question mark still remains on Eng defence. I think 28 -18 to Ire
I think Sheehan and Lowe start, Kelleher better on the bench to be brought on if Dan is struggling
Would you go with Nash over Hansen on the other wing
@James-zh1eh hard to call, Mack has the X factor but has not been at the top of his game following his injury, but hes a big game player so likely Hansen
Jim you cant give MOTM to a grand piano!
HOW, just how is Jack Willis not in the squad??
You forgot to mention what you think the Ireland starting 15 will be, having spent more than half the pod on England. Hopefully England will make the same mistake on Saturday!
Saints fan here we have to start Marcus no question
Only France are going to ask Ireland questions that they might not be able to answer. Can't see England, a developing side, beating Ireland - Settled, top 2 in the world for several years, at home. Nah, An English win in this weekend would be a minor miracle.
Dan Sheen is the key to Irish line out out since last summer and that is the line out problems were exposed still have problems but will get by
This match to me is Irelands 6 nations decider. Play well and win and we have a great chance of winning it out. Play poorly and lose and we will struggle throughout the tournament. Tbh. I think the second one is the most likely but I hope not. Think even though we have some great players other countries seem to have figured us out a bit and the innovation seems to be missing. Think Mike Catt influence has been badly missed and no one talks about it. Lineout has been a shambles since it derailed us at the World Cup and has been our Achilles heel. England always bring a physical stubborn challenge that we always struggle with and England +6 at even money is an incredible bet in a match they have every chance of winning. Crowley is the better option to start as well but feel they will go with prendergast. They seem to be fast tracking him regardless of the result for down the line. Can see a mid table finish for Ireland with a mixed bag of a tournament with a pocket full of what ifs and regrets at the end.
If you want to attack the scrum, picking Genge and Dan in the front row is not the way to go. Starting Opoku-Fordjour at loosehead or Baxter with LCD at hooker is a better option for that.
The English back row bomb squad is making me a bit nervous. If its close with 20 mins to go, their introduction could be massive. We need to build a decent lead or things could go sideways....
Meh. Prem players get unreal hype this time of year that does not mean they are going to produce at test match level. Ollie Chessum and WIllis off the bench should not be scaring anyone. I watched Willis in a few games, he was good but in last game I saw v Castres? He was fairly anonymous against a big physical back row.
Chessum I saw in one game, Tigers getting eviscerated by Toulouse. I get he was returning from injury buthe looked awful.
Honestly think Ireland has a big advantage in the back row.
When Ireland play at home they are a different beast.
Ireland winning by 10
Hmm, they weren't a different beast at home to the AB's, Argentina or Australia....
@tonwhelan New Zealand sure but that's the AB's. Still beat Argentina and Australia.
@ Scraped past Arg and Aus. They were hanging on for dear life at the end. Ireland didn't perform well in the Autumn series. They were giving away a ridiculous amount of penalities which was uncharacteristic of them. Let's see if they have ironed out the issues.
Beirne is way better at lock in my opinion.
Ireland by 9. Dan back is a good omen.
England 26 Ireland 22, Final Score
So desperate for England to get off to a great start, but I just can't see it. I can see the Irish forwards getting on top when going forward and that will make the difference.
Slade mistake again better centers out there?
England and France have to play Ireland in Dublin. That really makes it Ireland's Toulouse.
😂
Difference could be the Irish lineout..althought we have Sheehan back
I didnt know Steve Borthwick was from transylvania goodie 😂
I would love Ireland to start Izuchukwu at 6, front row Boyle, Kelleher, Clarkson, MaCarty, Ryan, Doris and JVF
Prendergast, JGP, Hendshaw, Ringrose, Lowe, Osbourne and Nash.
Porter, Sheehan, Bealham, Byrne, Conan, Aki, Crowley and Murray off the bench to finish strong
Keenan, Handsan, Baird could easily be swapped in to starting roles
More likely Ireland start stronger with Crowley, Porter etc. but I think we should be aiming to finish stronger
Great to see Murphy to get a run against Scotland the week after
Bench, Porter,
Boyle Kelleher & Clarkson… is that a proven international combination?
Consistency and discipline is the unknown for both teams. Real beasts and skills in each side, but both playing at their best, Ireland win. I fear fussy reffing is gonna have an impact n then it will become one-sided. I hope I'm wrong cos Ire v Eng should be a spectacle given the match ups.
Irish fan here. Got a nasty feeling about this. From opener against France last six nations we've looked worse in every successive game nearly. I'm not expecting a good performance. Id like to see Ireland take to the air the way you're suggesting England do. Handling hasn't been good enough to justify running from our own half. And id like to see how well they could do it if they went to a predominant kicking game - could be very impressive
Freddie steward being good in the air isn't the game winner for England. The Irish backline are all naturals in the air. This game will be won in the centre.
It’s irrelevant who plays for England in the backs because all 9 and 10 do is kick away possession.
totally agree, borthwick will have us box kicking on their 22, its a joke
I think missing Farrell is massive for Ireland. Im calling England by 2
We all love Slade...dependable, smart, slick, kicks off left foot etc.. but ffs have we no quality alternatives in a population of 65 million?? Would be nice to have a 13 with speed , size, and all of slade's qualities..Slade is safe but not a game winner! But still an awesome player..just not quite world class 13
Does your local Islamic Centre promote rugby ?
Kiwi here ireland by ten
I really don't see the argument of Sam over Jack, right now
I'm worried about this one for Ire .... the lineout is massively malfunctioning .... backs have little game time after injuries ..... more handling errors and penalties than previous cycles. If Eng show up, they will beat us IMHO!
England fan ... sorry I can only see an absolute hammering from ireland .. 25 point margin. England centre combination is poor. England will try to slow it down, set piece but Ireland will totally run away with this
Reckon its too early for Prendergast. He is light and could get hammered. Needs another year for bulking up.
He's not as light as you think, he can hold his own against the bigger lads and isn't afraid to tackle
Sam is 91kg crowley is 89kg maybe check facts befire commenting
@@amantedellopera1681 Sammis quite a bit taller than Crowley.
Crowley is 10cm shorter than Prendergast, so proportionally bulkier
Combinations?.. Mitchell and fin smith ,slieghtholme ,Dingwall , Freeman
No idea why England insist on breaking them up and then bringing them on taking them off to ensure no period of overlap and at the least sensible time regardless of what is going on the pitch?
In qualifying that remark they have recent experience with good results against Irish teams in club rugby over a couple of seasons