France v England - grand slam game

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ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY FRANCE

15. Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 47 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)
13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 39 caps)
11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 14 caps)
10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)
9. Danny Care (Harlequins, 57 caps)

1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 31 caps)
2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 70 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 60 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 3 caps)
5. George Kruis (Saracens, 14 caps)
6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 47 caps)
7. James Haskell (Wasps, 66 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 25 caps)

Replacements
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 2 cap)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins 41 caps)
18. Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints 16 caps)
19. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 31 caps)
20. Jack Clifford (Harlequins, 4 caps)
21. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 56 caps)
22. Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 26 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 2 cap)

Bow before us champions we are the best Itoje for Knighthood you don't deserve our presence.

Should the RFU enter into discussions with the southern hemisphere unions about us joining them? because i can not see any benefit to us staying in the six nations because we are clearly dominating everyone and will rule Europe for decades.

Triple Crown
The Championship
Grand Slam

suck it up losers how many have you won?

Wales have Cuthbert on the right wing. I think even the Welsh would agree that Nowell is a better player!

I just hope Jones keeps them ground and focused.

I still recall how it all fell apart in 2011 all too well.  Lets hope they don't get rattled then overrun like that again.  (I don't think this French side is as good as that irish side though).

whocares wrote:Noves made some changes in the backrow by adding some bulk which makes sense given how it was dominated by Scottish one (Lauret is good tackler but adds nothing else while Camara is either too lightweight , too young or both):

Spedding ; Fofana, Fickou, Mermoz, Vakatawa ;  Trinh-Duc, Machenaud ; Chouly, Goujon, Le Roux ; Maestri, Flanquart ; Slimani, Guirado (cap), Poirot.

subs: Chiocci, Chat, Atonio, Jedrasiak, Lauret, Bézy, Plisson, Médard

That is a big old back row

Interesting balance of caps in the squad - one third of the 23 are over 40 caps, and most of them could still be around in 2019. 4 players with fewer than 10 caps, and the rest mostly in the 20-30 cap range.

Roll that forward to 2019, and with about 30-35 cap games available before the RWC and of them will have 20 more caps, which would give a core squad with an average around 40-50 caps - pretty much what you need. Just got to keep them fit and bring the right talent through.

Also all this nonsense trying to get Marler banned , the lad wears the red rose he can bloody well do and say what he wants and don't you forget it.

Dirtyrucker Hmmm....

BamBam wrote:

whocares wrote:Noves made some changes in the backrow by adding some bulk which makes sense given how it was dominated by Scottish one (Lauret is good tackler but adds nothing else while Camara is either too lightweight , too young or both):

Spedding ; Fofana, Fickou, Mermoz, Vakatawa ;  Trinh-Duc, Machenaud ; Chouly, Goujon, Le Roux ; Maestri, Flanquart ; Slimani, Guirado (cap), Poirot.

subs: Chiocci, Chat, Atonio, Jedrasiak, Lauret, Bézy, Plisson, Médard

That is a big old back row

Noves has continued the mistake of playing Fofana, his best player, out of position on the wing. Utter madness.

I agree with dropping Camara. He wasn't at the races against us and just ran sideways whenever he had the ball.

You just know Trinh-Duc is going to have the game of his life on Saturday.

TightHEAD wrote:You just know Trinh-Duc is going to have the game of his life on Saturday.

before or after Marler call him "Vietnamese boy" ?

TightHEAD wrote:You just know Trinh-Duc is going to have the game of his life on Saturday.

It may be that the whole French team lifts their performance for this fixture - it would be typical of them. They've usually got one stellar performance in them per 6N and they haven't shown us one yet....

In all honesty, on paper how many of that France side would get into a combined England/France XV?

I'd make a case for Fofana, but not on the wing, Trinh-Duc because Ford's form has been patchy at best and Guirado, who has been their one outstanding performer this tournament

dummy_half wrote:In all honesty, on paper how many of that France side would get into a combined England/France XV?

I'd make a case for Fofana, but not on the wing, Trinh-Duc because Ford's form has been patchy at best and Guirado, who has been their one outstanding performer this tournament

Doesn't matter if they play as a team - we've seen brief flashes of sublime interplay from them this 6N so far - if they decide to do it for 80 minutes, they'll win.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Wales have Cuthbert on the right wing. I think even the Welsh would agree that Nowell is a better player!

Its a tough call but I think Cuthbert might just have edged English MOTM

Just hope the French know its a no holds barred free for all and go in elbows first

#HeatOfTheMoment

Was for the abuse not that. At least use the right reason. Not deemed a red wasn't it?

Jimpy wrote:

dummy_half wrote:In all honesty, on paper how many of that France side would get into a combined England/France XV?

I'd make a case for Fofana, but not on the wing, Trinh-Duc because Ford's form has been patchy at best and Guirado, who has been their one outstanding performer this tournament

Doesn't matter if they play as a team - we've seen brief flashes of sublime interplay from them this 6N so far - if they decide to do it for 80 minutes, they'll win.

You can see Noves trying to get them playing like one his sides. It will surely click. Let's hope not yet.

lostinwales wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Wales have Cuthbert on the right wing. I think even the Welsh would agree that Nowell is a better player!

Its a tough call but I think Cuthbert might just have edged English MOTM

Harsh but true :-)

Teams for Saturday:
England: M Brown; A Watson, J Joseph, O Farrell, J Nowell; G Ford, D Care; M Vunipola, D Hartley, D Cole, M Itoje, G Kruis, C Robshaw, J Haskell, B Vunipola.

Replacements: L Cowan-Dickie, J Marler, K Brookes, J Launchbury, J Clifford, B Youngs, M Tuilagi, E Daly.

France: S Spedding; W Fofana, G Fickou, M Mermoz, V Vakatawa; F Trinh-Duc, M Machenaud; J Poirot, G Guirado, R Slimani, A Flanquart, Y Maestri, D Chouly, B Le Roux, L Goujon.

Replacements: C Chat, U Atonio, X Chiocci, P Jedresiak, W Lauret, S Bezy, J Plisson, M Medard.

Care and Mako get starts, Youngs and Marler benched

Gosh. After the last couple of weeks the lack of enthusiasm on the board is palpable. We've got one half-hearted thread on England and one on Scotland. It's been over 24 hours since anyone accused Mike Brown of anything, and the week has only been enlivened by Gatland allowing himself to be drawn into the insult fracas and making the situation worse all round.

I hope the players are more up for it than the fans.

Partly down to the fact with the 6Ns title already won there are less cross border arguments?

There must be some excitement for the Scotland Ireland game though?  Scotland's best chance in years.

I think the England fans are keeping a lid on it after seeing the team blow so many GS chances over the years since '03.  Best to keep calm and then enjoy it if it happens.

dummy_half wrote:In all honesty, on paper how many of that France side would get into a combined England/France XV?

I'd make a case for Fofana, but not on the wing, Trinh-Duc because Ford's form has been patchy at best and Guirado, who has been their one outstanding performer this tournament

Only Guirado might make the England XV although there could be some competition on the props. our locks are about ok (maybe Maestri probably on par with Kruis), our backrow is certainly the worst of the whole 6N, our midfield is misfiring and we do not really have any proper wingers.
still hope France plays with guts and that English players are already thinking about the post match party otherwise it could be a very long night...

whocares wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:You just know Trinh-Duc is going to have the game of his life on Saturday.

before or after Marler call him "Vietnamese boy" ?

All this outrage...no-one cared when Nigel Owens kept shouting "Hands away Black" at Kaino in the world cup final.

Poorfour wrote:Gosh. After the last couple of weeks the lack of enthusiasm on the board is palpable. We've got one half-hearted thread on England and one on Scotland. It's been over 24 hours since anyone accused Mike Brown of anything, and the week has only been enlivened by Gatland allowing himself to be drawn into the insult fracas and making the situation worse all round.

I hope the players are more up for it than the fans.

To be honest I think we're just used to the lunacy on these boards that comes from our neighbours when they beat England. When we're winning we're all too nervous about where we'll screw up next to get too carried away.

Oh and what do you mean half hearted??!

I think its more a case we're just relieved to have got over the line and actually won the 6n, that we're not focused so much on the grand slam. But im sure come Saturday we'll be up for it.

Is it also a case of not wanting to get too far ahead of ourselves...again

It is a bit of a damp squib 6 nations all round mind. The best two teams played each otehr last weekend, and with the following results its been decided. Its pretty rare to go into the last wekeend without the title on the line.
With two of the big hitters (Ireland and France) being woefully under par for much of the tournament it also doesnt feel like that big a deal. Yes I said it, its a devalued 6 nations. (They even lost to Wales on tries scored again)

Gooseberry wrote:Is it also a case of not wanting to get too far ahead of ourselves...again

It is a bit of a damp squib 6 nations all round mind. The best two teams played each otehr last weekend, and with the following results its been decided. Its pretty rare to go into the last wekeend without the title on the line.
With two of the big hitters (Ireland and France) being woefully under par for much of the tournament it also doesnt feel like that big a deal. Yes I said it, its a devalued 6 nations. (They even lost to Wales on tries scored again)

Some truth in that but you still have to beat whats infront of you. It is also worth pointing out that the French representatives on this board are whocares and sensiball and both are much too nice to get into flame wars.

lostinwales wrote:

Gooseberry wrote:Is it also a case of not wanting to get too far ahead of ourselves...again

It is a bit of a damp squib 6 nations all round mind. The best two teams played each otehr last weekend, and with the following results its been decided. Its pretty rare to go into the last wekeend without the title on the line.
With two of the big hitters (Ireland and France) being woefully under par for much of the tournament it also doesnt feel like that big a deal. Yes I said it, its a devalued 6 nations. (They even lost to Wales on tries scored again)

Some truth in that but you still have to beat whats infront of you. It is also worth pointing out that  the French representatives on this board are whocares and sensiball and both are much too nice to get into flame wars.

thank you but I actually don't mind banter it's also not easy to big up France these days so rather my underdog tag for time being...

doctor_grey wrote:Then where do we go to watch the Rugby in Paris?
http://www.frogpubs.com/pub-rosbif-paris.php

Doc

If I may suggest an alternative frog pub. Rue St Denis is pretty rough and that pub is ok but the last time we were there standing outside having a pint at lunchtime, there was a full scale drugs riot all around us. The doormen shut the doors and stopped anyone getting in. Plus I've had a knife pulled on me just up the road.

I recommend the Frog & Princess (same chain) in St Sulpice which is a minute walk from the Saint Germaine des pres metro station. Really good atmosphere and there are a few pubs on that street which are also good. The Pousse au Crime nightclub is just around the corner which the French players usually frequent after the match. Expensive to get in but not a bad place for a late drink.

There are also loads of places to eat around the area too.

Enjoy the trip

I hadn't even notced the teams on here...dear  me.

So same team again bar Mako and Marler exchanging spots. Oh and Care....

Are France capable of playing breath taking rugby any more...? We might find out on Saturday

GeordieFalcon wrote:I hadn't even notced the teams on here...dear  me.

So same team again.

Same squad - mako and care start though

lostinwales wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Wales have Cuthbert on the right wing. I think even the Welsh would agree that Nowell is a better player!

Its a tough call but I think Cuthbert might just have edged English MOTM 

5th columnist... Glaws boy. Am I allowed to  say that ?

Is that 5thcolumnist-ist

Is Glaws an ethnic group ?
 I have been here 28 years, but as originally a Londoner, I never really integrated even with my Kingsholm season ticket.
Cuthbert could have played for England. Maybe he does ?

gregortree wrote:Is Glaws an ethnic group ?
 I have been here 28 years, but as originally a Londoner, I never really integrated even with my Kingsholm season ticket.
Cuthbert could have played for England. Maybe he does ?

Forest of Dean?

Maybe thats not so much an ethnic group as another species.

Have you noticed that these boards don't get so inflamed now the fire has gone out in the Welsh boys. (Oops am I allowed to say that?)

I see the kids have gone online after finishing their homework. Seriously lads, you're acting like 5 years olds. "Ooh, I said bum, snigger, snigger, can I get away with it?". These boards have sunk to even lower depths.

Griff wrote:I see the kids have gone online after finishing their homework. Seriously lads, you're acting like 5 years olds. "Ooh, I said bum, snigger, snigger, can I get away with it?". These boards have sunk to even lower depths.

Careful now. Thread might get blocked.

gregortree wrote:Is Glaws an ethnic group ?
 

Dunno, but they have a nickname I believe, which I won't mention on yur.

englandglory4ever wrote:Have you noticed that these boards don't get so inflamed now the fire has gone out in the Welsh boys. (Oops am I allowed to say that?)

Not sure actually, but i'm still so blydi cross i'm doing the Ayatollah as I type this and working myself up into a right old frenzy.

What's an ayatollah? Is it geordie for hello Tollah? Be careful you don't upset the geordies. Christ you have to be so blinking careful round here. You can't even f@rt without upsetting someone.

englandglory4ever wrote:What's an ayatollah? Is it geordie for hello Tollah? Be careful you don't upset the geordies. Christ you have to be so blinking careful round here. You can't even f@rt without upsetting someone.

Britain?

I understand Cardiff City fans (i'm not one btw) used to "do the Ayatollah", for a laugh.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

englandglory4ever wrote:What's an ayatollah? Is it geordie for hello Tollah? Be careful you don't upset the geordies. Christ you have to be so blinking careful round here. You can't even f@rt without upsetting someone.

Britain?

I understand Cardiff City fans (i'm not one btw) used to "do the Ayatollah", for a laugh.

And Gareth Thomas, don't forget. After ever blydi try.

Griff wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

englandglory4ever wrote:What's an ayatollah? Is it geordie for hello Tollah? Be careful you don't upset the geordies. Christ you have to be so blinking careful round here. You can't even f@rt without upsetting someone.

Britain?

I understand Cardiff City fans (i'm not one btw) used to "do the Ayatollah", for a laugh.

And Gareth Thomas, don't forget. After ever blydi try.

Oh aye. Forgot about him. Big Diff fan is Alfie I believe.

Seriously though. What is it? I'm assuming its some sort of victory dance.

englandglory4ever wrote:Seriously though. What is it? I'm assuming its some sort of victory dance.

Google it, I reckon.

englandglory4ever wrote:What's an ayatollah? Is it geordie for hello Tollah? Be careful you don't upset the geordies. Christ you have to be so blinking careful round here. You can't even f@rt without upsetting someone.

And whom seem to be always first to get their knickers in a twist? Cryptic question....

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jan/14/sport.comment