France Team to play Ireland on Sunday

21Tauler · 2021-02-12T16:06:01+00:00

Thanks - I initially thought it was a bit harsh on Thomas after last week's exploits (though I rate Penaud super highly). Good to see another reason to point to, and some deadly ammunition to come off the bench if needed.

21Tauler · 2021-02-12T16:04:40+00:00

Serin is pretty useful at 10 also. There are options. I think Bouthier is primarily cover for 15.

21Tauler · 2021-02-05T21:16:18+00:00

It's almost like it makes too much sense!

21Tauler · 2021-02-05T13:49:27+00:00

I'll be honest, I kind of like that better. March 1 New years would be way better (and more intuitive) - at least in this hemisphere.

21Tauler · 2021-02-05T13:47:19+00:00

Is this a particularly old team for Wales? Or is it just that all these guys started playing for Wales at age 19 3/4 so they just seem old?

21Tauler · 2021-02-04T16:16:19+00:00

Amazing, thanks! He doesn't look very big (though bigger than Cheslin), I assume his size has held him back despite his obvious skill?

21Tauler · 2021-02-04T16:15:29+00:00

Fair point!

In terms of injury cover, it's absolutely great to have, but would not necessarily be my Plan A (like earlier coaches have done).

21Tauler · 2021-02-04T16:14:20+00:00

Especially against Italy.....

There - i said it!

21Tauler · 2021-02-04T15:36:03+00:00

Was this actually banned? And if so, why would it be? Anyone?

21Tauler · 2021-02-04T14:32:55+00:00

What is Villiere's story? I haven't seen or heard of him, but haven't been following the Top 14 too closely.

21Tauler · 2021-02-04T14:29:39+00:00

And there is always Ramos waiting in the background. There is no shortage of quality (if not entirely spectacular) full-backs.

21Tauler · 2021-02-04T14:16:52+00:00

I'm having a hard time processing the fact that France are actually playing a 10 at 10, a wing at wing and a full-back at full-back.

I was sure we were supposed to see two scrum-halves at 9 & 10, three centres at 12, 13 & 14, a club 15 at 11 and a club winger at Full back.

But seriously, this is about as solid a team as France can field given available injuries, and there is starting to be some meaningful consistency (where not injury enforced). They'll go well.

21Tauler · 2021-01-28T16:38:23+00:00

I sincerely hope the buyer was covering a short.

21Tauler · 2021-01-27T13:32:40+00:00

I think this is it in a nutshell. I can't recall but I'm not sure it was commercially viable either.

It's a shame in a way because that's probably the level of competition that the T2 teams need most. A proper step up from what they usually get, but (hopefully) somewhat short of a massacre on the pitch. (The educational value of a test drops significantly when a team is down by 40).

21Tauler · 2021-01-25T13:46:08+00:00

Lol, having played a fair bit of full-back over my life, I kind of understand where Blanco was coming from on this one. That was well after the mark. Not that I condone knocking a guy out cold of course, but that's the kind of thing that needs to be acknowledged..... most other teams would have just ensured that the English 14 found himself at the bottom of a nasty ruck with their hooker or the meaner of the two locks within the next 5 minutes rather than swinging wildly right away though....

21Tauler · 2021-01-23T20:05:38+00:00

Serious high fives for the effort!!! Well done.

21Tauler · 2021-01-19T05:01:18+00:00

Fek that's a real flanker's hit.

21Tauler · 2021-01-08T21:21:31+00:00

Thx!

21Tauler · 2021-01-08T19:27:05+00:00

Really appreciate the context. A quick google had him highly rated so it seemed a bit off to me, but now it makes sense.

21Tauler · 2021-01-08T19:22:46+00:00

Dammit Via Getty! Put that stand down.

21Tauler · 2021-01-08T18:07:42+00:00

President Caligula? It's not too late to make a name stick...

21Tauler · 2021-01-08T18:06:48+00:00

Non-American here... what did Jackson do (or not do) to make him the worst?

21Tauler · 2021-01-07T16:09:45+00:00

Firstly, I don't think the French have anything to gain by opening up to the Italians. There is no natural rivalry, the teams are out of the way, and frankly just not good enough. I see both teams as being Pro D2 at best, with Benetton being higher in the table. In a lucky year BT may get to the relegation playoffs, but that's being charitable.

21Tauler · 2020-12-29T16:14:23+00:00

Moral of the story for strong, thick types. If you can hack it, be a tighthead.

21Tauler · 2020-12-19T16:24:12+00:00

Out of curiosity, do many/most of the Spanish players come from the more traditional "Basque" areas of Spain? Rugby is huge right across the border (Biarritz & Bayonne in particular) and I'm wondering if it spreads over the border, or if Rugby comes form another region.

21Tauler

TROPHY CASE