Six Nations 2023

[AndSixNationsDancing]

Can anyone point me to the thread?

Or if not is anyone watching.

Italy just seemed really off. Was hoping for a tighter match (but an England win still). England seemed better at set piece but not sure it gives much indication of how we will play against Wales, France or Ireland. Still a wins a win. And was good to see Willis and Lawrence playing well. I love Dombrandt for Quins but not sure he is showing all he can do yet for England. I think borthwick might drop him next game.

Was disappointed by Italy, was expecting more from them .

Wonder if England is just not one of the big games for Italy. Maybe not the traditional rivalry felt by the other nations and as we aren't doing as well as France or Ireland maybe Italy just didn't get up for it enough. Or maybe worn out after France.

I was hoping Italy would keep their momentum going too but that game against France must have depleted them. I don't know enough about the Italian squad to know how much strength in depth they have but I thought it was interesting, listening to the commentary, that there's a similar 'no love lost' rivalry between Italy and France as there is between some of the home nations. (Well, same rules apply when you think about it, I guess...)

Really enjoying the post match strategy breakdown from John Barclay and Sam Warburton - it all happens so fast on the pitch, but when they slow it down and isolate the moves, I feel like I almost know what's going on.

Jack Willis made a huge difference to England. We've really missed his skill at the breakdown.
Hoping he can stay fit!

OK, I'm going to put this here...
Anyone here a rugby league fan? I follow the 6N and take an interest, but league is my sport really. Excited that the season is just starting and my team are on the telly tomorrow! I'd start a thread if I thought there'd be any interest.

I'd agree with @OneGoodThing that the TV coverage and analysis is very good on the 6N, Barclay and Warburton are both very good IMO.

Not seen much League although we did watch a few games during the World Cup. I'm in wales though so it's pretty much just Union. Dire straits at the moment.

Watching the World Club Challenge right now (recorded from early this morning). C4 are showing my team's first game of season live at lunch time today. Really looking forward to it.

Did anyone else see Johnny Sexton on tv last night. He's an ambassador for the charity Debra Ireland, which was set up to help those suffering from epidermolysis bullosa and their families and to drive research into its treatment and cures.
He comes across as quite shy and humble, uncomfortable in the limelight when its not about rugby.
It's a great charity to support.

I think Sexton always comes across as a lovely lad, I will have a look into that charity.

@duc748 I will watch league if it is on but being a southerner I'm not exposed to it in the same way so have never really got into it.

Manu Tuilagi 🤦

@AndSixNationsDancing

It just doesn't get the coverage, I was a southerner for many years, know only too well! But there were two live games on TV today, and another one next Sunday.

Anyone watching Italy Ireland? Great game but a bit scary if you're Irish (I am 🙈)

@gingercat02 i am, also Irish…I predict Italy will run out of steam.

Ireland should win comfortably. I thought a couple of late shots by Ireland have gone unpunished. But they are so good at winning the ball back.

Bloody hell! Right on half time 😫

The 'no-look' pass strikes again...

Good game

@TangledWebOfDeception I'm sad to see you go, as I was when @QueenoftheAndals left I wonder how she's doing, she was to get married.
QueenoftheAndals started the threads on Royal Style.

Wrong thread 😮

Great resilience from Italy. If they can sort their defensive kicking out they'll be a real force.

Right, now for the Spoon contest! 😃

I watched Ireland vs. Italy which could have gone either way but thankfully ended in an Irish victory. My sister called in and talked all through the match and then was very keen to go for a walk, so I relented. Missed most of Wales v. England. Just watching the last few minutes now.

Tough game. Both teams with new coaching teams but England deserved their win. No wooden spoon for us!
Italy v Wales will be interesting.

As a neutral, I enjoyed the Italy Ireland match. Italy looked good although not good enough for Ireland! That Wales England game was edgy. I have never played rugby myself so some matches I get the impression both teams are trying something I just don't get what. Glad England cane away with it. Faz left 12 points out there I think. I like Faz a lot but would have liked to see Smith on a bit earlier.

Smith is a genuine play-maker, and there aren't many of those in the game.