England vs Ireland - Match Stats

What an awful game of rugby. And why? Too much kicking. And too much grovelling around on the floor. The reason? England. They have screwed the rules to suit their kak way of playing and have done a huge amount of damage to the game IMHO. This bulldust about the retreating players having to get out of the way so the poor sod catching the ball can be hammered is one example. I thought rugby union was supposed to be a running game - as the Irish are doing fantastically well - with some attacking cross-kicking coupled with a few box kicks, but all England seem to be able to do is boot the ball downfield. Fair enough, Smith is quite a good flyhalf but seems surrounded by some thugs who are also allowed to get away with way too many penalties, too. Those people who keep moaning about how rugby needs to speed up etc etc - often English - should be forced to watch that match a few times and realise where the problem lies. It was a pathetic example of what's wrong with the game.

England did OK when Fin Smith was on the pitch, but unfortunately Marcus was there too!

Another added to the long list of international matches that Marcus Smith has played and lost

England getting pumped now. Looks like their plan was to defend and hope Ireland got tired. England’s bench made zero impact.

High balls disastrous. Hard to believe but England hasn’t improved. All that talk about how close they were to good last year is just silly.

BoK specifically warned players not to run in. Lowe should have been sent off.

England’s scrum. Poor.

England will take the 3. Taking points on every visit.

As per usual, Ireland’s best players are not even Irish!

Makes a mockery of international rugby! I usually want England to lose, but of late I find the Irish arrogance enough, to root for England! Sacrilege!

Ireland’s thinking in this game is bewildering.

They’re putting all the pressure on in Englands half. Easily advancing into their 50 at will.

Have had at least 4 kickable penalties.

Take the three points and go again. The try will come on top of the 6 or 9 points they’d have by now.

Daft.

They’d easily be ahead and have scoreboard pressure. Instead England can just keep infringing knowing Ireland won’t take the 3.

Ireland by 1 point. Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the last 10.

Oh England. Please prove me wrong. If your bench is anything to go by you surely should be much better in the last 20. I guess that’s the plan.

Crazy game

Can't see this being a high scoring game but Ireland should overcome England