'We're not underestimating France'
04/12/2020
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England head coach Eddie Jones says his side will not underestimate the inexperienced French team they face in Sunday's Autumn Nations Cup final.
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Chippelsea
04/12/2020 16:26:09
5
3
bbc
Good man Eddie Jones, love his sense of humour :-)
It will be a bit embarrassing if France B beat England!
I likey to do da cha cha... I like to do de cha cha. England have the pressure because they are absolutely expected to beat France comfortably.
It will be a bit embarrassing if France B beat England!
This is a completely pointless match. That combined with the 'borefest' that modern rugby has become, means that it will not be worth watching. Come on World Rugby, please try to look at how the game could be speeded up,.
"We're busily trying to check the history of the individual players and we'll be well-prepared for Sunday," he added.
So, we don't know who they are then?
So, we don't know who they are then?
This will be a fun game to watch, and I really wouldn’t under estimate the French side. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain whereas this is a must win game for England. I am really pleased Jones is taking it seriously and named a strong side and awesome bench.
Problem with this french team is that players have little automatisms despite the individual talents.
I’m hope for a good surprise but not counting my cockerels.
I’m hope for a good surprise but not counting my cockerels.
There’s some serious quality in the French team. Dulin, Raka, Jalibert and Woki are all major threats.
England always want to win, I understand that, but why a 'must win'? Its very unlikely they will lose but even if they do, its a mickey mouse tournament that will be forgotten by Tuesday so why doesn't England just give a chance to a few more extended members of the squad? Surely England don't need the ego boost of a crushing victory over a 2/3 string French side?
Eddie can’t help himself can he.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
You obviously cared enough to post about match and if England win no doubt you'll be blaming ref/TMO/Saracens/B team etc etc ad nauseum.
Clearly you do otherwise you wouldn’t be reading then commenting utter rubbish
Mc
I assume you must be Welsh!
I assume you must be Welsh!
Who really cares what happens you obviously do
I know it’s not the right time to tell you this, but you need to get out more.
You do, otherwise you wouldn't post. As regards Sarries cheats - as much as I don't agree with what they did, they were only creating a level playing field with the other Heineken clubs. Again, you know that.
No. 2 in the world.
Your team at No 10 hahahaha
Your team at No 10 hahahaha
Really looking forward to weekend of rugby. Less so to the usual suspects who will be on here spouting typical bile about Eddie Jones and England.
Strange how it's France who won't/can't field all their first choice players but oddly the ABEs always blame England.
You'd almost think they had an agenda.
Strange how it's France who won't/can't field all their first choice players but oddly the ABEs always blame England.
You'd almost think they had an agenda.
France fielding their Seconds sums up what a complete nonsense this whole, improvised, Autumn series has been. It is nice to watch some rugby in these miserable times, and hopefully the unions have made themselves some money. But, these really should NOT be Full Cap internationals.
Le Crunchless .....?
Just pleased that we're able to watch some international rugby this weekend.
Just pleased that we're able to watch some international rugby this weekend.
It will be a bit embarrassing if France B beat England!
Eddie can’t help himself can he.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
Eddie can’t help himself can he.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
Poor old Eng. On a hiding to nothing. Win and our noisy neighbours will say so what and criticise our style. Lose and the roof will fall in. Good luck lads.
You nailed it there. Whatever happens England can't "win".
That's the way it's always been unfortunately due to the ABEs.
That's the way it's always been unfortunately due to the ABEs.
Where as the rest of the home Nations wouldn’t equally be on a hiding to nothing playing a B / C French side?
Paranoid much? It’s a game of rugby that you aren’t even playing in. Pathetic.
Scotland/Wales/Ireland fans will always bitterly criticise us, that doesn't bother me one bit.
What bothers me is when weak-willed England fans join in with them. Its not PC to be patriotic if you're English apparently.
What bothers me is when weak-willed England fans join in with them. Its not PC to be patriotic if you're English apparently.
Stop being so wet. Do you really think England will lose this game?
As one of your noisy neighbours. Come on France we are all want you to win against Ingerlund
Just laugh it off mate. All this ABE business is either light-hearted rivalry...in which case, forget it. Or it's a sign of a deep resentment that's eating away at the sufferer...in which case, you can laugh at their entirely self- inflicted pain.
boo hoo
This will be a fun game to watch, and I really wouldn’t under estimate the French side. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain whereas this is a must win game for England. I am really pleased Jones is taking it seriously and named a strong side and awesome bench.
Eddie can’t help himself can he.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
Top sides are always there to be shot at. As 1 in Europe and 2 in the World it goes with the turf
Shame we couldn't get a rematch between the current 2 best sides in the NH, still will be a good test for England though.
I think we will see a contrast of styles. England’s latest efficient, territory-based game with strong central defence. France young guns, with nothing to lose, chucking the ball about with Gallic flair. I hope England get drawn into a slightly more open affair.
Try to score more than the opposition
Rather than. How many can we restrict them to
Still a good excuse to drink the black stuff.
Try to score more than the opposition
Rather than. How many can we restrict them to
Still a good excuse to drink the black stuff.
l’m sure Eddie will instruct England to beat France by playing French style - running from anywhere, offloading, etc. - i.e. beat the opposition at what they specialize in. After all they thumped Georgia’s pack, stifled Ireland’s defensive, spoiling game, and frustrated Wales’ chaotic, opportunity game.
Eddie can’t help himself can he.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
Jones has missed the chance to try a few things out. How about giving Dan Robson a start? How about giving Farrell a break? A few other combinations need to be tried ....
Will the England team learn anything new from the likes of Woolfe and Price, two RL coaches? Look at last week's RL Grand Final for possibly the most exciting game of either code for a long, long time!
Once again England are set up to play a tedious territorial kicking game. I know they are not obliged to entertain but it’s predictable and monotonous. Boooooooooooring. ??
Farrell exactly like Rob Andrew kick kick and more kicks!
Great to see consistency in selection. I'm sure young players like Barbeary are getting good experience from training with the squad .
Watson is a great addition to the starting line up from last week, arguably the best NH winger in the last couple of years and a Lions certainty
Watson is a great addition to the starting line up from last week, arguably the best NH winger in the last couple of years and a Lions certainty
Agree completely, but where would you start
him for the Lions ?
Some Welsh posters over the past few weeks on here have seemed doubt Liam Williams ability to recapture top form.
him for the Lions ?
Some Welsh posters over the past few weeks on here have seemed doubt Liam Williams ability to recapture top form.
Should be a decent game. France have nothing to lose and should throw the ball around a lot. Expecting a high scoring game.
Matt Dawson's HYS had over 1200 posters on it, most of them asking for a straight feed and the scrum sorted back to the contest it used to be. FINALLY the voices of the disenchanted have been heard! Make sure that by the time grassroots rugby resumes fully that effective changes to the laws have been made. Most injuries come from the tackle NOT the scrum. SAVE OUR SPORT!
I was thinking exactly the same thing about France!
Wake up
Wales/Ireland match had one 2 days ago
Scotland was yesterday
France’s HYS is on french broadcasting as they’re not part of Britain.
Wales/Ireland match had one 2 days ago
Scotland was yesterday
France’s HYS is on french broadcasting as they’re not part of Britain.
It has been HYS City all week for the other Home Nations as you well know. Enough of your contrived grievances. Be nice.
Hello, may I have my comments displayed please
Thank you Removed
Thank you Removed
Eng have an interesting challenge.
Fra have nothing to lose , expectations are fairly low & french rugby’s on a bit of a high.
For Eng , can their defense hold up if expected chaos arrives & can they break down a defense that hasn’t had much playing/prep time together (although if you had to pick one coach to get a defense ready it would be SE).
It’ll (rightly) reflect poorly if Eng can’t.
Fra have nothing to lose , expectations are fairly low & french rugby’s on a bit of a high.
For Eng , can their defense hold up if expected chaos arrives & can they break down a defense that hasn’t had much playing/prep time together (although if you had to pick one coach to get a defense ready it would be SE).
It’ll (rightly) reflect poorly if Eng can’t.
Line up as expected. Is Lawrence injured or is Marchant preferred to him on the bench? Danty the French centre is a real beast and Lawrence might have been a better option to stop him.
Should be an exciting game and a proper challenge at last.
Hoping for tries on both sides and a close win by England.
Hoping for tries on both sides and a close win by England.
Eddie can’t help himself can he.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
Eddie can’t help himself can he.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
England have in interesting conundrum in many respects, from an embarrassment of riches in positions such as back row, through a real dearth of top talent options at scrum half post Youngs.
Jones is a canny operator, most of the time, bust just cannot fathom why he hasn’t taken this as a ‘free hit’, put out a second string team and worked up his depth even further!
Jones is a canny operator, most of the time, bust just cannot fathom why he hasn’t taken this as a ‘free hit’, put out a second string team and worked up his depth even further!
Jones seems to have a "win at all costs" mentality. The Autumn Nations Cup is not an important tournament and a great opportunity to try other players and tactics has been missed.
I think it's a real positive that we have a consistent team selection.
Looking at England football how many times have they arrived at a tournament without knowing what their strongest side is?
With only about 10 caps available each year we're already running out of time for the next world cup for new players to become experienced players.
Looking at England football how many times have they arrived at a tournament without knowing what their strongest side is?
With only about 10 caps available each year we're already running out of time for the next world cup for new players to become experienced players.
Eddie can’t help himself can he.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
Mc
I assume you must be Welsh!
I assume you must be Welsh!
Line up as expected. Is Lawrence injured or is Marchant preferred to him on the bench? Danty the French centre is a real beast and Lawrence might have been a better option to stop him.
Could have and should have been one of the games of the season, and for me the main sponsors Amazon should take the money back from the French federation....all federations knew of the commitment to this tournament, because all federations toke the payments....it’s not England’s fault, blame the French...
Agreed
Le Crunch.....more like a big sloppy sook!
Should be a VERY one sided affair...
Should be a VERY one sided affair...
Will the England team learn anything new from the likes of Woolfe and Price, two RL coaches? Look at last week's RL Grand Final for possibly the most exciting game of either code for a long, long time!
Could have and should have been one of the games of the season, and for me the main sponsors Amazon should take the money back from the French federation....all federations knew of the commitment to this tournament, because all federations toke the payments....it’s not England’s fault, blame the French...
England have in interesting conundrum in many respects, from an embarrassment of riches in positions such as back row, through a real dearth of top talent options at scrum half post Youngs.
Jones is a canny operator, most of the time, bust just cannot fathom why he hasn’t taken this as a ‘free hit’, put out a second string team and worked up his depth even further!
Jones is a canny operator, most of the time, bust just cannot fathom why he hasn’t taken this as a ‘free hit’, put out a second string team and worked up his depth even further!
Pretty much every other team has treated this mickey mouse tournament as a development opportunity so it's a shame EJ hasn't done the same. Doubtless he'll bask in the 'glory' of victory but it will be pyrrhic at best
I don't know whether or not you follow rugby, but since day one Jones has consistently and repeatedly tried out huge numbers of players. They get called up into the EPS training squad, which is around 35 in number, spend time in camp and are then either retained or sent back home. Thereafter EJ and his assistants pick the most appropriate 23 from the best available 35 for each match.
Using Italy as the barometer, this French side beat them by 31 points last week. Scotland only managed to beat Italy by 11 points, England beat them by 29 points and Ireland 33 points.
Based on this could be a closer game than people think.
Based on this could be a closer game than people think.
If it was the same french side that played Italy , you’d have a point.
But it isn’t , the reason Eng will go in heavy favorites is France are missing 25 of their first choice players. This french team have just 68 caps between them vs England’s 830+
That does however free the French from pressure to perform & loads it up on England to not only win , but do so in style.
But it isn’t , the reason Eng will go in heavy favorites is France are missing 25 of their first choice players. This french team have just 68 caps between them vs England’s 830+
That does however free the French from pressure to perform & loads it up on England to not only win , but do so in style.
Eddie can’t help himself can he.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
The mind games and rubbish has started already.
France B team will decimate England because England only beat a shocking Irish team through Johnny May having a good day. They aren’t really that great with all the inflated egos, arrogance and the cheaters extraordinaire from Sarries forming the backbone of the team.
Who really cares what happens.
why did France not rotate more during the round robins?
Because the agreement was only properly brokered after they had already played their friendly v Wales and 6n game with Ireland. T14 club have seen almost nothing of their players this year and they are the prime employers. Sympathy totally with the T14 clubs
their first 3 games of the autumn were warm up game up against Wales
- first game together for 6 months and an important warm up for the following week's 6 nations decider against Ireland. Then the aformentioned Ireland game and finally, away to Scotland where they came unstuck back in March. Understandable that they wouldn't have wanted a weakened team for any of those games
- first game together for 6 months and an important warm up for the following week's 6 nations decider against Ireland. Then the aformentioned Ireland game and finally, away to Scotland where they came unstuck back in March. Understandable that they wouldn't have wanted a weakened team for any of those games
Because they did not want to bring people in and out of the Covid bubble
They have done the best they could within their own criteria
They have done the best they could within their own criteria
Also because France is quite properly not taking this ridiculous tournament too seriously.
That’s what I’m asking myself, I think they didn’t risk there second teams against the other teams to ensure victories and can just say this is a dead rubber / opportunity to give second string a crack at a good England team. They have a young team and can claim rightly they beat us when they had their first team out. Building momentum under galthie edwards and Ibanez
To blood excellent young players against a top side in a tournament that doesn’t have any pressure attached??
Too complicated and risky with Covid...
And yes fight between federation and clubs about availability of international players has always been endemic esp with ever increasing international calendar.
Clubs will be happy to have their stars back for top 14, without which there wouldn’t be a national squad of this quality.
And yes fight between federation and clubs about availability of international players has always been endemic esp with ever increasing international calendar.
Clubs will be happy to have their stars back for top 14, without which there wouldn’t be a national squad of this quality.
Jones seems to have a "win at all costs" mentality. The Autumn Nations Cup is not an important tournament and a great opportunity to try other players and tactics has been missed.
Not sure what you have said is true, for example Wales last week blooded a few young players. However this was more because of injury rather than as a rotation effort. Ireland have been the same and obviously France on Sunday are having to blood because of the T14 commitments.
Willis, Malins, Thorley, Robson, Lawrence, Dunn all players who got their first cap, or still in single figures for caps. Not bad for trying new talent, considering we can also still win it. Easier to play an inexpierenced squad when you got nothing to lose. A trophy is still a trophy and winning two tournaments in one year would be great.
Unfortunately: if England win handsomely it was because it was a third string French team; if England squeak a win, or win with a a twenty point margin only, then England need to go back to the drawing board.
Hiding to nothing - prepare for negativity whatever the result.
Hiding to nothing - prepare for negativity whatever the result.
Win, lose or draw - in the BBC's eyes England are crap and the rest of the world can do no wrong.
When we beat NZ in the semi final there was negativity and when we had a very good win against Ireland 2 weeks ago there was negativity (and not all of it from the ABE brigade!)
Yep same as it's always been. England in a no-win position but we're used to that.
Still it gives the ABEs something to vent about.
Still it gives the ABEs something to vent about.
So on this occasion France will have a weakened team. Makes a change from our tired players having played more meaningful games.
If it was the same french side that played Italy , you’d have a point.
But it isn’t , the reason Eng will go in heavy favorites is France are missing 25 of their first choice players. This french team have just 68 caps between them vs England’s 830+
That does however free the French from pressure to perform & loads it up on England to not only win , but do so in style.
But it isn’t , the reason Eng will go in heavy favorites is France are missing 25 of their first choice players. This french team have just 68 caps between them vs England’s 830+
That does however free the French from pressure to perform & loads it up on England to not only win , but do so in style.
Just shows that this is just another friendly international. That’s why Wales haven’t taken any of this seriously.
Couldn’t if they wanted to is the real truth behind the false bravado
They are a shadow of Gatland’s team
They are a shadow of Gatland’s team
why did France not rotate more during the round robins?
Don't kid yourself. The agreement show whats wrong with French Rugby. They have the players to threaten the rest of the world now, but they are bloody short of practice and also backup. Many of the older guys don't have the mentality concentration or discipline to play top level. They want to win in 2023, but messing about like this won't help the plan. The level of expectation here is high.
England have in interesting conundrum in many respects, from an embarrassment of riches in positions such as back row, through a real dearth of top talent options at scrum half post Youngs.
Jones is a canny operator, most of the time, bust just cannot fathom why he hasn’t taken this as a ‘free hit’, put out a second string team and worked up his depth even further!
Jones is a canny operator, most of the time, bust just cannot fathom why he hasn’t taken this as a ‘free hit’, put out a second string team and worked up his depth even further!
I think it's a real positive that we have a consistent team selection.
Looking at England football how many times have they arrived at a tournament without knowing what their strongest side is?
With only about 10 caps available each year we're already running out of time for the next world cup for new players to become experienced players.
Looking at England football how many times have they arrived at a tournament without knowing what their strongest side is?
With only about 10 caps available each year we're already running out of time for the next world cup for new players to become experienced players.
why did France not rotate more during the round robins?
their first 3 games of the autumn were warm up game up against Wales
- first game together for 6 months and an important warm up for the following week's 6 nations decider against Ireland. Then the aformentioned Ireland game and finally, away to Scotland where they came unstuck back in March. Understandable that they wouldn't have wanted a weakened team for any of those games
- first game together for 6 months and an important warm up for the following week's 6 nations decider against Ireland. Then the aformentioned Ireland game and finally, away to Scotland where they came unstuck back in March. Understandable that they wouldn't have wanted a weakened team for any of those games
England on a hiding to nothing here. Pull off an easy win and it's expected because the French haven't put out their strongest side. Scrape a win or lose and they'll get pilloried for it.
Lawrence is injured is my understanding
Could have and should have been one of the games of the season, and for me the main sponsors Amazon should take the money back from the French federation....all federations knew of the commitment to this tournament, because all federations toke the payments....it’s not England’s fault, blame the French...
Eddie will make them do it the hard way. England to win by 20.
Eddie Jones a a horrible person that has no respect for the the opposition, no wonder him and England go well together
Removed
Seems there's only one horrible person in this string with no respect for someone other than the team you support
Come off the fence and tell us what you really feel about him!
If England were putting out a second/third team against any French representative side, the team and supporters would still consider winning as a reasonable possibility. Being an underdog does not mean you have accepted losing before playing the game.
Unfortunately: if England win handsomely it was because it was a third string French team; if England squeak a win, or win with a a twenty point margin only, then England need to go back to the drawing board.
Hiding to nothing - prepare for negativity whatever the result.
Hiding to nothing - prepare for negativity whatever the result.
BillyBoy I completely agree
So true. BBC only interested in sports / teams they broadcast everything else takes second place (except Man Utd but no surprise there I suppose)
England on a hiding to nothing here. Pull off an easy win and it's expected because the French haven't put out their strongest side. Scrape a win or lose and they'll get pilloried for it.
For all supporters, I hope that the French score first (but England win). We have yet to see as to whether the current tactics work when chasing the game
Wales scored first, so England were chasing the game then - for about 2 minutes!
I think France will win by 7.
I just want to say a big well done to Argentina players Matera, Petti and Socino for standing up to the BLM mob. I see the BBC are now trying to start a witch-hunt against them instead of remaining impartial. Removed
I just want to say a big well done to Argentina players Matera, Petti and Socino for standing up to the BLM mob. I see the BBC are now trying to start a witch-hunt against them instead of remaining impartial. Removed
why did France not rotate more during the round robins?
Willis, Malins, Thorley, Robson, Lawrence, Dunn all players who got their first cap, or still in single figures for caps. Not bad for trying new talent, considering we can also still win it. Easier to play an inexpierenced squad when you got nothing to lose. A trophy is still a trophy and winning two tournaments in one year would be great.
Yep. Agree with you. By the way, when was the last time Farrell made an actual break?
It looks like a tough game between France and England.
I hope Scotland win third place.
I hope Scotland win third place.
Eddie can't be taking them that seriously.
He's selected Youngs, Ford and Daley.
He's selected Youngs, Ford and Daley.
Terrible isn't it, those three all played against the Blacks. Don't worry your guys will get their chance and we're all waiting to see what they can do with a step up. Don't forget it took Exeter four years to really threaten and finally win the European Cup. Not saying I agree with Jones, but he's there and no amount of whingeing is going to change that
Heaps of good rugby this weekend, starting with the Maori vs Moana Pasifika game.
France will cause England trouble I think, though my guess is England will win
France will cause England trouble I think, though my guess is England will win
For all supporters, I hope that the French score first (but England win). We have yet to see as to whether the current tactics work when chasing the game
Unfortunately: if England win handsomely it was because it was a third string French team; if England squeak a win, or win with a a twenty point margin only, then England need to go back to the drawing board.
Hiding to nothing - prepare for negativity whatever the result.
Hiding to nothing - prepare for negativity whatever the result.
It's hard to tell, these days, who the best 15 of any of the top nations is (NZ, SA, Aus, France, England). The only value in this competition is a) revenue replacement for the national organisations and b) opportunity to assess new players, why doesn't Eddie exclude his top 25 players? Given the brutality of the English Premiership, I would guess injuries would already account for many of these!!
Bet Eddie doesn’t see it that way...