Morning one and all,
I was out walking before sunrise, it was a cracking dawn setting up what should be a cracking day's rugby. I only managed to see the 2nd half of last night's under 20s but what a way to start the weekend. Some great no fear rugby*.
The wind's going to be quite a factor at the down at Exeter with wind speeds of 12 gusting 24 MPH so lots of swirling balls for the back line to deal with. Its nice to be going in to a game with reasonable expectations of a win rather than hoping for a LBP, although its going to be tough. Any team with Woodburn, O'Flaherty, Simmonds J, Hepburn & Ewers starting and with Yeandle & Moon on the bench, to name a few players, and managed by Baxter deserves a lot of respect, but after recent results we shouldn't be fearing them as we might when they're at full strength.
I'm also looking forward to the England game for once. I used to be a big England fan but Eddie's approach to the game has left me cold, but the changes forced upon him might just bring about a renaissance of flowing, attacking, rugby (weather permitting).
So, safe travels to all those attending matches, wherever they are and happy watching & listening for everyone else.
* I was listening to a podcast where he discussed brain development recently. Apparently the brain is still developing up to the age of about 22 and the last parts to develop means that young people are more likely to tend towards extremes of emotional behaviour. Apparently its the same in animals which points to it being an evolutionary advantage. This probably explains the no fear rugby (and other sports) that we see in young people.