Summer Internationals

[Bloke in North Dorset]

And what's the point of Itoje?

I missed the last game but he's been anonymous for most of the last few games and when you do see him on TV he seems to be wandering around aimlessly. I'm a great fan and at one point thought he'd make a good England captain, but he isn't even earning a place in the team from what I've seen.

[AndyL]

Care coming on with England just getting within 1 point and knocking it on summed it all up really.
Far too much aimless kicking. Why ip and under the ball when your between the 10m and the 22.

Looking forward to engalnd getting smashed in the group stages and the RFU making some tough decisions.

The England team represent this country alot more than I'd care too admit. Old top tier nation sinking down the rankings to a tier 2 one.

[westwaleswasp]

And what's the point of Itoje?

To lead the whoops and celebrations when the opposition knock on.

[Brandnewtorugby]

I made ?40 on that result at 4:1 odds. There was no way those odds reflected the likelihood.

[Mellie]

If anyone wants an antidote to boring rugby I suggest you watch the Italy v Japan game. It was highly competitive, until Italy scored a couple of late tries, and featured running rugby and a high degree of skill. Full on tackling but no reviews necessary.

There was an amazing deception try from a lineout by Japan. Very innovative and far removed from the usual catch and drive. Italy's quick passing and running lines were a joy to watch. The commentary by Claire Thomas and Emily Scarratt was very refreshing too.

Wingers Ione (try hat-trick) and Cauozzo (MotM) were great and Paulo Odogwu played the last 20 minutes.

[Neils]

If anyone wants an antidote to boring rugby I suggest you watch the Italy v Japan game. It was highly competitive, until Italy scored a couple of late tries, and featured running rugby and a high degree of skill. Full on tackling but no reviews necessary.

There was an amazing deception try from a lineout by Japan. Very innovative and far removed from the usual catch and drive. Italy's quick passing and running lines were a joy to watch. The commentary by Claire Thomas and Emily Scarratt was very refreshing too.

Wingers Ione (try hat-trick) and Cauozzo (MotM) were great and Paulo Odogwu played the last 20 minutes.

Totally agree with all that - even K Dickson was acceptable.

[Heathen]

Care coming on with England just getting within 1 point and knocking it on summed it all up really.
Far too much aimless kicking. Why ip and under the ball when your between the 10m and the 22.

Looking forward to engalnd getting smashed in the group stages and the RFU making some tough decisions.

The England team represent this country alot more than I'd care too admit. Old top tier nation sinking down the rankings to a tier 2 one.

One of their easier decisions is for them to resign en bloc. They are the catalysts for the national teams' current malaise.

[westwaleswasp]

France showed real ambition in the way they ran it from their 22.
Boring Borthwick would never countenance that, neither would his three predecessors, at least with us.

[Mellie]

I think England have a very real chance of being in the RWC final.

Not the England team though. They will be lucky to make it out of their group. I'm talking about Luke Pearce refereeing the final! He was excellent in the France v Australia match. Very clear communion in 2 languages and a good feel for the game. Possibly the best current referee in the world.

Given the almost certain inevitability of the England team not making the final it may be Luke's position to grab instead.

[Rossm]

Yes. I was most impressed with LP's French.

[Neils]

Yes. I was most impressed with LP's French.

It has improved hasn't it.