England A vs Portugal XV

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Crazy how people wanted mercer in this game really

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Really should have finished that try off a couple of phases earlier. Would like to see some more passing efficiency really.

 

[Crash Hamster]

Really should have finished that try off a couple of phases earlier. Would like to see some more passing efficiency really.

Yes, choosing to take the 2 on 5 underlap was interesting.

Meanwhile, Hodge scoring for fun.

 

[Crash Hamster]

Yes, choosing to take the 2 on 5 underlap was interesting.

Meanwhile, Hodge scoring for fun.

Quite frankly, everyone scoring for fun. 100 points on the cards?

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Quite frankly, everyone scoring for fun. 100 points on the cards?

Expect so. In the second half the difference in fitness between pro and amateur athletes will really start to show. Unfortunately think the game will only become more uneven the longer it goes on.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Feels like a game that age grade should be playing not seasoned pros (and in some cases: seasoned internationals)

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

I do think that one positive for Portugal is their tackling up front. They’ve struggled when the ball’s gotten to the wider channels but on the whole I’d say they’ve done really well against our bigger carriers in the close quarters (I know there have been a couple of lapses). They’ve contained Barbeary incredibly well.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Did I just see Raffi Quirke on the bench?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Did I just see Raffi Quirke on the bench?

Did look like him, maybe he trained with them in the week?
Looks like he's back in full training with Sale now, so might be a traveling reserve

 

[Crash Hamster]

Englefield could be very good.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

That was a wild finish, 4 missed tackles inside 5m

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

That was a wild finish, 4 missed tackles inside 5m

**** it, put him at 8 for the seniors.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Englefield could be very good.

Jinxed it

 

[Crash Hamster]

Englefield could be very good.

Apart from that missed tackle, obviously.

Liking his swift, flat passes in front of the man, though.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Think Fisilau’s been the most impressive player on the pitch since coming on, and by a fair margin.

Willing to accept I may be biased though.

 

[West Country Wail]

Chiefs boys have come out well from this

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Chiefs boys have come out well from this

Tuima has done well but honestly I think it’s been a day to forget for Hodge. Comms have been hyping him up because he’s hit some good lines and made some good metres but he’s also had several handling errors and most importantly, IMO, there’s been quite a few times where he’s chosen to run himself when a simple pass would have led to a try. Even on the try he did score he really should have passed it; Murley was completely open.

 

[West Country Wail]

Tuima has done well but honestly I think it's been a day to forget for Hodge. Comms have been hyping him up because he's hit some good lines and made some good metres but he's also had several handling errors and most importantly, IMO, there's been quite a few times where he's chosen to run himself when a simple pass would have led to a try. Even on the try he did score he really should have passed it; Murley was completely open.

You're right. Hodge has been doing that for us too. I can't help but think he's been thinking about his highlight reels too much.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

I mean does anyone really come out of this game that well tbh?

 

[BrokenWing]

I mean does anyone really come out of this game that well tbh?

Always a hiding to nothing.