England vs Argentina - 05/07/25

[LIONSxv]

Ruck speed inside their 22 was the best I've from an English side in a long time. Fair play to the coaches on that one.

Makes such a massive difference to your options

 

[Rugbyfan564]

72+ minutes for George speaks volumes about giving Dan that central contract....

It was a panic move to stop him going to France surely.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Didn't see that scoreline coming.

Lot to be encouraged by, but also wasn't a consummate performance - Arg were poor. Let's see how the second match goes before making judgments, but the team deserve a few beers tonight.

A DG and 2 pens. Who'd have thought scoreboard pressure was a thing?

Willis has surely finished any debate about the 8 shirt.

 

[NickBD]

I know I said this before the game but I'll repeat it Ford really should be in Australia right now.

 

[Ddanno]

Willis has surely finished any debate about the 8 shirt.

You'd hope so but despite being (my) MOTM he still got subbed for Dombrandt. I don't understand it at all.

 

[McTallshort]

Champion...have we finally found a 12?

Steady on!

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

You'd hope so but despite being (my) MOTM he still got subbed for Dombrandt. I don't understand it at all.

Dombrandt managed to actually do ok when he was on. I didn't see any howlers and there were some decent carries.

 

[Ddanno]

Dombrandt managed to actually do ok when he was on. I didn't see any howlers and there were some decent carries.

Fair Nuff. I only watch Dommers through my fingers when he plays for England

 

[AlRums]

I know I said this before the game but I'll repeat it Ford really should be in Australia right now.

Already got five 10s, they don't need another.

 

[BrokenWing]

Champion...have we finally found a 12?

Not really found is it, everyone was perfectly well aware he was there. Has Borthwick finally PICKED a 12 is more appropriate.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Already got five 10s, they don't need another.

Yeah he's clearly saying be should be added to the existing squad and not that he should've been ahead of Marcus and Owen.....

 

[NickBD]

Already got five 10s, they don't need another.

The point is imo based on the last 12 months he's better then them all bar Russell.

 

[Geordie]

Not really found is it, everyone was perfectly well aware he was there. Has Borthwick finally PICKED a 12 is more appropriate.

Ah I think the problem with Borthwick is he seems to expect experience and consistent performances over a number of years from players before he looks at them...in general..even if they're young. There have been the odd exception obviously.

He's held off with Atkinson but he's picked him now (not sure if that was influenced by others) but if the reports are correct then Seb has put a marker down.

That's a good thing anyway...

 

[Geordie]

I know I said this before the game but I'll repeat it Ford really should be in Australia right now.

Over who?

 

[Becca]

Well, that was unexpected……as was Ewels failure to get a card of any colour, especially given Gardner's penchant for brandishing them in the first half.

Some decent performances there and some very good defence. Argentina looked a little baffled at times. I think the length of their Anthem must've played with their minds somewhat……what a row that was !

Let's see how next week goes.

 

[Ddanno]

Over who?

Either Smith tbh. Ford is probably the most underrated 10 there's ever been.

 

[Geordie]

Didn't see that scoreline coming.

Lot to be encouraged by, but also wasn't a consummate performance - Arg were poor. Let's see how the second match goes before making judgments, but the team deserve a few beers tonight.

A DG and 2 pens. Who'd have thought scoreboard pressure was a thing?

Willis has surely finished any debate about the 8 shirt.

I need to see the game, but I posted earlier, it was a set up that if they got it right would work very well. It looks to have worked in the second half more than the first.

How many players were Argentina missing or didn't select?

 

[Ddanno]

Repeating some points, but

The defence was great, especially not to concede a single point while down to 14, then 13. And only 6 pens is almost unheard of for an England team in the modern era.

I wonder how much of the second half was player led. It was like a different team and I'm not sure a coach team talk in the break gets you 29 points in a half very often.

Subbing Tom Willis continues to irritate me. Best player on the pitch, no sign of slowing down but he comes off for ***s for hands at 60mins regardless

 

[Geordie]

Either Smith tbh. Ford is probably the most underrated 10 there's ever been.

Why? And I think George Ford is class btw.

Fin Russell was always first choice.

Fin Smith came of age at such a young age in the 6n. Playmaker AND tactical player, look at his motions to Daly for the final try v France. Telling a old experience pro what to do.
Not to mention he's a strong defender.

Smith was always thes wild card who covers 15. And a 10 who thrives with a powerhouse 12 like The Irish 12.

 

[Ddanno]

Ford is just better - and I'm a Quins fan so I'd usually be biased towards Marcus for what it's worth. And he's not a full back.

I honestly can't think of another 10 that would have single handedly won the game against Argentina in the 2023 WC, and his form has been just as good this season.

I'm not really bothered about the Lions so I'm glad Ford is in Arg tbh.