Rugby: Building up to Japan

[ljkeane]

9 hours ago, Iskaral Pust said:

Ireland beat the Scots but it wasn’t very convincing.  The team still looks like it’s declining from a peak two years ago.  And there wasn’t much new or different from a new coach.  Here’s hoping they rediscover some spark. 

I think that's the concern of promoting from within with Farrell replacing Schmidt, there doesn't seem to be a lot that's changed from a disappointing 2019. On the plus side for Ireland they did fight hard to come away with the win but they do need to add some more to their game if they're going to kick on. The obvious concern for me is that Sexton's clearly not going to make the next World Cup. Ok, it's only Farrell's first game in charge but they really need to move on from building their game around the Murray-Sexton partnership.

15 hours ago, williamjm said:

Agreed, they did seem to do most of the hard work but were never able to finish off any of their attacks.

At least it was a much improved performance on the last time the two teams met.

They played some good rugby at times but at this stage Scotland really need to move on from doing some nice things but coming away without a win. That really was a game that was there to be won. Obviously Hogg dropping the ball over the line was a killer but they turned the ball over within sight of the Irish line three times too, you just can't be doing that.

ETA: Catching up with the Wales game this morning admittedly it's only Italy at home but early signs that Wales are going to be a lot more expansive under Pivac than they were under Gatland. Pivac's Scarlets team were probably the most attacking side in European rugby in recent years so it could be fun to watch Wales in the next few years if he's going to take that onto the international stage.