This weekend the rugby world will have one eye on the latest score in Dublin as Wales look to take another decisive step towards winning the Triple Crown and achieving their first grand-slam since 1978.
However, if history is anything to go by then Wales can certainly expect a formiddable task awaiting them at Croke Park. Guardian columnist Eddie Butler believes that even though the international set up of both sides may have altered slightly over the years, this weekend's fixture is sure to be as passionate as ever. Indeed, Ireland still harbour dreams of over-hauling Wales and lifting this years' Six Nations trophy.
It would appear, however, that not everyone is prepared to buy into the propaganda that Wales are certainties to steam-roller their way to grand-slam success. Indeed, Rugby writer Paul Ackford from the Telegraph feels Wales' dreams of achieving a memorable grand-slam by be thwarted if not by Ireland, then by the French.
This is certainly no sign of bitterness towards the Welsh, far from it. But when you analyse that Wales' three victories so far have come by comprehensively beating the two statistically weakest sides in the tournament, coupled with the fact that England effectively handed them victory in their opening match, it is not wrong to suggest that tougher challenges lie ahead.
This brings us back to this weekend's crucial fixture. Defeat for Wales would throw this years' Six Nations wide-open. However, a victory for Gatland's warriors may signal a rise to prominance of a new force in world rugby, and one which should be taken very, very seriously.
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Monday, 3 March 2008
Friday, 22 February 2008
Could defeat for England cost Ashton his job?
The eve of another crucial match for England, and yet again the debate over Brian Ashton's position rumbles on.
After taking a beleaguered England team to the brink of World Cup glory, Ashton has seen his side collapse in both their opening Six Nations matches, and were fortunate to escape from Rome with a victory.
This has led to the latest round of media specualtion regarding Ashton's future, and in particular, whether he should be relieved of his duties this weekend should England stutter in Paris.
What should also be taken into consideration is whether England have just not been playing to their full potential in recent weeks. We are all aware of just how far this England team can go when they put their minds to it, and Phil Vickery has today called for England to show some responsibility if they are to improve.
One thing is for certain, England will have a tough job over-hauling a French side who have not lost to England at the Stade de France in the Six Nations for eight years. Indeed France have enjoyed something of a renaissance of their own since losing to England in last year's World Cup Semi-final.
A victory for England may buy Ashton a few more weeks, but the question to be asked is whether it would simply just prolong the inevitable?
After taking a beleaguered England team to the brink of World Cup glory, Ashton has seen his side collapse in both their opening Six Nations matches, and were fortunate to escape from Rome with a victory.
This has led to the latest round of media specualtion regarding Ashton's future, and in particular, whether he should be relieved of his duties this weekend should England stutter in Paris.
What should also be taken into consideration is whether England have just not been playing to their full potential in recent weeks. We are all aware of just how far this England team can go when they put their minds to it, and Phil Vickery has today called for England to show some responsibility if they are to improve.
One thing is for certain, England will have a tough job over-hauling a French side who have not lost to England at the Stade de France in the Six Nations for eight years. Indeed France have enjoyed something of a renaissance of their own since losing to England in last year's World Cup Semi-final.
A victory for England may buy Ashton a few more weeks, but the question to be asked is whether it would simply just prolong the inevitable?
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
Can England recover from home humiliation?
England's wounded soldiers head to Italy this weekend hoping to put Saturday's nightmare start to the Six Nations behind them.
Ashton has made a number of enforced changes to his pack, including bringing in Michael Lipman to start at open-side flanker in place of Lewis Moody, with Tim Payne also being brought into the match-day 22 due to an injury to the influential Andrew Sheridan. Despite suffering significant criticism for his performance against Wales, Jonny Wilkinson will keep his place at fly-half ahead of the young Danny Cipriani.
After the over-achievements in last year's World Cup, English fans' expectations of hammering our Welsh neighbours were sent crashing back to earth after enduring a dismal second half collapse at Twickenham.
Heart and desire were sadly two of the qualities that deserted England during a disappointing second half of madness. A far cry from England's heroic World Cup victory against Australia, the English lions were made to look like lambs.
New Wales Coach Warren Gatland deserves a great deal of credit for his team's monumental triumph in the face of adversity. With England leading 19-6, only the most optimistic of Welsh travelling support would have predicted anything other than a crushing English victory. However, Wales displayed the courage to fight back and record their first victory at Twickenham for 20 years.
England Coach Brian Ashton will be afforded one loss during this Six Nations Tournament, but anything other than any emphatic English victory on Sunday will surely lead to his position becoming increasingly untennable.
Ashton has made a number of enforced changes to his pack, including bringing in Michael Lipman to start at open-side flanker in place of Lewis Moody, with Tim Payne also being brought into the match-day 22 due to an injury to the influential Andrew Sheridan. Despite suffering significant criticism for his performance against Wales, Jonny Wilkinson will keep his place at fly-half ahead of the young Danny Cipriani.
After the over-achievements in last year's World Cup, English fans' expectations of hammering our Welsh neighbours were sent crashing back to earth after enduring a dismal second half collapse at Twickenham.
Heart and desire were sadly two of the qualities that deserted England during a disappointing second half of madness. A far cry from England's heroic World Cup victory against Australia, the English lions were made to look like lambs.
New Wales Coach Warren Gatland deserves a great deal of credit for his team's monumental triumph in the face of adversity. With England leading 19-6, only the most optimistic of Welsh travelling support would have predicted anything other than a crushing English victory. However, Wales displayed the courage to fight back and record their first victory at Twickenham for 20 years.
England Coach Brian Ashton will be afforded one loss during this Six Nations Tournament, but anything other than any emphatic English victory on Sunday will surely lead to his position becoming increasingly untennable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
