Sun 27th Oct: Men's International: England v Samoa KO 2.30pm (BBC Two)

[Click]

England score the first try - and make it look quite easy!

[Exiled Wiganer]

1 minute ago, OMEGA said:

What a terrible pass from Smith, it’s forward, it’s uncatchable, it’s a poor option late in the count, Bateman has 3 players right in front of him it’s bloody awful in about half a dozen different ways

Happier now?

[Dave T]

Some good work from the front row, including Clarke in the sets leading up to that.

[StandOffHalf]

Samoa have got to slow down and control these rucks, which will be difficult with an English ref.

[bratman]

Good hands from England, nice try

[Click]

2 minutes ago, Exiled Wiganer said:

Ashton is superb at international level.

He has been superb at every level he's played for awhile now to be fair to him.

[Dave T]

Just now, StandOffHalf said:

Samoa have got to slow down and control these rucks, which will be difficult with an English ref.

Already been a penalty and a set restart. And tbh, there could have been more. We're winning the ruck.

[Dunbar]

6 minutes ago, northamptoncougar said:

I think this is weakest front three England has put out in the last decade 

But definitely the most mobile and athletic.  If we play the right way (with pace with the ball in hand and putting lots of bodies in the tackle) then they are well suited.

[Jack GB]

slightly off topic - but has the shirt grown on everyone now? 

[EagleEyePie]

England look to be playing a traditional 6 and 7 combination in attacking areas. There might be a bit of rustiness (it's not how Smith plays at Wigan) but when it works I think it's going to cause problems.

Nice first try and good ball movement.

[Click]

4 minutes ago, StandOffHalf said:

The Warrington hooker has been way better than Clark IMO.

Clark seemingly managed to put in an excelltent first 8 minuntes and read your comment at the same time  

[Damien]

2 minutes ago, Dave T said:

Some good work from the front row, including Clarke in the sets leading up to that.

Like the Clarke of old.

[StandOffHalf]

1 minute ago, Dave T said:

Already been a penalty and a set restart. And tbh, there could have been more. We're winning the ruck.

Yes, ref interpretation/control of the ruck is so important.

[Click]

Wonder why Ashton didn't decide to go for a catch there - Had in his mind he was going to tackle and he was the one that ended up touching it.

[Click]

Just now, StandOffHalf said:

Yes, ref interpretation/control of the ruck is so important.

Not sure if interpretation comes much into the first penalty/set restarts in this match - Samoa are clearly trying to hold on when the England player has more momentum.

[Dave T]

Ashton wrong footing them earning another penalty. He's causing them trouble.

Edited October 27, 2024 by Dave T

[bratman]

Great finish by Ashton

[Exiled Wiganer]

This is absolutely to watch so far. 

[Dave T]

And he finishes it superbly! Get in Ashton!

[shrewsbury roughyed]

England backs beating the first man frequently 

[Dave T]

Just now, Exiled Wiganer said:

This is absolutely to watch so far. 

What's the missing word?

[Click]

And another easy try. 

Samoa just look outclassed and too slow to deal with England so far.

[Coggo]

Too easy. When do we play the Aussies?

[EagleEyePie]

That traditional halfback set up once again. Williams from the right edge moving to the outside shoulder of Smith for the killer play. Samoa can't keep track.

[Click]

1 minute ago, Exiled Wiganer said:

This is absolutely to watch so far. 

Absolutely what? 

This could be absolutely dire.. absolutely class.. 

It can go so many ways!