Originally Posted by Eurostar:
“England look solid and workmanlike at the moment (I don't think they're anywhere near as good as the All Blacks result would suggest, but they are very likely the best team in this tournament).”
They've looked a lot better than 'workmanlike' (mind you, they generally do - it only takes one quieter game for the "typical boring England" lie to reappear) - the conditions yesterday looked awful.
Wasn't able to see a great deal of Saturday's games - unfortunately most of what I did see was from Paris which looked very poor fare.
Re Phillips - for me the key job of the scrum half is to get regular accurate and quick passes away to the fly half. Phillips pass is laboured. If sided can diffuse his power (and most can) he is inceasingky moderate.
Impressed by England's ability to adapt to conditions yesterday - they played about the right amount of open rugby in a situation where much more would have been foolish.
I thought Ben Youngs was MoM personally. Consistently crisp and accurate passing, subtle and varied kicking, read the play well and excellent in defence. Robshaw just keeps having good games, Wood fitted in OK at 8, Goode was excellent.
Also thought the Irish 9 looked good and their blind side went well. BOD was poor though.