NPR

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 1:54 pm Mercer moved to Scotland at 8 years old and learned his rugby at primary school in Glasgow before going to Merchiston where a lot of rugby scholarships are granted

As was mentioned, he was in the Glasgow academy and had played for Scotland U16s

One that got away

Paddington Bear wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:14 pm

Biffer wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 1:04 pm Leicester v Leinster at a packed Welford Road in front of 30,000. That's what European competition should be about. Belter of a tie.

All four games looking pretty good tbh.

POersonally I'm looking forward to a civilised middle class city clash in the Challenge Cup in Edinburgh v Bath.

The winner awarded a nicely pressed pair of red trousers

Biffer wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 1:04 pm Leicester v Leinster at a packed Welford Road in front of 30,000. That's what European competition should be about. Belter of a tie.

All four games looking pretty good tbh.

POersonally I'm looking forward to a civilised middle class city clash in the Challenge Cup in Edinburgh v Bath.

Biffer wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:15 pm

Paddington Bear wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:14 pm

Biffer wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 1:04 pm Leicester v Leinster at a packed Welford Road in front of 30,000. That's what European competition should be about. Belter of a tie.

All four games looking pretty good tbh.

POersonally I'm looking forward to a civilised middle class city clash in the Challenge Cup in Edinburgh v Bath.

The winner awarded a nicely pressed pair of red trousers

Indeed, or a nice waxed jacket.

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:13 pm

sockwithaticket wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:07 pm

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 1:54 pm Mercer moved to Scotland at 8 years old and learned his rugby at primary school in Glasgow before going to Merchiston where a lot of rugby scholarships are granted

As was mentioned, he was in the Glasgow academy and had played for Scotland U16s

One that got away

Am I right in thinking that the residency clock doesn't start ticking until players turn 18 , so, even if he had stayed north of the border rather than heading down to Bath and joining up with England U20s, he wouldn't have been eligible to represent the senior Scotland side until he turned 21?

Maybe, how old were the Vunipola bothers when they first played for England?

I didn't know that was the case with residency

sockwithaticket wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:26 pm

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:13 pm

sockwithaticket wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:07 pm

Am I right in thinking that the residency clock doesn't start ticking until players turn 18 , so, even if he had stayed north of the border rather than heading down to Bath and joining up with England U20s, he wouldn't have been eligible to represent the senior Scotland side until he turned 21?

Maybe, how old were the Vunipola bothers when they first played for England?

I didn't know that was the case with residency

I must be talking out of my arse. Even though I can't quite recall whether Billy was 20 or 21, Manu was definitely 20.

I swear I've read something about residency qualification that concerns an age of majority, though.

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:20 pm

Biffer wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:15 pm

Paddington Bear wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:14 pm

The winner awarded a nicely pressed pair of red trousers

Indeed, or a nice waxed jacket.

Stout tan brogues and cashmere knitwear to finish the look off?

SaintK wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:54 pm

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:20 pm

Biffer wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:15 pm

Indeed, or a nice waxed jacket.

Stout tan brogues and cashmere knitwear to finish the look off?

Isn't that Openside's uniform?

Kawazaki wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:43 pm

PornDog wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:39 pm

Kawazaki wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:24 pm Go after Sexton, he's the weakest link.

I wonder why nobody has ever tried that before

When they do, he usually reacts poorly.

He must be the most overrated player since Ronan O'Gara.

PornDog wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:39 pm

Kawazaki wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:24 pm Go after Sexton, he's the weakest link.

I wonder why nobody has ever tried that before

Uncle fester wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 8:47 pm

PornDog wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:39 pm

Kawazaki wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:24 pm Go after Sexton, he's the weakest link.

I wonder why nobody has ever tried that before

Toga might be fishing with TNT but Leinster have got caught when they come up against teams that can match their physicality and there's no plan B. The URC is such a cakewalk for them that they don't seem to be able to adjust when the opposition (at euro level) stubbornly refuse to lose.

Uncle fester wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 8:47 pm

PornDog wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:39 pm

Kawazaki wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:24 pm Go after Sexton, he's the weakest link.

I wonder why nobody has ever tried that before

Toga might be fishing with TNT but Leinster have got caught when they come up against teams that can match their physicality and there's no plan B. The URC is such a cakewalk for them that they don't seem to be able to adjust when the opposition (at euro level) stubbornly refuse to lose.

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:20 pm

Biffer wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:15 pm

Paddington Bear wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 2:14 pm

The winner awarded a nicely pressed pair of red trousers

Indeed, or a nice waxed jacket.

Stout tan brogues and cashmere knitwear to finish the look off?

PornDog wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:31 pm

Uncle fester wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 8:47 pm

PornDog wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:39 pm

I wonder why nobody has ever tried that before

Toga might be fishing with TNT but Leinster have got caught when they come up against teams that can match their physicality and there's no plan B. The URC is such a cakewalk for them that they don't seem to be able to adjust when the opposition (at euro level) stubbornly refuse to lose.

While that has certainly been true, it ≠ Go after Sexton, he's the weakest link.

Practically everybody goes after Sexton every single game (at least those teams that are not complete dogshit), that's not what does for Leinster (or Ireland) - I can't think of a single game where that's been the case. Getting at our rucks is the key to beating Leinster and unfortunately there are a few examples (easier said than done mind). It's about as insightful a comment as "go after the 10", but at least in this case its true compared to the complete bollox Toga was spouting.

Paddington Bear wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:46 am We all saw Leinster nearly lose to Connacht right? They're a good side but hardly unbeatable

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:49 am Re the Plan B thing, I'm never sure what this is supposed to mean though you hear it all the time. It can't mean throw out your game plan and try something completely different, the analysis the coaching staff will have done on the opposition will still hold true, they will still be strong where you expect them to be.

Kick if you've been running it and run it if you've been kicking it - is that it?
Yeah you can adapt - say your maul has been getting nowhere, you might take the scrum or take the points, but does that really constitute a Plan B?

I'm sure someone will come up with examples but I can't really think of that many games where a team that is struggling has completely changed their tactics and made a romping come back. The Calcutta Cup game at Twickenham a few years ago wasn't the result of a change of tactics, more that England's defence fell apart as Scotland's passes began to stick and the line breaks came off.

I'm completely open to hearing that teams do have a Plan B, maybe I'm missing it.

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:58 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:49 am Re the Plan B thing, I'm never sure what this is supposed to mean though you hear it all the time. It can't mean throw out your game plan and try something completely different, the analysis the coaching staff will have done on the opposition will still hold true, they will still be strong where you expect them to be.

Kick if you've been running it and run it if you've been kicking it - is that it?
Yeah you can adapt - say your maul has been getting nowhere, you might take the scrum or take the points, but does that really constitute a Plan B?

I'm sure someone will come up with examples but I can't really think of that many games where a team that is struggling has completely changed their tactics and made a romping come back. The Calcutta Cup game at Twickenham a few years ago wasn't the result of a change of tactics, more that England's defence fell apart as Scotland's passes began to stick and the line breaks came off.

I'm completely open to hearing that teams do have a Plan B, maybe I'm missing it.

No Plan B doesn't mean what you think it means. It's more a reference to sides that don't adapt but stick rigidly to the same tactic regardless it's efficacy.

E.g England under Eddie Jones don't have a Plan B.

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:08 am

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:58 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:49 am Re the Plan B thing, I'm never sure what this is supposed to mean though you hear it all the time. It can't mean throw out your game plan and try something completely different, the analysis the coaching staff will have done on the opposition will still hold true, they will still be strong where you expect them to be.

Kick if you've been running it and run it if you've been kicking it - is that it?
Yeah you can adapt - say your maul has been getting nowhere, you might take the scrum or take the points, but does that really constitute a Plan B?

I'm sure someone will come up with examples but I can't really think of that many games where a team that is struggling has completely changed their tactics and made a romping come back. The Calcutta Cup game at Twickenham a few years ago wasn't the result of a change of tactics, more that England's defence fell apart as Scotland's passes began to stick and the line breaks came off.

I'm completely open to hearing that teams do have a Plan B, maybe I'm missing it.

No Plan B doesn't mean what you think it means. It's more a reference to sides that don't adapt but stick rigidly to the same tactic regardless it's efficacy.

E.g England under Eddie Jones don't have a Plan B.

What have England been doing wrong and how should they have changed?

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:17 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:08 am

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:58 am



No Plan B doesn't mean what you think it means. It's more a reference to sides that don't adapt but stick rigidly to the same tactic regardless it's efficacy.

E.g England under Eddie Jones don't have a Plan B.

What have England been doing wrong and how should they have changed?

Ok, you write out a 10,000 word essay on something I want answered first and then I'll get started on the reply. That work for you?

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:24 am

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:17 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:08 am


What have England been doing wrong and how should they have changed?

Ok, you write out a 10,000 word essay on something I want answered first and then I'll get started on the reply. That work for you?

So you don't know then?

I didn't think so.

petej wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:20 am England's plan A is shite, doesn't match the player's selected, player's are selected out of position and the player's selected are sometimes not in form. Maybe after that England could do with a plan B.

I like the 2 leg format for this round.

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:27 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:24 am

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:17 am



Ok, you write out a 10,000 word essay on something I want answered first and then I'll get started on the reply. That work for you?

So you don't know then?

I didn't think so.

Read the forum you lazy cunt. Fucking hell.

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:29 am
You've obviously got anger issues.

Have a cup of tea and a biscuit, chill out a bit.

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:35 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:29 am
You've obviously got anger issues.

Have a cup of tea and a biscuit, chill out a bit.

Not at all, still chuckling that somebody could casually ask; What have England been doing wrong and how should they have changed? in this place. Did you register this morning?

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:40 am

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:35 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:29 am
You've obviously got anger issues.

Have a cup of tea and a biscuit, chill out a bit.

Not at all, still chuckling that somebody could casually ask; What have England been doing wrong and how should they have changed? in this place. Did you register this morning?

"Read the forum you lazy cunt. Fucking hell.", he chuckled


I was just wondering if you could expand beyond your meaningless post that was in answer to.

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:28 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:40 am

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:35 am



Not at all, still chuckling that somebody could casually ask; What have England been doing wrong and how should they have changed? in this place. Did you register this morning?

"Read the forum you lazy cunt. Fucking hell.", he chuckled


I was just wondering if you could expand beyond your meaningless post that was in answer to.

For you, no.

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:37 am

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:28 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:40 am


"Read the forum you lazy cunt. Fucking hell.", he chuckled


I was just wondering if you could expand beyond your meaningless post that was in answer to.

For you, no.

Well, you can take the huff if you like.

I just wanted to know what examples there were of a Plan B in games and if indeed there was such a thing, and you posted some meaningless stuff about England not having a plan B, which you then refused to expand on when asked.

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:46 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:37 am

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:28 am



For you, no.

Well, you can take the huff if you like.

I just wanted to know what examples there were of a Plan B in games and if indeed there was such a thing, and you posted some meaningless stuff about England not having a plan B, which you then refused to expand on when asked.

Read the text before the comment that England don't have a plan b. FFS.

No Plan B doesn't mean what you think it means. It's more a reference to sides that don't adapt but stick rigidly to the same tactic regardless it's efficacy.

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:52 am

Kawazaki wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:46 am

Tichtheid wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:37 am


Well, you can take the huff if you like.

I just wanted to know what examples there were of a Plan B in games and if indeed there was such a thing, and you posted some meaningless stuff about England not having a plan B, which you then refused to expand on when asked.

Read the text before the comment that England don't have a plan b. FFS.

okay Mr Angry, but

No Plan B doesn't mean what you think it means. It's more a reference to sides that don't adapt but stick rigidly to the same tactic regardless it's efficacy.

Is short hand for the examples I gave in the post before, and to repeat, that is what I was looking for, examples of where teams have changed tack and become successful in a game that they were losing.

Uncle fester wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:34 am

PornDog wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:31 pm

Uncle fester wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 8:47 pm

Toga might be fishing with TNT but Leinster have got caught when they come up against teams that can match their physicality and there's no plan B. The URC is such a cakewalk for them that they don't seem to be able to adjust when the opposition (at euro level) stubbornly refuse to lose.

While that has certainly been true, it ≠ Go after Sexton, he's the weakest link.

Practically everybody goes after Sexton every single game (at least those teams that are not complete dogshit), that's not what does for Leinster (or Ireland) - I can't think of a single game where that's been the case. Getting at our rucks is the key to beating Leinster and unfortunately there are a few examples (easier said than done mind). It's about as insightful a comment as "go after the 10", but at least in this case its true compared to the complete bollox Toga was spouting.

Saracens went after Healy. Koch absolutely monstered him. There's nearly always some weak link if you've the nous and ability to exploit it.

PornDog wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 12:53 pm

Uncle fester wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:34 am

PornDog wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:31 pm

While that has certainly been true, it ≠ Go after Sexton, he's the weakest link.

Practically everybody goes after Sexton every single game (at least those teams that are not complete dogshit), that's not what does for Leinster (or Ireland) - I can't think of a single game where that's been the case. Getting at our rucks is the key to beating Leinster and unfortunately there are a few examples (easier said than done mind). It's about as insightful a comment as "go after the 10", but at least in this case its true compared to the complete bollox Toga was spouting.

Saracens went after Healy. Koch absolutely monstered him. There's nearly always some weak link if you've the nous and ability to exploit it.

I wholeheartedly agree, and monstered isn't an exaggeration. The ruck isn't the only place you can get at Leinster, it's just more often the place where the most questions are asked when indeed they are asked. What they didn't do was go after Sexton (any more than anyone else does) - he wasn't the weakest link.

petej wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 1:11 pm

PornDog wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 12:53 pm

Uncle fester wrote: Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:34 am

Saracens went after Healy. Koch absolutely monstered him. There's nearly always some weak link if you've the nous and ability to exploit it.

I wholeheartedly agree, and monstered isn't an exaggeration. The ruck isn't the only place you can get at Leinster, it's just more often the place where the most questions are asked when indeed they are asked. What they didn't do was go after Sexton (any more than anyone else does) - he wasn't the weakest link.

Getting after the flyhalf is a tactic full stop. The fly half is a key decision maker. Doesn't matter who the flyhalf is or if they are a weak link or a star player. All flyhalves struggle when there is a lack of space and time for them. Can't see tigers beating Leinster if that does end up being a 1/8 final.