Rugby Union

Sorry to go all serious (sort of) but the English working people were as downtrodden as every other nation, but for whatever reason are seen as the oppressor. Having done my family tree, they were just as oppressed. Put off land when they could not afford to enclose it, working in mines, mills, Shoved up chimneys, starving during the agricultural revolution, press ganged etc. etc,

I support England, but watch the other games and enjoy without prejudice, just very happy when we beat any of the fringe nations!

"Them next door" are always the enemy, whoever they are, probably because we know more about their faults than about those who live a bit further away.

In New Zealand you see tee shirts with the slogan: 'I support the All Blacks and any team playing against Australia'.

It is all very strange isn't it, national allegiance.
There is a more than a little "the English are the enemy" feeling in Wales certainly. The Irish on the other hand don't properly appreciate the nuances. They often refer to "the british" which requires a reminder that Wales was also a downtrodden colony
I suppose some people enjoy nursing a grudge. It's my favourite grudge and no one is going to take it away!

Yes JessM I support Wales when England not playing!!

And, yes, I was on the edge of my chair this afternoon and delighted with the result.

I am one of those Scots who cheer for England if Scotland isn't playing. After all, I have lived here longer than I lived in Scotland and my sons are English! My sister, who lives in NZ is a staunch fanatical All Blacks supporter and had the nerve to take me to task for supporting England!

You think a Scot might cheer for England when another celtic nation are involved. Where have you been mrshat ? I know Welsh people who would cheer for any nation before England. (which is taking a grudge a bit far, and I am not one of them). But as a welsh person my natural sympathies would always be with ireland or scotland if playing against england. And I live in england. The difficult one for me would be Ireland against NZ. That would be a real conundrum.

Well, a happy household this weekend. Ireland did very well against Scotland, much to everyone's surprise I think and DH is very content with England's win against France today. It was a bit 'nail biting' towards the end but well done to the youngsters for holding on in there. The 'big one' for me is next weekend when England play Ireland at Twickenham. I am on my own in a family all cheering for England, but maybe one son in law (Scotland fan) might come over to my side .................. Whatever, I hope it is a good game. Pleased there were no major injuries today, I am still unsure how the Scotland player is who was badly concussed yesterday. Still in hospital last I heard.

Well ...nearly gave up watching that ...nerves couldn't take them giving away so many penalties. But first time I'd found the commentary intrusive ...banging on about the decisions of the referee etc.
A good result for Wales too?

For me the high point (in more ways than one) of the Scotland Ireland match was seeing the big blond giant, Richie Gray, charging towards the line, brushing aside lesser mortals.

Yes the Italian defence was pretty effective wasn't it OGM. But I certainly didn't have the heart to talk much interest in the Irish game after that.
I was pleased for Jamie Roberts though getting a try.

Watched Wales/Italy while ironing sheets..... both a tad boring ( never thought I'd say that!) Wales will have to raise their game if they are to defeat France next w/end.
'Still there is Cheltenham in between..... yippee!

Too right, Jacey. It has always been rugby's boast that players respected the referee and it's a sad day if they have adopted the manners of footballers. I enjoyed yesterday's matches except for the fact that Scotland, despite long periods of possession, seemed unable to capitalise on it. Wooden spoon is now between Scotland and Italy - again.

Why is it that a player thinks he can argue with a ref ..."I didn't do it!" ...when those of us sitting comfortably at home have seen the re-play and those in the stadium can watch it on the big screen?

And then the second 'no-brainer' is to turn away and swear at the ref? Which we can all hear??

It was an entertaining match, although it would have been good to see Ireland holding onto the lead. I think they are still missing O'Driscoll.

I know mrshat ...but at least they maintained their grip in the last minutes!! It would have been so much worse to have lost then...and it was an away result.

But not quite enough Jacey! So disappointed for them, I just don't know what happened to them in the second half. They seemed very 'down' after the match. Still, better to be optimistic and be pleased for a draw and not a loss. Now, I guess it will be Wales for the Grand Slam - but you never know what France will pull out of the hat next week

Well Done Ireland!! You showed 'true grit'

Yes, mrshat, whichever Lamont it was broke his leg, so that's his six nations over for this year.

yes please ...it would be better than the ....oh, umm ...better not say as have some GNetters living there

I felt sorry for Scotland too, I thought they deserved a better result. I also felt England did very well and also deserved a better result, but that's rugby!
I must also have missed follow up on the injured players over the weekend. Hopefully they are all OK. So, will Wales win the Championship?

Agree Annobel ...but at least they got a couple of tries this time

Do you know what happened to their injured player ...I seem to have missed the follow up?

I was disappointed that Scotland played pretty well but still didn't get the better of France. There wasn't very much difference in skills between the two sides.

me too!!