OV9

Bah.

Let’s hope Ireland take the tournament then.

Great game - despite the score, I don’t think there was a huge amount between them. Scotland just had to work a lot harder for their scores and I think that told from 65 minutes on.

Over to you England… *

* no hope at all

Fantastic game of rugby. It's Ireland's defence that won it really. Scotland got into really good positions but they had to work so hard for everything.

I just don't understand. There's a couple of minutes left in the half, ten point lead. You've got the ball in a solid defensive position, surely you just run a few forward phases, kill the game off maybe a long kick so they've got a long way to build an attack. Instead you go straight to a high ball contest, you lose it and give away a penalty and you're on the back foot and ultimately concede a penalty try and yellow card before half time. Bad on field leadership to my eyes. Itoje is a great role model, but I'm not really convinced by him as a captain.

England throughout the tournament have not been getting good percentages under the high ball. I'd be avoiding it as much as possible.

Anyway, it's a better contest than expected, I should be pleased, but England are so frustrating.

Wow

Closest finish possible.. well done France, but England play much better when the pressure is off, so have the ability just need more mental resilience

Made me so angry that game, yes we didn't get pumped, but there was so much rubbish. Again second half same as first, all they had to do was maintain a bit of self control and discipline with a few minutes left. France got back into our 22 after we went back ahead, we got the ball off them and immediately dropped it trying to counter. They could have so easily fallen on it and set up a platform to clear. Then you're a point ahead and you just give away penalties.

The Chessum try, with Finn Smith not kicking well he randomly ran way further out to the corner than he needed to also pissed me off.

Second half, way too many high ball contests particularly from good attacking contest, it was quite clear that France were not defending that well when we kept it in the hands, we just let them off the hook with a high ball contest they mostly won and were able to clear.

There's just something wrong with the leadership and plan with England. I personally would take the captaincy off Itoje and get rid of Borthwick.

One thing's for sure, France have got no hope in a World Cup defending the way they have the last few games.

Having got that off my chest, and despite England, it's been a great tournament this year.

duncs500 wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2026 6:27 am France got back into our 22 after we went back ahead, we got the ball off them and immediately dropped it trying to counter. They could have so easily fallen on it and set up a platform to clear. Then you're a point ahead and you just give away penalties.

Pretty much this. Just a little immaturity really.

No complaints from me - I think France deserved the championship.