It’s so fantastic you bring on Squidge. I’d love if you had a regular schedule of him coming on before and after major tournaments, and for special events like the lions tour analyses and whatnot. Such a talent and great person to listen to
Great to finally see him get recognition! His name was mentioned in the BBC pod a couple years back, and UgoM couldn't even be bothered to say his name correctly, and pretty much dismissed him. It was pathetic! Squidges rugby knowledge is far and above anything Ugo could manage. Cannot wait till someone else realises that man is useless, and has v poor rugby knowledge and understanding (especially for someone who had a career like his)!
@@tomblakemoremusiche's good but if you are evaluating teams chances of winning games it's important to know where the game is occurring. Do you agree. England have to travel to Dublin not the other way around. It has a big impact on each teams chances.
Fun fact about Thomas Ramos that Squidge won't like is that during 6 Nations 2023 he scored 84 points which is the same amount as the Welsh team for the entire tournament
Squidge wasn't always à fan of Ben Youngs's to say the least, as a french fan, neither was I but let's be honest, he seems like a genuine great guy. The simple fact that he keeps inviting squidge is very telling, i think other former players wouldn't take it as well
Brilliant - about time Squidgy (Max) got invited to share his insights to a wider audience & expertise by being included on such a platform. WELL DONE & well earnt Max
@@benbrophy6905Totally agree . Borthwick ought to throw some of his stats out and get this guy in camp to break down the opposition. Maybe Englands Felix jones. 🏴
As a warriors and Scotland fan, Tuipulotu’s injury is an absolute disaster. He’s been on fire for club and country for the last 18 months, and arguably been the best player for both Glasgow and Scotland. Still, think the use of Jordan has been good, he’s also matured to a fantastic player. I’d have him at 12, and wouldn’t be worried. He also knows Jones well, and can put him through the gaps.
This is very true, Tuipulotu is such a lynchpin. They are still a very good team but no Sione makes them much easier to deal with for oppositions. There is some depth at 12 at least, I think losing one of the starting props may have been even more of an issue
Give over, if you are that reliant on one player, you don't deserve to win. The fact that Scotland are this worried about two players being injured shows you the lack of championship pedigree in their team. South Africa lost Am, Mapimpi and Marx and had Pollard out for the first part of the RWC 2023 and still won the whole thing. Ireland had 7 first teams players (Hansen, Keenan, Aki, JGP, Sheehan, Henderson, Casey )out in the tour to SA last year yet still were the only team to win in SA against SA. Enjoy another year of 6 nations mediocrity.
@@SmcdMcd-d2kyou don’t have to be, but he is. That’s why he does what he does so well, and you don’t. The fine motor skills he develops and maintains, will be helped by playing golf.
@ honestly I think you’re talking a lot of nonsense to be honest. I don’t think golf is on to do with a direct car relation to house successive rugby player there are money number tens on Monique kickers who don’t play golf and they’re arguably better than Ramos. Stop trying to come up with something profound.
@ not saying he a great bc of it but he has said in the past that golf is similar in many ways to kicking for him. Rhythm, angles , wind conditions , ball contact. Don t ask me , ask him 😉Am not promoting golf btw.
The only doubt for England is their mental side - they were a team that almost beat NZW three times but then somehow lost by the same narrow margins to Australia. They clearly have a lot of potential but can't string everything together to win. France on just an enigma and always has been.
As a french fan, I honestly dont see how we win the tournament if we dont hit the Grand Slam. Calendar is huge for the Irish team, Italy will focus their match against France as usual, Scotland is a good underdog, England and Ireland at home...
Ye, I just have a feeling france will lose at least one of those games, maybe even both.. however if they win both that would be amazing and fully deserved.
Totally agree that Ireland have plateaued attention moment, but amazing that they have stayed there despite personnel and coaching changes. France definately favourites for this 6n, but in the 2023 Ireland France fixture, France spent a total of 55 seconds in the Ireland 22, game kept close by Ramos's boot.
France at Lansdowne Road is, in all reality, the deciding fixture. Whichever team wins that game (and it could go either way) wins the competition, with a Grand Slam winning performance.
Agreed the team im most worried about in 2027 is England phenomenal forwards in their roster and once they manage to find the correct combination to their backline they'll be very dangerous
Love you Squidgey. Great show guys. DuPont is great in Europe. When can we have another world cup in France? England can be great, but they are their own worst enemies. I wish great success for Scotland. Love the game. Wish we could play all 6 nations every year in Europe or SA.
Kind of agree with Squidge. Hard to see anyone beating France. Ireland will be good. The 6 Nations is their core business focus, and they have scores to settle with England from last year. They will have the Tripple Crown won by the time they face France, who will be too strong for them. Both England and Scotland have exciting squads and should be serious contenders to beat Ireland. However, neither Borthwick nor Townsend have the tactical guile to pick apart an extremely well organised Irish defence and get the absolute most out of the excellent players they have at their disposal.
I'm really surprised at Squidge's preference of Prendergast over Crowley. Maybe it's because Prendergast hasn't been as exposed yet to the better quality teams than he's been playing with, but he is defensively weak. He's minded within the Leinster structure but I doubt he'll get away with it against the top international teams. You can absolutely see comparisons between him and Sexton in attack, but there was never a question of Sexton in defence. Defensively, Prendergast has more in common with O'Gara. Contrast that to Crowley, who does so much so well at 10, defensively and offensively, as well as being a risk taker. Kicking was undoubtedly an issue this season but he seemed to be back to his best against Northampton last weekend. On top of that he can play at 12 and 15 comfortably. The biggest concern for Ireland is that we haven't moved on some of the long serving players, and we are now mid RWC cycle. Aki will be 37 at the next RWC, Bealham 36, Healy 40 (!), Henderson 35, Herring 37, O'Mahony 38. All great guys but seriously, they're blocking gametime for the next generation. I would also point out the progression Ireland are making in terms of consistency, where yes we didn't get past the QFs but we are getting closer, to what seeems like a mental block at this stage..
@ZEtruckipu True and I wonder about the effect of throwing SP in when he clearly needs time to develop without that kind of pressure, and while Crowley is currently a step ahead.
It is so hard to see past a French Grand Slam. The quality of their team is just a level above & all the key stars are flying in club rugby in the European Cup.
The french club teams are probably the best,but as a national team they just dont play the same,ireland walloped them in france last year,so would not be too sure they will win a slam,and england may be a surprise and i say this as an irish fan.
@@amantedellopera1681 in previous years I would 100% agree with you. This season though I just feel like the individual French players have just stepped up and look incredible, I think they’ll play above what we saw in the Autumn which already looked decent. On the other hand I think like they said on the pod Ireland look good, but probably on par with how they were last year.
@@amantedellopera1681not to disregard Ireland who are genuine contenders but reading irish fans going back to that game... frankly it was à France b side playing most of the game a man down. Fair play to Ireland, you can only play whoever is in front of you but France without Dupont Ntamack Flament Meafou Penaud and so on wasn't as good and bragging about that victory is really not that impressive
@@amantedellopera1681 Last year, France was really off without our half back combination, and not really a good indicator of what is going to happen this year. If club performance & November tests is anything to go by, I’m quite confident France will win in Ireland.
The French team is full of exceptional players. Given what Toulouse and Bordeaux are doing to other European teams, if Galthie can't win a Grand Slam, he should be sacked ( I believe many people in France believe he has wasted this talent over the last few years). Ireland has an issue with the fact that Leinster are playing a Nienaber playbook, and it's not clear that Ireland, mostly made up of Leinster players, are on the same page. When Lancaster was Leinster coach, Ireland and Leinster were very similar.. We shall see. Squidge makes, as ever, interesting points. I hope as an Ireland fan that he is wrong when he says we have reached a ceiling, but as a small country we don't have the depth of France or England. It should be fun!
French here. This 6 nations will be hard for us, with 2 matches only at home. The French team looks great, our players are eager to win. I believe in a victory, but less in a slam!
I really fancy a bet on England. Playing us in the first game, that's the time to catch Ireland. England have France at home and i really do like their chances. They are the value bet. Everyone saying France and Ireland. I really thing England can win. There will be no grand slam and it wouldn't surprise me if it goes down to points on the last day. You heard it here first
Ireland lose 1 six nations game in 2 years to a last minute drop goal & beat the Springboks in SA = hit their ceiling. France draw with Italy last year = incredible. 😂
He's not saying anything you will not have heard Irish commentators say since the world cup at one point or another. Also I'd expect to hear that if Leinster doesn't take the champions cup this year. Especially as other Irish provinces not really having a great season either.
That's not what he's saying at all. 1) he's said Ireland have been consistently excellent 2) France had a RWC hungover but has since recovered especially with Dupont back. Sounds like you're looking for an excuse to get offended because this is pretty mild analysis here
Yet, the same can be said about every NH team. Yet you call out Ireland. Looking at the U20s there is huge strength coming through - the U20’s haven’t lost a single game in the six nations in 3 years ( one draw v England last year, and wins in all others )
Reality is that Ireland squad is still not large. Better than five years ago but more depth needed in Ireland. Remember rugby is still way behing gaelic and soccer in terms of players.
The URC final is usually a week after the Europeans final And the semis is the week after the urc semi… Leinster are not playing a full team in the semis … Resting players for the final of the European cup .. Munster played a full team against Leinster in the semi they won .. Leinster had a half team out ..
Bielle-Biarrey (no problem his name is hellish even for us French) was temporary outed because of vertigoes, indeed, but following an injury and exams he passed he was called back, apparently he's feeling better and the team kinda need him.
@ I’m Irish, I should have a genetic advantage for spelling names that look completely different to the way they sound, so my apologies. The tournament is better for having Bielle-Biarrey in it.
Don’t forget lads that France have to play Ireland in Dublin. As do England. That gives the men in green a slight advantage in their bid for three Championships in-a-row.
Ireland have three away games. They play Scotland, Wales and Italy away and play France and England in Dublin. I think Squidge made a mistake in thinking that England play Ireland in Twickenham.
outside of James Lowe and Gibson Parks, Ireland dont have individual game breakers,players that can change a game with a piece of individual brilliance.
As an Irish fan I’d be very happy with second this year. I think wales will surprise, England hard to say - depends on the result against us at home, if they manage to get over that, they can take the tournament. It’d be surprising if Ireland loses to both England and France.
@ no team has ever won three 6 nations in a row. So statistically it’s improbable. Not impossible but just unlikely, and I would say overall might be good for mentality if the Irish team remains competitive but isn’t the winner this year. They’re very good at winning but set piece is a bit of a disaster lately.
I could accept one loss on the road against either in an even year but with both at home we should be looking for 5 wins. Also don't lie to yourself you wouldn't be happy with 2nd
@ I would because no team has ever done 3 in a row, and we have issues with set piece that other teams will go after. That said, it’s a possibility, just statistically improbable. Hence 2nd place is a good target.
@DM-rp9ik of course we want a grand slam and its not completely beyond the realms of possibility but i cant shake the feeling we've, as squidge has stated, stagnated a little because theres only so much better we can become. I reckon it has to be france
If Bottlewick goes 0-3 from those first 3 games I don’t care I won’t be gaslit by any saffas and these old boy clubs he shouldn’t even finish the tournament don’t let him leave the dressing room
im absolutely certain france are going to win the tournament. however i dont think it will be a grandslam and think it will be incredibly close. the rest of the positions are a complete toss up however i think england are underrated and wales are being unfairly written off, whilst ireland and scotland are being overrated...
Crowley is 25 and is not part of the old guard Irish set up. Never given a shot by jvg at a young age, he is only a year ahead of prendergast in career progression. Hard to say who has a higher ceiling imo. Prendergast looks amazing but he plays behind one of the best packs in the world every week. Crowley looks similar playing behind a pretty mid pack. He did do in form so I would like to see him win the jersey back. Hopefully this battle goes on for years
Prendergast has a higher ceiling because of his skill set. His ability to pull off ludicrous passes/ kicks is better than Crowleys and that’s what excites people. Crowley may be the better player for their entire careers due to game management and decision making, but if Prendergast can develop those attributes he will be able to pull off things Crowley won’t.
As an ireland fan im delighted the pundits and fans are saying france will win the slam,keep it up,takes pressure off us,dont forget however that ireland spanked france in france last year.
Well apart from the bizarre opinions herein i take away from this that Squidge is overrated and while his breakdowns after games are pretty good, he's fully clueless about what we might expect BEFORE games. So hindsight is his talent, and let's face it we all have that bloody talent.
It is amazing how England be consistently so below average of the last couple of years and still people rate them so highly. In the Autumn they have no attacking structure and defensively were horrific both individually and as collective. No chance they finish higher then 4th
I don't agree with the statement that England players have so much more room to improve, considering that so many have been through schools with great coaching and facilities, in addition to academies. Sounds a bit like the Welsh and English women's cricket team blaming their bad weather for not being as skilled or fit as the Australian team, on top of claiming that the score board didn't really reflect the closeness of the competition.....
How can you talk about Ireland without talking about the pretty radical change of coaching and tactics at Leinster (Lancaster to Nienaber) and the ramifications of this for the national team
I suspect it'll be the talking point in Ireland if the 6N is rocky (blunt in attack) and if Leinster dont win ECC/URC there'll be a lot of people calling for change...
My god, if England had players of half the talent as the Irish players, the hyperbole would be through the roof. It's more than well structured rugby that makes the likes of Sheehan, Furlong, Doris, VDF, JGP, Henshaw, Ringrose, Aki, Hansen, McCarthy, Ryan, Beirne, Keenan and Lowe look good. They are good individuals as well. Every team loses a game or 2. Statistically, Ireland are the 2nd best in the world. There was a dip in November. The line-out was a disaster. I think that the line-out isn't a permanent flaw.
The hyperbole has been through the roof.in Ireland regards how good they are. Don’t you watch all your programme’s and listen to your pundits. Because I do and you’re just so dismissive of anyone . Like so in the Autumn when NZ easily won in Dublin. Arrogant to say the least.so don’t wind yourself up and listen to English pundits talking about England. 🏴
I don't know where all this talk of Ireland reaching their ceiling is coming from. Ireland had new coaches in place for the Autumn Internationals, so obviously they didn't play well. Just like France didn't play well in last years 6Ns. But just as those coaches beded in the French set up by the Autumn Internationals, the new coaches for Ireland should also have beded in the Ireland set up by the 6Ns. Of course Farrell is a loss but Easterby has being in the Irish set up for over ten years and has been head coach for many A internationals and two Emerging Ireland tours. He will have learnt a lot from Schmidt and Farrell and I think he will manage very well. Also Ireland has roughly a full and fit team with many key players coming back from injury and performing well in their clubs, while other nations have injuries to many of their top players. Ireland's chances for a 3peat in the 6Ns looks as good as France claiming the championship. The building of Ireland for the RWC will continue this year with the A international against England and the summer tour to Georgia and Romania.
England once again without Mitch 😢. So many question marks over who plays where, it makes it hard to predict. Also Scotland without Sione is really a massive blow
@donfalcon1495 I believe so, he backs England and France, when have England or France being world number one but he still doesn't ever believe Ireland deserve to be there. I think overall people don't want to believe this Ireland team is as good as it is. Rassie said in an interview, the only time they'll play there first team is against Ireland, no trying out players, what he thinks is the best team.
@@thegunshow25 he has numerous positive videos on Ireland. His opinion of where Ireland are now is spot on I would say. It’s not a case of backing anyone, but saying it as it is! I’m sure he’d love to say Wales will win the 6 nations but again he’s says it like he sees it. I only know a few irish supporters who are expecting Ireland to win this year so I guess his opinion isn’t left field!
@donfalcon1495 if why I can't think why irish fans don't think they can, they've won back to back six nations. Autumn's nations wasn't there best but they are still the team who best south Africa in south Africa.
@ okay well then if you think you have a point, why don’t you put money on Scotland to win? Who knows? He’s going to win this year honestly maybe Scotland? Well maybe France well maybe England well who knows but don’t get personally offended by someone you don’t even know on their opinion.
3 aways games, we can't be favorites, stop the hype !We will get destroy by Ireland in Ireland as usual, loosing to England in Twickenham is the the most likely, we can even loose to Scotland in Stade de France....
It’s so fantastic you bring on Squidge. I’d love if you had a regular schedule of him coming on before and after major tournaments, and for special events like the lions tour analyses and whatnot. Such a talent and great person to listen to
the absolute GOAT of rugby game reviews/analysis
@@Snags-sy8isdoesn't mean he's not good at analysing the game
Don’t you mean the Antoine Dupont of rugby game analysis.
Great to finally see him get recognition! His name was mentioned in the BBC pod a couple years back, and UgoM couldn't even be bothered to say his name correctly, and pretty much dismissed him. It was pathetic! Squidges rugby knowledge is far and above anything Ugo could manage. Cannot wait till someone else realises that man is useless, and has v poor rugby knowledge and understanding (especially for someone who had a career like his)!
@@tomblakemoremusiche's good but if you are evaluating teams chances of winning games it's important to know where the game is occurring. Do you agree. England have to travel to Dublin not the other way around. It has a big impact on each teams chances.
nah , he’s just another guy
Interesting that the players value Squidge's opinion. His understanding of the game is amazing
We love Squidge
thanks guys, very nice channel with good vibes, greetings from France.
Fun fact about Thomas Ramos that Squidge won't like is that during 6 Nations 2023 he scored 84 points which is the same amount as the Welsh team for the entire tournament
All of I can think of is the hilarious squidgy rugby video from the 2019 World Cup final and Ben Young’s passing
We don't speak about this
@@LoveOfRugby haha :) great stuff guys enjoying the pod
Squidge wasn't always à fan of Ben Youngs's to say the least, as a french fan, neither was I but let's be honest, he seems like a genuine great guy. The simple fact that he keeps inviting squidge is very telling, i think other former players wouldn't take it as well
@ True say! Big up that he is also a Nottingham native!
😂@@LoveOfRugbygood to get to the point you can chuckle about it!..😉
stop pretending like you don't see a first italian grand slam coming
I believe
HODL
My two favourite rugby youtube channels combining is such a treat, long may it continue! :D
My phone litterally vibrates when Cole talks! Great show and just Subscribed.
This!! Great voice.
Great job sirs ! After watching you on the field, I will follow you on your analysis. A Toulouse fan
Welcome aboard! And thanks for not bringing up last weekend.
Vous êtes à Ernest wallon aujourd’hui?
so glad to see @SquidgeRugby getting the exposure he deserves, unbelievable knowledge and great (hilarious) presenter, good man 👏👏👏
Brilliant - about time Squidgy (Max) got invited to share his insights to a wider audience & expertise by being included on such a platform. WELL DONE & well earnt Max
His breakdown of games provide some of the very best technical insights
@@benbrophy6905Totally agree . Borthwick ought to throw some of his stats out and get this guy in camp to break down the opposition. Maybe Englands Felix jones. 🏴
❤ Squidge and co are absolutely gems. Thanks for having the most fun rugby crew
Isn’t it Robbie?
What is it you've understood Ben? Squidge (presumably 'squidgy' was predictive text) Rugby is a chap called Robbie Owen
squidge's knowledge and understanding of the game is really impressive. that's a quality 6N preview guys. great podcast.
As a warriors and Scotland fan, Tuipulotu’s injury is an absolute disaster. He’s been on fire for club and country for the last 18 months, and arguably been the best player for both Glasgow and Scotland. Still, think the use of Jordan has been good, he’s also matured to a fantastic player. I’d have him at 12, and wouldn’t be worried. He also knows Jones well, and can put him through the gaps.
This is very true, Tuipulotu is such a lynchpin. They are still a very good team but no Sione makes them much easier to deal with for oppositions. There is some depth at 12 at least, I think losing one of the starting props may have been even more of an issue
Give over, if you are that reliant on one player, you don't deserve to win. The fact that Scotland are this worried about two players being injured shows you the lack of championship pedigree in their team. South Africa lost Am, Mapimpi and Marx and had Pollard out for the first part of the RWC 2023 and still won the whole thing. Ireland had 7 first teams players (Hansen, Keenan, Aki, JGP, Sheehan, Henderson, Casey )out in the tour to SA last year yet still were the only team to win in SA against SA. Enjoy another year of 6 nations mediocrity.
@ welcome to the internet
@@chihangho5377I don’t think anyone has ever claimed Scotland have a lot of depth
@@chihangho5377 a degree of honesty only matched the bile
Appreciate you having Squidge on!
My fave time of year! SIX NATIONS BABYYYY! 🎉
Love it....😁💪
Great to see him talk like a normal person
Ramos is a dedicated golfer and it shows in his kicking, he s extremely focused and clearly has a perfect routine. Massive competitor
Ah come on man… that’s nonsense… you don’t have to be a dedicated golfer to be focused at kicking😂
@@SmcdMcd-d2kyou don’t have to be, but he is. That’s why he does what he does so well, and you don’t. The fine motor skills he develops and maintains, will be helped by playing golf.
@ honestly I think you’re talking a lot of nonsense to be honest. I don’t think golf is on to do with a direct car relation to house successive rugby player there are money number tens on Monique kickers who don’t play golf and they’re arguably better than Ramos. Stop trying to come up with something profound.
@ not saying he a great bc of it but he has said in the past that golf is similar in many ways to kicking for him. Rhythm, angles , wind conditions , ball contact. Don t ask me , ask him 😉Am not promoting golf btw.
@ and I d like to hear your list of many number tens bent arguably better than Ramos at kicking it through the posts
As French it’s a pain in the ass to say: great show… with good analysis… damn it!
As a Saffa, France and England scare me the most with their squads building towards 2027.
As a french, It will be a huge fight for sure. The French team is starving! :-)
The only doubt for England is their mental side - they were a team that almost beat NZW three times but then somehow lost by the same narrow margins to Australia. They clearly have a lot of potential but can't string everything together to win. France on just an enigma and always has been.
Would be more worried about the Irish as a saffa that’s the only team you guys can’t consistently beat
Need a few more fresh Kiwis in your side for me to worry :). The current ones are aging
@@waynej3912 don’t remember many kiwis in the squad when Frawley slotted those beauties in your own backyard
Quality analysis 👍
I love this channel. Always great.
Great show and insight!
I find it funny that the best rugby analyst on the planet looks like someone who wouldn’t dream of playing any kind of sport😂
That's why he's an analyst Barry, you big beautiful genius!!! 😂
As a french fan, I honestly dont see how we win the tournament if we dont hit the Grand Slam. Calendar is huge for the Irish team, Italy will focus their match against France as usual, Scotland is a good underdog, England and Ireland at home...
Je suis d'accord.
France have the most in form team
You have to credit the English for essentially being every other team's derby team
The Ireland chat is great, Ireland have reached their ceiling and there is only one way to go😢
Ye we are shit now! God help us!😂😂😂
We are brutal. Ah well let’s see how it goes
Pretty hard to look past France but playing England and Ireland away make it more difficult
Ye, I just have a feeling france will lose at least one of those games, maybe even both.. however if they win both that would be amazing and fully deserved.
Totally agree that Ireland have plateaued attention moment, but amazing that they have stayed there despite personnel and coaching changes. France definately favourites for this 6n, but in the 2023 Ireland France fixture, France spent a total of 55 seconds in the Ireland 22, game kept close by Ramos's boot.
France at Lansdowne Road is, in all reality, the deciding fixture. Whichever team wins that game (and it could go either way) wins the competition, with a Grand Slam winning performance.
The man is a walking rugby encyclopaedia.
Fellas, take a tender on England, gut feeling they are going to surprise
We’ll come 4th again
3rd or 4th again. Even if we beat Ireland or France, Scotland absolutely have our number.
Agreed the team im most worried about in 2027 is England phenomenal forwards in their roster and once they manage to find the correct combination to their backline they'll be very dangerous
Love you Squidgey. Great show guys. DuPont is great in Europe. When can we have another world cup in France? England can be great, but they are their own worst enemies. I wish great success for Scotland. Love the game. Wish we could play all 6 nations every year in Europe or SA.
This is such a good show!
Love the pod/videos in America! Curious where you guys get the stats you reference. Would love to see them.
He’s 100% right about Ireland stagnation - they need a new blood like Sam to possibly spice things up and grow that extra bit
Kind of agree with Squidge. Hard to see anyone beating France.
Ireland will be good. The 6 Nations is their core business focus, and they have scores to settle with England from last year. They will have the Tripple Crown won by the time they face France, who will be too strong for them.
Both England and Scotland have exciting squads and should be serious contenders to beat Ireland. However, neither Borthwick nor Townsend have the tactical guile to pick apart an extremely well organised Irish defence and get the absolute most out of the excellent players they have at their disposal.
I'm really surprised at Squidge's preference of Prendergast over Crowley. Maybe it's because Prendergast hasn't been as exposed yet to the better quality teams than he's been playing with, but he is defensively weak. He's minded within the Leinster structure but I doubt he'll get away with it against the top international teams. You can absolutely see comparisons between him and Sexton in attack, but there was never a question of Sexton in defence. Defensively, Prendergast has more in common with O'Gara.
Contrast that to Crowley, who does so much so well at 10, defensively and offensively, as well as being a risk taker. Kicking was undoubtedly an issue this season but he seemed to be back to his best against Northampton last weekend. On top of that he can play at 12 and 15 comfortably.
The biggest concern for Ireland is that we haven't moved on some of the long serving players, and we are now mid RWC cycle. Aki will be 37 at the next RWC, Bealham 36, Healy 40 (!), Henderson 35, Herring 37, O'Mahony 38. All great guys but seriously, they're blocking gametime for the next generation. I would also point out the progression Ireland are making in terms of consistency, where yes we didn't get past the QFs but we are getting closer, to what seeems like a mental block at this stage..
The england game made it quite clear. Crowley is the better choice
@ZEtruckipu True and I wonder about the effect of throwing SP in when he clearly needs time to develop without that kind of pressure, and while Crowley is currently a step ahead.
It is so hard to see past a French Grand Slam. The quality of their team is just a level above & all the key stars are flying in club rugby in the European Cup.
The french club teams are probably the best,but as a national team they just dont play the same,ireland walloped them in france last year,so would not be too sure they will win a slam,and england may be a surprise and i say this as an irish fan.
I don’t see a grand slam.. I do see a title . But grand slam I’m not sure
@@amantedellopera1681 in previous years I would 100% agree with you. This season though I just feel like the individual French players have just stepped up and look incredible, I think they’ll play above what we saw in the Autumn which already looked decent. On the other hand I think like they said on the pod Ireland look good, but probably on par with how they were last year.
@@amantedellopera1681not to disregard Ireland who are genuine contenders but reading irish fans going back to that game... frankly it was à France b side playing most of the game a man down. Fair play to Ireland, you can only play whoever is in front of you but France without Dupont Ntamack Flament Meafou Penaud and so on wasn't as good and bragging about that victory is really not that impressive
@@amantedellopera1681 Last year, France was really off without our half back combination, and not really a good indicator of what is going to happen this year. If club performance & November tests is anything to go by, I’m quite confident France will win in Ireland.
SA fan here- Squidge is the best
this chap is in love with France, thats for sure.
The French team is full of exceptional players. Given what Toulouse and Bordeaux are doing to other European teams, if Galthie can't win a Grand Slam, he should be sacked ( I believe many people in France believe he has wasted this talent over the last few years). Ireland has an issue with the fact that Leinster are playing a Nienaber playbook, and it's not clear that Ireland, mostly made up of Leinster players, are on the same page. When Lancaster was Leinster coach, Ireland and Leinster were very similar.. We shall see. Squidge makes, as ever, interesting points. I hope as an Ireland fan that he is wrong when he says we have reached a ceiling, but as a small country we don't have the depth of France or England. It should be fun!
Squidge is a legend
French here. This 6 nations will be hard for us, with 2 matches only at home. The French team looks great, our players are eager to win. I believe in a victory, but less in a slam!
Yes and you play Scotland at home I bet you wish otherwise.😁
@maca45 tough game at Murrayfield! I can wait to listen to the flower of Scotland 👌
I really fancy a bet on England. Playing us in the first game, that's the time to catch Ireland. England have France at home and i really do like their chances. They are the value bet. Everyone saying France and Ireland. I really thing England can win. There will be no grand slam and it wouldn't surprise me if it goes down to points on the last day. You heard it here first
Ireland lose 1 six nations game in 2 years to a last minute drop goal & beat the Springboks in SA = hit their ceiling. France draw with Italy last year = incredible. 😂
His bitterness against Ireland is something else
Lose one six nations game in 2 years by 1 point and Ireland have to pack it in
He's not saying anything you will not have heard Irish commentators say since the world cup at one point or another. Also I'd expect to hear that if Leinster doesn't take the champions cup this year. Especially as other Irish provinces not really having a great season either.
That's not what he's saying at all.
1) he's said Ireland have been consistently excellent
2) France had a RWC hungover but has since recovered especially with Dupont back.
Sounds like you're looking for an excuse to get offended because this is pretty mild analysis here
Thank you for reminding me of that drop goal
💯 agree Squidge about Ireland hit their ceiling, playing great rugby but failing to win cups. You can’t win a WC playing the same 23 in every game.
Yet, the same can be said about every NH team. Yet you call out Ireland. Looking at the U20s there is huge strength coming through - the U20’s haven’t lost a single game in the six nations in 3 years ( one draw v England last year, and wins in all others )
Reality is that Ireland squad is still not large. Better than five years ago but more depth needed in Ireland.
Remember rugby is still way behing gaelic and soccer in terms of players.
I wish Squidge would get off the fence about Anton Dupont.
The URC final is usually a week after the Europeans final
And the semis is the week after the urc semi…
Leinster are not playing a full team in the semis …
Resting players for the final of the European cup ..
Munster played a full team against Leinster in the semi they won .. Leinster had a half team out ..
Is Bieabary not out with vertigo or something and does Tuilagi not have a broken leg?
Bielle-Biarrey (no problem his name is hellish even for us French) was temporary outed because of vertigoes, indeed, but following an injury and exams he passed he was called back, apparently he's feeling better and the team kinda need him.
@ I’m Irish, I should have a genetic advantage for spelling names that look completely different to the way they sound, so my apologies. The tournament is better for having Bielle-Biarrey in it.
Don’t forget lads that France have to play Ireland in Dublin. As do England.
That gives the men in green a slight advantage in their bid for three Championships in-a-row.
England second? Are they not playing Scotland this year?
Ireland have three away games. They play Scotland, Wales and Italy away and play France and England in Dublin. I think Squidge made a mistake in thinking that England play Ireland in Twickenham.
outside of James Lowe and Gibson Parks, Ireland dont have individual game breakers,players that can change a game with a piece of individual brilliance.
Leinster 14 from 14 and haven't played well yet.
As an Irish fan I’d be very happy with second this year. I think wales will surprise, England hard to say - depends on the result against us at home, if they manage to get over that, they can take the tournament. It’d be surprising if Ireland loses to both England and France.
Come on we need to stop lying to ourselves it's a Slam we want
@ no team has ever won three 6 nations in a row. So statistically it’s improbable. Not impossible but just unlikely, and I would say overall might be good for mentality if the Irish team remains competitive but isn’t the winner this year. They’re very good at winning but set piece is a bit of a disaster lately.
I could accept one loss on the road against either in an even year but with both at home we should be looking for 5 wins. Also don't lie to yourself you wouldn't be happy with 2nd
@ I would because no team has ever done 3 in a row, and we have issues with set piece that other teams will go after. That said, it’s a possibility, just statistically improbable. Hence 2nd place is a good target.
@DM-rp9ik of course we want a grand slam and its not completely beyond the realms of possibility but i cant shake the feeling we've, as squidge has stated, stagnated a little because theres only so much better we can become. I reckon it has to be france
If Bottlewick goes 0-3 from those first 3 games I don’t care I won’t be gaslit by any saffas and these old boy clubs he shouldn’t even finish the tournament don’t let him leave the dressing room
Only thing is France have to play Ireland at the Aviva stadium. Not won there many times
How can you assess Italy without mentioning their excellent centre pairing? Bizarre.
im absolutely certain france are going to win the tournament. however i dont think it will be a grandslam and think it will be incredibly close. the rest of the positions are a complete toss up however i think england are underrated and wales are being unfairly written off, whilst ireland and scotland are being overrated...
Crowley is 25 and is not part of the old guard Irish set up. Never given a shot by jvg at a young age, he is only a year ahead of prendergast in career progression. Hard to say who has a higher ceiling imo.
Prendergast looks amazing but he plays behind one of the best packs in the world every week. Crowley looks similar playing behind a pretty mid pack. He did do in form so I would like to see him win the jersey back. Hopefully this battle goes on for years
Prendergast has a higher ceiling because of his skill set. His ability to pull off ludicrous passes/ kicks is better than Crowleys and that’s what excites people. Crowley may be the better player for their entire careers due to game management and decision making, but if Prendergast can develop those attributes he will be able to pull off things Crowley won’t.
English lads hilariously write Ireland off in podcast style internet spoof.
As an ireland fan im delighted the pundits and fans are saying france will win the slam,keep it up,takes pressure off us,dont forget however that ireland spanked france in france last year.
we will see
Yeah but that was last year. They are back in form now France are and DuPont is back
Well apart from the bizarre opinions herein i take away from this that Squidge is overrated and while his breakdowns after games are pretty good, he's fully clueless about what we might expect BEFORE games. So hindsight is his talent, and let's face it we all have that bloody talent.
France ❤...this year
All the way
Sage insights vs Squidge insights. I know who I think would win
Isn't Mirco Spagnolo suspended?
France
Scotland
Ireland
Italy
England
Wales
Oh and can we have some actual guests? It’s all UA-camrs 🙄 and marler and Watson on rotation 😂
Unfortunately Spagnolo will miss the first two!
It is amazing how England be consistently so below average of the last couple of years and still people rate them so highly. In the Autumn they have no attacking structure and defensively were horrific both individually and as collective. No chance they finish higher then 4th
Who kicks penalties for England Ford or Smyth?
It'll be Smith, but it should be Ford. Ford is the best 10 in England.
Smyth
I don't agree with the statement that England players have so much more room to improve, considering that so many have been through schools with great coaching and facilities, in addition to academies.
Sounds a bit like the Welsh and English women's cricket team blaming their bad weather for not being as skilled or fit as the Australian team, on top of claiming that the score board didn't really reflect the closeness of the competition.....
FRANCE (no grandslam), ENGLAND, IRELAND, SCOTLAND, WALES, ITALY. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.
France could shine as individuals' Ireland put 40 past them last time out
Squide is sooooo biased, Wales are never finishing that high!
That makes no sense
*Scotland will win it next year* You can put your house on it
This year or next ??
Two pro sides. One player gets injured, another isn't in form and the third choice player has almost no game time. It can't happen. 4th.
Scotland will never win it... Italy have a better chance
DuPont is absolutely the best player in the world - but he’s only 1/10th the player squidgy would present him as 😂
Squidge is the dog's...
Thanks god Ireland aren’t favourites, this is when we shine
A year ago you said the same thing about ireland
Switch 3 and 4. Englands defence is all over the place right now.
France 1, Ireland 2, Italy 3, England 4, Scotland 5, Wales 6
Why is everything pink?
Italy going to win 6 nations.
I reckon they’ll go 2025 unbeaten! #RomaVictor
How can you talk about Ireland without talking about the pretty radical change of coaching and tactics at Leinster (Lancaster to Nienaber) and the ramifications of this for the national team
I suspect it'll be the talking point in Ireland if the 6N is rocky (blunt in attack) and if Leinster dont win ECC/URC there'll be a lot of people calling for change...
Empty the sick bowl lads!😂😂😂
Hate to see us win it again.
@@Skeletoncrew46and2 what?
From Ireland i think England are closer to clicking and becoming top tram agait.
My god, if England had players of half the talent as the Irish players, the hyperbole would be through the roof. It's more than well structured rugby that makes the likes of Sheehan, Furlong, Doris, VDF, JGP, Henshaw, Ringrose, Aki, Hansen, McCarthy, Ryan, Beirne, Keenan and Lowe look good. They are good individuals as well. Every team loses a game or 2. Statistically, Ireland are the 2nd best in the world. There was a dip in November. The line-out was a disaster. I think that the line-out isn't a permanent flaw.
Cry
yes maybe England should import some players like Ireland.
The hyperbole has been through the roof.in Ireland regards how good they are. Don’t you watch all your programme’s and listen to your pundits. Because I do and you’re just so dismissive of anyone . Like so in the Autumn when NZ easily won in Dublin. Arrogant to say the least.so don’t wind yourself up and listen to English pundits talking about England. 🏴
@@LaChartre like Tuilagi Vunipola brothers and Cokanasiga
@ none of them are the in squad. But nice try.
Rosd coloured specs.
Marcus Smith the form player on the planet! Really.
Has this guy ever played?
England for the slam or championship
ENGLAND COULD BEAT IRELAND!
No. Not a chance in the first game and at Lansdowne Road. Ireland, with last year in mind, will win that game very convincingly.
@@Driver2616 Hope you are right...I dont mind cocky Ireland, but a ...
I'm Irish, and it's definitely a possibility. Wish it wasn't our first game!
" Marcus Smith was the in form player IN THE WORLD over the last 6 months " jesus wept 😅
I don't know where all this talk of Ireland reaching their ceiling is coming from. Ireland had new coaches in place for the Autumn Internationals, so obviously they didn't play well. Just like France didn't play well in last years 6Ns. But just as those coaches beded in the French set up by the Autumn Internationals, the new coaches for Ireland should also have beded in the Ireland set up by the 6Ns. Of course Farrell is a loss but Easterby has being in the Irish set up for over ten years and has been head coach for many A internationals and two Emerging Ireland tours. He will have learnt a lot from Schmidt and Farrell and I think he will manage very well. Also Ireland has roughly a full and fit team with many key players coming back from injury and performing well in their clubs, while other nations have injuries to many of their top players. Ireland's chances for a 3peat in the 6Ns looks as good as France claiming the championship. The building of Ireland for the RWC will continue this year with the A international against England and the summer tour to Georgia and Romania.
some of the opinions here are bizarre and then you have the comments section congratulating utter bizzarro world nonsense
Rose
The only time i watch these is when Squidge is on 🤣
Our other episodes are great too 😢
Marcus Smith that Brilliant Philippines player.
England once again without Mitch 😢. So many question marks over who plays where, it makes it hard to predict.
Also Scotland without Sione is really a massive blow
Mitchell is playing the first game against Ireland.
Squidge has hit his ceiling 😮
Classic squide rugby, has always an issue with Irish rugby. He is very bias against Ireland for some reason..
No he’s not and never has been!
@donfalcon1495 I believe so, he backs England and France, when have England or France being world number one but he still doesn't ever believe Ireland deserve to be there. I think overall people don't want to believe this Ireland team is as good as it is. Rassie said in an interview, the only time they'll play there first team is against Ireland, no trying out players, what he thinks is the best team.
@@thegunshow25 he has numerous positive videos on Ireland. His opinion of where Ireland are now is spot on I would say. It’s not a case of backing anyone, but saying it as it is! I’m sure he’d love to say Wales will win the 6 nations but again he’s says it like he sees it.
I only know a few irish supporters who are expecting Ireland to win this year so I guess his opinion isn’t left field!
@thegunshow25 rassie said that when ireland were the best team in the world. Right now he'd likely think differently.
@donfalcon1495 if why I can't think why irish fans don't think they can, they've won back to back six nations. Autumn's nations wasn't there best but they are still the team who best south Africa in south Africa.
Scotland 4th??
Finn Russell's form at BATH * Glasgow winning URC trophy last year
If they can ever get a win v Ireland , Scotland should aim to win 6N
How many of the Glasgow team are on the national team
@@SmcdMcd-d2k GLASGOW forwards:
1. / 3. Rory Sutherland, Zander Fagerson, , Jamie Bhatti, Gregor Brown 4. / 5. Scott Cummings 6. Matt Fagerson, 7. Rory Darge 8. Jack Dempsey, ,
backs: 9. Jamie Dobie, George Horne 10. Tom Jordan 12 / 13. S Tuipuloto + Huw Jones, Stafford McDowell , 11. / 14. Kyle Rowe, Kyle Steyn
@ okay well then if you think you have a point, why don’t you put money on Scotland to win? Who knows? He’s going to win this year honestly maybe Scotland? Well maybe France well maybe England well who knows but don’t get personally offended by someone you don’t even know on their opinion.
@ I'm not personally offended? we cool
U asked about Glasgow, I was just answering
Edinburgh beaten by Scarlets today.
3 aways games, we can't be favorites, stop the hype !We will get destroy by Ireland in Ireland as usual, loosing to England in Twickenham is the the most likely, we can even loose to Scotland in Stade de France....
Tu devrais p't'être prendre un xanax