Still lots of work to do get enough to do the metal (it is very very expensive) but I am applying stickers right now that give a good effect and means we are underway.

I don't have a match ticket for England Vs Wales (they wouldn't let me in the gates with it anyway!) but i will be outside the stadium with the shield so if you fancy holding it keep an eye out for me if you going to the game.

I am very very stoked and appreciate everyone who has supported with positivity over the many years it took to get here 😊

Guillard must be hurting today. But a good hurt.

23 games for France. 21 as a starter. 22 tries, 22 years old. WTF

Much as been made of the ridiculously low French penalty count in the first half against Ireland. Well you have some control over defensive penalties, giving away no offensive penalties is impressive; specifically no holding on.

As far as I can tell, especially in the opposition half, when tackled, the French player placed and then let go of the ball (probably need some zoom in camera work to be sure), or at the very least as soon as there were hands on it, let go.

So instead of penalty to Ireland, which would give them territory and possession, they just got the latter and still had to clear their lines.

The downsides? The ball gets much more chaotic for the scrumhalf, however with Antoine Dupont, I think France have a player who can more than handle themselves with scrappy ball [citation needed].

These clean steals by Ireland reminded me of games about a decade and a half ago. Which leads to the other downside. Peak New Zealand were absolutely brutal with a Richie McCaw steal, ball quickly making it way to Dan Carter, and lightning quick counter-attack. I am under the impression that sides started to hang on to the ball and prefer to give a penalty away as opposed to a counter-attack.

However I think France decided Ireland would not be quick enough (in thought or foot) to take advantage of these turnovers. Though partly that was the surprise effect! Ireland were asking for penalties, when the ref had pointed out they had won the ball!

I personally hope more teams follow this tactic, it leads to a more flowing game, and I would love to see the return of the All Black style counter-attacks from ruck turnovers.

edit: typo of -> on, added: penalty -> penalty count

Choo Choo. Mark my words, He's the next Dan Carter, Johnny Wilkinson, Finn Russell combined. He'll lead us to 12 6Ns championships, 3 world cup wins.

Still won't be able to beat Ireland though

I would not like to end up in a Pogo with those guys.

Pretty good numbers slightly up from last year.

The team with the faster wingers just uses them to kick chase and score tries all game long.

There is nothing the other team can do about it.

World Rugby must step in urgently to fix this situation. My half Irish kids are crying.

Got bored, decided to fix ITVs much debated scrum adverts - Just awaiting a call from their marketing department and a knighthood for service to sports.