Luca Bigi double gives Zebre win over Benetton

Like what they have tried with SR the last few years and I’m probably forgetting prev NPC seasons as well.

Sure, they want to build some hype, but slow and steady wins the race.

He’s going for the ball when two Lions players (Morgan and Genge) go to clear out. Morgan leads first but both go off their feet. Morgan even has his hand on the pitch in making the contact with Tizzano so is not supporting his body weight. They’ve sealed him off and both fall on the ball. To complete the seal, Morgan holds Tizzano’s legs when he is prone on the ground to prevent him returning to play. Played him off the ball.

The TMO review even establishes that there is head contact with no clear wrap which is a penalty. Mitigation is only applied to see if it is or isn’t a card and what colour it might be, but head contact is a penalty. In any phase of play.

Itoje’s reaction and dealings with Harry Wilson are arrogant (“Ah, just go way!”) as he attempts to influence the ref. He knows what Morgan did - IRE v ENG in this years 6N involved Beirne holding Itoje’s leg from the base of the scrum which took him out of the defensive line and allowed Kelleher to score. The refs got it right that day and overruled the score.

Such obvious things should not be missed nowadays at this level with the technology available.

I agree by the way on Sheehan’s try. He dives to score but only after jumping to avoid the tackle of 3 players. He jumps before he dives/scores so it shouldn’t have stood.

He also tapped the ball beyond the 5 metre line.

My unedited comments history will confirm this.

It's a hugely tough ask for the kid generally, he's done ok and looking better all the time.

Finn Russell has been one of the biggest points of difference between the teams though. The gulf in class and experience at 10 is a big deal. Lynagh did ok for a young man and he is looking more confident with every minute.