We've seen for a few weeks now that Gordon D'Arcy is a dab hand at this rugby analysis lark, but he's really outdone himself with his latest Irish Times column. The Leinster centre has taken the scalpel to England's defeat to Wales and the result has been rather intriguing.
England fans have been debating among themselves about the merits and drawbacks of having Sam Burgess in the squad, now D'Arcy's analysis has seemingly kicked that debate into overdrive. The column has been picked up by the likes of The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Daily Mail and that has given English fans the chance to reflect on an opinion from outside the English rugby circle and the reaction has been very interesting.
@TelegraphRugby @TelegraphSport I agree with the Barritt comments but find the Burgess attack a bit harsh. He's got a lot to say Mr D'Arcy
— Matthew Johnson (@johnnersgolf) September 30, 2015
@TelegraphRugby Sam Burgess gets better and better D,Arcy gets worse by the day I could show you what embarrassing is !!! — John Buffin (@JohnBuffin1) September 30, 2015
@TelegraphRugby Another shit article... Burgess did the job asked of him, it went pear shaped after he came off...
— Mark McCarthy (@Macca1000bath) September 30, 2015
@TelegraphRugby Easy saying this from your armchair Gordan. Arguably intro of two 10s giving Roberts free reign of the midfield cost England — William Stephen (@Will_E4Rugby) September 30, 2015
I do hope Sam Burgess and Gordon Darcy go head to head on the pitch one day. My money is on Sam. http://t.co/oSI3GARpR7
— Paul Tyrrell (@TyrrellPaul) September 30, 2015
@RugbyPodcast Everyone really does love to hate the English! Bore off Gordon! http://t.co/kwwBIj0CUu — GlennJB (@GlennJB1) September 30, 2015
@_PaulHayward He did what was asked of him, I'd love to see Darcy after playing 9 months of league. Its bomber he should be having a pop at.
— Ian Whitfield (@blocks2u) September 30, 2015
This is garbage. #ENG were well in front when Burgess subbed. D'Arcy even admits Burgess made difference for our try https://t.co/7DhGbtodW8
— matt (@mattlittafc) September 30, 2015
Today it's Gordon D'Arcy's turn to bash Burgess/England. The #RWC2015 is showcasing the worst of the press. Average journalism at best
— Alistair Vince (@alistair_vince) September 30, 2015
Granted, there's also been quite a lot of praise for D'Arcy's writing but it's very interesting to see the reaction when an outsider's viewpoint into thrown into the mix on a topic that really seems to be dividing opinion in English rugby.
Everyone may not agree with him but D'Arcy has certainly got people to sit up and take notice of what he has to say. Get that man on TV for the Six Nations is all we have to say.
