Another weekend of the 6N down, only two more to go and the English are determined not to start counting chickens quite yet. Here's my take on the weekend games:
Italy 16 v 24 Wales
I thought Wales might try and use this game to break out from the rut they've been experiencing recently. They've now won two games after their run of losses but I still think this performance was well below par.
The Italians naturally fronted up well, their pack is as physical as any led from the back by a brilliant captain. However the back line is still missing a lot of quality. Italy have tried importing players from abroad who have a hint of Italian blood (I think the lasagna I've just eaten might qualify me to play for them!) but things still aren't clicking. The half backs are from being fit to play Test rugby and it doesn't get much better the further back you go. Only Bergamascu is of test standard and lets face it, he's never going to get close to a World XV!
As for Wales - well they have the backs, they just seem intent on not really using them. My memory isn't brilliant I'll grant you, but I barely remember Jamie Roberts getting his hands on the ball. Here, the Welsh possess what was once one of the most formidable weapons of attack - yet they never pull the trigger. Hook needs more consistent time at 10 and told to go out and play his usual game. Mike Phillips is also still struggling to make an impact this year. Lee Byrne showed improvements in this game but he's still short of the form that he's demonstrated in previous years.
As for the next games, Italy take on France. Their one advantage is that its in Rome but I don't really give them much hope! The Welsh host Ireland in Cardiff. The one thing that might work for them is the amount of penalties they might get. The Irish defence is strong though so Wales will have to work bloody hard for any openings.
England 17 v 9 France
Ooooooh that was a tight brutal match! As fun as it's been to watch England's backs play with flair and penache, it was equally fun to see England's forwards step up and play brilliantly to win a tough match.
This was a classic game of two halves, the French probably edging the first and were a kick away from going in with a 9-12 lead. England came out for the second half firing on all cylinders though and from the off made a chance and took it. Ben Foden hasn't been getting the plaudits of his Northampton team mate, but he's just as good and well on his way to being a great player. I think over the next few games we may see him running from deep a bit more a la Jason Robinson.
England did give some daft penalties away in the first half and France on the whole took advantage. However whilst they battered away at the English line they didnt really create any clear cut chances. There was of course one which Rougerie (who played well through most of the game) knocked on - much to the relief of every English man, woman and child watching. Other than that, the English defence looked solid, they'll be tested more severely against the Southern Hemisphere sides but at least they look like they can compete.
England's man of the match, Tom Palmer, played a blinder but then I felt every forward did. I did worry a little when Sheridan went off but Corbisiero came on and did a superb job. To think that Lawes, Croft and Moody are all to come back. Not sure where they're going to go though ?!?
So next up France are beating Italy in Rome and England host the Scots. Always a tough match for England but I'd expect them to win it on this form. It's either going to be another nail biter or a blow out - I wouldnt expect anything in between!
Scotland 18 v 21 Ireland
I thought Scotland improved in this game when compared against their lack lustre performance against Wales. But there's still the age old problem of their inability to score a try.
Ireland's game again was marred by giving away silly penalties. When the opposition has a kicker as good as Chris Paterson in the team then you need to be extra disciplined in your own half. It cost them the game against France and if they keep doing it they'll be punished by both Wales and England. I'll grudgingly agree that O'Gara played a good tactical game and put Ireland into the right area's of the pitch. Inside the 22 though I didnt see anything that would worry too many better teams. The first try was because two players went for the same man and left a hole big enough to get Cipriani's ego through. The second try, Scotland failed to tackle Heaslip properly from a scrum and get him down on the floor before Reddan walked through another Atlantic size hole. The third was a bad tackle on O'Gara who's so small he was able to wriggle away and score.
The ref had an indifferent game, the main flaw was the length of time he left between touch-pause-engage. It seemed like an eon of time which led to some frustrated front rowers and penalties.
Scotland pushed hard through the first half but rarely looked like breaking through. The Irish defended well, turned the ball over and O'Gara kicked them back into the opposition half.
Next up Ireland travel to Wales and Scotland to Twickenham. Ireland will have to be as strong in defence but they need to find some more cutting edge in attack - I don't think BoD has been so quiet during a six nations (maybe he's saving himself for England!). Scotland need to sort out their defence and find something that helps them score a try or two! I've said it before and I'll no doubt say it again - they're looking like England when Andy Robinson was in charge!
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