One weekend down, four to go!

So the first weekend of the Six Nations kicked off the competition with a bang!  Here's my thoughts on the games and also the upcoming games for this week

Wales 19 v 26 England
Well, as an Englishman it's tough not to be happy with this result!  There is definite room for improvement but again, I'm going to be biased and say that's purely down to it being the first game!

As all the pundits have been saying, Toby Flood had a great game at 10 and the new boy, Tom Wood, also played well.  Flood kicked very well and is proving that he does have the talent to play at this level.  There was still the nice comforting feeling when Wilkinson came on and kicked a penalty - but thats just a habit.  In that form Flood would have kicked it over as well and got on with the game!  The lock pairing were solid but it's lacking dynamism in that department without Lawes.  The back three attacked and defended well.  There was only one or two scary defensive moments, one of which resulted in Wales' try.  Other than that, Wales never really looked like they wantedd to attack!

Maybe Gatland and Edwards are bossing the decisions too much and Howley can't get a word in, but Wales looked slack in attack.  I had to remind myself that Jamie Roberts and Shane Williams were on the field because Wales never tried to use them.  The Wales back row performed well but thats about all you can say from a positive point of view!  Mike Phillips needs replacing with someone faster in miind, hands and feet - the slow attack started with him and never got going.

Wales have selected Hook at number 10 this week, though Gatland caveated that by saying he had to be disciplined.  Why?  Hook is one of the most naturally gifted attacking fly halves in the world - why tell him to hold back when what Wales need is him playing his natural game and feeding the two good centres.

As for England, they'll play a confident and physcial Italian side.  The Azzuri will be in positive mood despite their narrow loss to Ireland.  The game is at HQ though so expect England to win - maybe by not as much as we thought at the start of the year though!

France 34 v 21 Scotland
Scotland the brave!  They gave the French a good match but in the end the individual quality of the French players shined through.

Scotland did play well, they're a big physcial side and they tried to boss the game but once the French backs got the ball they just tore through the Scots line.  Medard in particular was looking very tasty, he's going to cause some massive problems in the weeks ahead for defenses.  The return of Trinh-Duc for the French is also enough for them to forget their autumn troubles, he looks pretty tasty at 10 and probably the best option in that position that France have had since Freddie Michalak was in his pomp.

The French also did well at the scrum where they won a penalty try - though I think Mr Barnes could have given it earlier then he eventually did.  All of the forwards had a pretty good game for France capped off with a try from Harinordoquy.  He seems to have been around for ever but is a class player and gets better every year.

As for Scotland, well it seems as though they're playing a little like England did when Andy Robinson was in charge there.  The forwards look good but there's still a lack of something behind the pack.

As for the next games, well France in Ireland is going to be huge.  The Irish will really need to pick their game up to even compete with the French if they play in the same rich vein of form.

Scotland face off at home against the Welsh.  Like Ireland, Wales will need to pick up their game to get anything out of that.  Based on last weekends performance Scotland should dominate up front and I'd give them the win.

Italy 11 v 13 Ireland
Well.  What can we say?  Nearly a massive upset here.  Italy were good in defence but really, Ireland were poor.  Lots of silly errors all over the pitch - as pass too high from O'Driscoll to an open McFadden seemed to cap off the Irish performance.  Saying that, without the talisman that is BOD - things probably would have been a lot different.

In some senses, rightfully so all the attacks go through O'Driscoll at some point - but there's no one else that is helping him out to create that spark.  I've seen Sexton do it for Leinster so hope that he can reproduce the form for Ireland.  O'Gara managed to big himself up a bit for coming on and "seeing the game out".  Fact is that when he came on Ireland were winning and moved to a losing position before he finally spared the blushes with a customary drop goal.

Ireland need to find someone else to play in the centre with O'Driscoll.  I really think that Northampton's James Downey should be given a shot in the 12 shirt.  He's been brilliant for his club - maybe because he's in England he doesn't get the recognition he should?

As for Italy, brave, unlucky Italy, well they'll keep going.  They'll give everyone else a good game and may even beat Wales if they don't improve.  I cant see them getting a result against England but it'll be a mightly physical match.

And for Ireland, well they need to face up to France at the Aviva.  Jamie Heaslip is back for the Irish which will be a massive boost.  If they cut out the silly mistakes then they have a chance - but if I were a betting man, and this kills me to say it, my money would be on Les Blues