Friday night in my home was a grumpy place to be. Black looks sent the dogs to the far corners of the garden, children minded their p's and q's. Then after the excruciating defeat by Wales, as they cruelly picked the leaves off our shamrock, the third degree by my wife. 'So did Ireland win? But I thought Wales were rubbish. Are Ireland no good now? So are they out of the championship? I'm trying to give non monosyllabic, civil answers, while I'd far rather be discussing (or having) something more pleasant, like root canal treatment.
So we lost anyway, starting well, looking good for 20 minutes, then losing our way, with Wales seeming to score all too easily, and in fairness playing well. We dropped the ball, turned it over too easily, our tackling went awol, Murray was injured...overall, a forgettable performance. We seem to be struggling against the teams from the UK, while finding success against the continental teams. Can we not get say Spain and Portugal into the competition, so it'll be easier to show our true ability? Anyway, time to regroup, practice out tackling and get ready to man up for England.
Italy and France played out an enjoyable match, lots of tries and free flowing rugby, with the Italians losing but not disgracing themselves.
Finally, Scotland were brought back down to earth with a thumping defeat to England. Injuries to key players have taken the steam out of their challenge this year. England meanwhile, found inspiration in the form of Jonathan Joesph, who ran through the Scottish defense as if it wasn't there. The Scots were outfought, outsmarted and out-muscled. That's probably the best English performance in a year, claiming the Six Nations with a match to spare. Hopefully now they have that they have that out their systems, they can ease their foot off the peddle for next week. A tough tough day for Scotland, but on their day they'll still put it up to any team.
Saturday 11th March
Italy 18 40 France FT
England 61 21 Scotland FT
Friday 10th March
Wales 22 9 Ireland
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