6 Nations - Wales did enough, Ireland and England did well, and the French were unbelievable - but not in a good way

Star in the making (Picture http://bit.ly/z5IfzO )

Wales opened up the weekend by beating Italy comfortably in the end, but the match was a dull as ditchwater.  George Clancy blew the game, and his ears will be burning from what’s being said about him in Wales. Italy had a good day on defence, Wales had a poor day on attack and the resu....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Where was I?  It was an ordinary day at the office for Wales, who peaked in their win against Ireland, and have been winning ever since, but slipping in their performances. Italy’s backline is completely clueless, treating the ball like a live grenade, to be disposed of as quickly as possible.
That was the starter, the main course was Ireland taking on Scotland, where there was more excitement in every 5 minute spell in the first half than in the whole of the first game. Scotland need a good playmaker at 10 so badly it’s just not funny. They have forwards to burn, but the backline is a barren zone for creativity. It’s 15 against 8 when they play Ireland, and Ireland faltered a few times but they always had a few more gears to go to when they needed to. Ryan, O’Mahoney, Ferris and Kearney were all superb, the whole team stood up, and we have a good bench these days too. Bowe would have got a try if the officials hadn’t got all technical. We’ve scored the most points in the tournament so far, and have the best points difference too.  We get to go to Twickenham with our tails up, while Scotland face the grim battle of the wooden spoon with Italy next weekend.


France entertained England in Paris, on a day when the English shone. They didn’t really have to do anything special, just whatever need to be done, while the French tied themselves in knots, played in fits and starts and generally fannied about as you’d expect the French to. Owen Farell is a star in the making, and Croft is back to his best. Apart from Dusatoir , Harinordiquay, and Fofana in patches, France were pretty desperate. This is Wales Slam in all but name now.

Saturday , March 10
Wales 24 - 3 Italy 
Ireland 32 - 14 Scotland
Sunday , March 11
France 22 - 24 England