Six Nations Starts and Superbowl Tomorrow

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

tut tut this nationalist sentiment; yep it was the linesman's error and the ref awarded the try ... but that doesn't change the fact of a rule breach that the linesman failed to identify ...and it was glaring

just as this afternoon when it was called back ... for the same reason ...another ball and a quick throw


England unconvincing i thought against an impressively competitive Scotland but a win is a win, and winning poorly is better than losing well in the history books ...

the Dublin game will be tense, and Wales France too; the French pride is severely dented by the Italians ...great Championship

[Rolmill]

Oh dear. Two weeks ago I felt that France and England looked a cut above the other four sides - however, on this weekend's showing none of the 6 nations are going to cause sleepless nights in the southern hemisphere. Delighted to see Italy move on (wholly deservedly) from plucky loser status, and very relieved to see England (undeservedly) prevent Scotland from doing the same, but I felt we saw three rather poor-quality games this weekend.

Not sure why people have a problem with JW coming on as a sub so regularly - making full use of the 22 man squad is now part of the modern international game and all the sides do it (e.g. Parks, O'Gara both used the same way this weekend). We could make the same point about Care always coming on for Youngs.

As for Ashton, it's not his ability to run in a straight line that gets him tries, it's his work-rate and positional sense which puts him in the right position to take the scoring pass.

Looking forward to next weekend - expectations are:
- Scotland v Italy: dour and attritional
- France v Wales: loose and open (unless Lievremont thinks his job is under threat)
- Ireland v England: tense, close and frustrating (for an Englishman!)

[Anna]

tut tut this nationalist sentiment; yep it was the linesman's error and the ref awarded the try ... but that doesn't change the fact of a rule breach that the linesman failed to identify ...and it was glaring

It's what the Welsh team described as 'a little bit of luck came our way'

Not a good match this afternoon. Scotland definitely the brighter team in the first half hour, England seemed rather leaden I thought, they only came to life about 20 mins before the end when they wheeled on four pairs of fresh legs, including Wilkinson of course (I was so glad when he missed his last but one drop goal, I know it's not cheating to bring him on .....), brilliant last ditch try by Scotland but personally I thought a draw would be the best result because, as you say England just didn't convince. Barclay should not have been yellow carded and it's the first time I've seen a ref go off injured. The Dublin game should indeed be the one to watch.

[Anna]

At the risk of replying to myself - what an afternoon so far - Phew!!

England looked like a bunch of amatuers and where have Ireland been hiding all this time? I know, even if Wales beat France England win it on points for, but to be honest, do they deserve it and do England have to wheel out Wilkinson every time, if he can't play a whole match or, is Englands weakness that they are fielding an under 25 squad?

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

England were comprehensively out played by Ireland .... as were Wales by France ... and Scotland scored two tries at Murrayfield and no wooden utensil etc ..and England are somewhat dodgy champions .... lot for the coaches to mull on this year my favourites were Italy who, except against England, gave a very good account of themselves

[aeolium]

Six pretty average sides I thought, and no-one will be betting on a Northern Hemisphere rugby team winning the World Cup this autumn.

It seems to me rugby has lost its lustre in the last couple of years (since the last Lions tour in fact). Defences are too well-organised, the scrum is a badly-refereed shambles and there aren't many stand-out players. After a truly dreadful football World Cup last year we could have a disappointing and predictable rugby World Cup (and not a very thrilling cricket World Cup, except when England play).

[Anna]

I really enjoyed the Ireland v England match and yes, they were totally outclassed as were Wales by France. I was cheering Scotland on as I so much wanted them to have a win and I agree with you, Italy were my favourites. Martin Johnson said they were 'scarred' by the experience and said his team's inexperience played a part in their poor display. So why pick 10 players who are under 25? If they had beaten Ireland and taken The Grand Slam I really don't think they would have been totally convincing winners. So, it's the World Cup to look forward to next.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

presumably to give the younger players experience before the world cup; Ireland played like an ordinary All Blacks side on an average day and over ran England so one has to agree that the S hemisphere will be very tough to beat on the current form of the N sides...