6 Nations: round 1

Continuing my unbiased reporting of the 6 nations...

Wales v England yawnfest. England deserved to win, kinda. Very boring game, and the Welsh looked directionless throughout. Toby Flood is developing well as the English 1/5. and cements my placing of England as third. I think they've slipped from any development they showed over the Winter series. Wales won't trouble the semi-finals, and possibly the quarters in the RWC.

Ireland v Italy Ireland looked crap, Italy played well and deserved to win - was just the experience of the Irish (O'Gara and O'D in particular) that kept them in the game.

Scotland v France After the French debacle against Aussie last year, expectations were not high. But by god they came out to play. Excellent performance, in particular the French forward pack blew the fancied Scots pack off the field. The French backrow, through to center, are playing brilliantly. Should be a real handful, if the 'good' team turns up, at the RWC. Pick for first in the 6 nations.
The Scots didn't play poorly, but with that performance the French would have pushed Aus/NZ/SAF.

me