6 nations - round 2pt1

England v Italy
Italy didn't front up, unlike last week when they pushed Ireland. This means one of: England are very good, Ireland are very bad, or Italy are erratic. So complete was the Italian collapse, that it was difficult to tell how good the English performance was. The platform provided by the forwards was solid, and the backs, Chris Ashton in particular, were slick. There were too many holes in the Italian defence, which meant the English one of the ruck approach worked. Commentators were all over the English, claiming the continuing renaissance of English rugby. I'm still not convinced. And I don't think they have grand slam potential.

Scotland v Wales
Wales started strongly, with reasonably quick turnover at ruck time, even if they didn't use width. The Welsh changed their first-five, a decision that has seemingly rejuvenated what has looked a very poor team. Scotland are not doing themselves any favours with poor ball retention during rucks and mauls, which is not the way to dominate a game.
The second half was scrappy, and I think a lot of Scotland's woes came from their very slow halfback. Admittedly he didn't get a decent platform from the forwards, but his decision making was far too slow. That meant he had to use one of the ruck, anything wider and it would be begging for an intercept. It's not pretty to watch, and they are really missing the injured chris cusitor.
The game was crap, poor control by both teams and neither forward pack stood up. Neither team deserved to win.
On this performance, Scotland don't look like they are progressing from last years development. Wales, scratching out the win, may take heart - but really, they shouldn't.


I want to reiterate my confusion concerning the cross-field kick. Why? For every 10 attempts, it comes off once. Sure it looks great when it does, but every other time, all you're doing is kicking away possession. And yet, it's so prevalent in Northern Hemisphere rugby. Again, why?

The only winner of the day? beer. It promised much and delivered.