Now the dust has settled on the second round of Six Nations fixtures, there are still plenty of talking points that just refuse to go away.
The main one of those being the try controversy in the England and Wales game. To be honest I think we ended up with the right outcome – just not for the right reasons. If you look at things purely on the grounding then it’s clearly a try, but having seen quite a few replays I think there might just be a knock-on from Steff Evans in the lead-up.
It certainly got people talking, and just when things seemed to be dying down World Rugby decided to chime in. Their statement was really unnecessary. They would have been much better just staying quiet on the subject and moving on. As it was they just got everyone worked up again.
We should have been talking about the game – which on the face of things was disappointing for Wales, but now a week later I think they will have taken plenty of positives from it.
For the first time in a while we are seeing a progression with Wales in the way they play. They are a lot more attacking and entertaining and we are seeing all the players heavily involved. One of the things critical to this great handling and interlinking from the forwards – they are showing some really silky skills, and that’s giving the backs some time and space to do their thing.
They are also developing some strength in depth. If you looked at the squad before the Six Nations started they had a huge injury list that included a lot of their big stars, but players have come in a done well which is great for the future.
Standing out: Owen Farrell was once again one of England’s best performers v Wales.
One of those players has been Gareth Anscombe who shone at Twickenham. He’s been in Wales a few years and has never set the world alight and I know there were a lot of thoughts that Warren Gatland was overlooking players in favour of him. But against England, when he moved to 10, he played very well and looked really dangerous with ball in hand. It will be interesting to see if he keeps the 10 shirt against Ireland with Dan Biggar back, it’s going to be quite a strategic game and may well suit a tactical kicker a bit more.
A lot of people had been talking England up as potential World Cup winners, but I don’t see it, especially on that performance. They have some outstanding players such as Owen Farrell and Joe Launchbury, but then there are some I just don’t think should be in the side. It surprises me every time I see Dylan Hartley there as captain. Jamie George has started three Lions Tests and won trophies with Saracens but is only on the bench. I don’t agree with having your captain come off after 55 minutes every week either – he should be there until the end, leading the troops. Eddie Jones sees something in him though – but I do wonder if it’s just the coach showing everyone who’s boss by not dropping him despite public opinion.
One man who England did miss is Ben Youngs. I think he’s a class act at nine and controls a game so well. I see Danny Care as more of a finisher who can find gaps late on, but doesn’t have qualities Youngs does – and that showed.
Away from that game, Ireland are looking very good and in Conor Murray and Jonny Sexton have a very good nine and 10 who can control games and make things happen.
Breaking down: Italy’s defence against Ireland left a lot to be desired.
I do have to ask about Italy though, have they even got a defence coach? They were all over the place – like 15 individuals trying to play a team sport. I just don’t see any development in the Italians. They have players in that team who I was playing against 14 years ago. Sergio Parisse is an outstanding player but who is there to replace him? They don’t seem to have established a system of bringing young players into the international team from the club game, and without that they will continue to struggle.
Ireland will have much tougher tests. Wales will be a lot more in their face, and will target nine and 10 and try and get them on the floor. You know they are going to do that wraparound play so you have to be up quickly to stop it. Wales did it to Sexton last year and will try and do the same again. But on the whole Ireland do look strong, and well structured – and will be full of confidence after the first two games.
Finally, Scotland did well to bounce back with a win against France. Greig Laidlaw may not be the flashiest scrum-half around but he’s certainly consistent with his goal-kicking and that’s what ultimately won them the game.
While they got back to winning ways, I still think Scotland have issues. Finn Russell has lost his edge and I am not a fan of all the laughing and joking he does on the pitch either. It wasn’t for me when I was playing, I just wanted to keep focused, and when you’ve missed touch from two penalties and missed a tackle that led to a try it gives the impression you aren’t bothered, which I’m sure isn’t the case but doesn’t look good.
France got themselves in a good position in the game but let themselves down through ill-discipline. I know a lot of people in France and they are just as frustrated as I am with their national team at the moment. Next up is Italy and they have to produce then.
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