England and Wales inched closer to a potential Six Nations title decider by extending their 100 per cent records at the weekend.
Here, we break down the good and bad points from the weekend’s action.
ENGLAND
Good: The Red Rose’s ruthless edge is back and they followed up a comprehensive win over Ireland in round one with a 44-8 hammering of France on Sunday. Their imperious win at Twickenham was highlighted by a flawless kicking game that saw Owen Farrell stretch the back three at every opportunity. Man-of-the-match Jonny May was one player to benefit from the well-executed tactics with a hat-trick of tries inside the opening half hour.
Bad: It’s hard to find any weakness in this team after two Grade A performances over the last two weeks.
FRANCE
Good: For all the lack of fight and enthusiasm they showed, Les Bleus improved in the second period with the introduction of youngsters Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack. Two superb players who need to start against Scotland. But, in general, they are clearly a team without a plan, short or long-term.
Bad: France’s defence, particularly kick defence, was comical and they conceded four of the six tries from a combination of poor reading and just a general lack of commitment to the contest. Basic skills are below par and the fitness is poor – something that again underlines how far behind the TOP 14 is. Any time a club team in France is struggling, the answer is to open the cheque book for a southern hemisphere star rather than honing a quality young academy prospect. Widespread changes are needed in France.
IRELAND
Good: An improved showing by Joe Schmidt’s men. Although it was far from a captivating performance, the Kiwi will be happy to have returned to winning ways. The set piece was solid – 100 per cent success rate at line out and scrum time – and the displays of Rob Kearney, James Ryan and Sean O’Brien were all the more impressive.
Bad: Talisman Johnny Sexton failed an HIA (Head Injury Assessment) in the first half and that could rule him out for three weeks. And the Men in Green are already without primary line-out caller Devin Toner for the remainder of the tournament.
SCOTLAND
Good: Dominated the Irish during the first half with 60 per cent territory and 50 per cent possession, but were only able to put 10 points on the score board. An improved showing against France will be crucial to their prospects and confidence for the rest of the campaign.
Bad: Too many mistakes. Although Ireland were guilty of making plenty of errors, Scotland had their fair share too, gifting Conor Murray an early try following a defensive mix-up. After the break, the slack defending was evident when Allan Dell and Rob Harley failed to tackle Joey Carbery and the Munster man paved the way to send Keith Earls in from close range.
WALES
Good: The Dragons are riding their own wave of momentum, equalling the longest unbeaten run in their Test match history. An 11th successive victory in Rome – an unconvincing victory – gives them the chance to break the record against a powerful England side on February 23. A win would be the perfect lift towards the Six Nations title.
Bad: Lacked ruthlessness at times during the first half against Italy, but with ten changes from the triumph over France, it was always going to be difficult to play some consistent and attractive rugby.
ITALY
Good: It’s difficult to pick out many positive points when Italy play these days. Lagging behind the other five teams, the sole shining light from the weekend’s display was the performance of back-rower Braam Steyn.
Bad: The Azzurri followed their 33-20 defeat to Scotland in round one by extending their losing streak in the competition going back to February 2015. The ability in the team is there, but unfortunately the confidence isn’t. Losing to a second-string Wales side will not improve it either.
