Welcome one and all to the fourth instalment of Six Nations Talking Points. This week did not fail to disappoint in terms of entertainment with controversy and excitement across the board.
France win – but Wales should not panic
This game was no classic, but told us a lot about where both of these teams are. France are riding high at the moment and for all their attacking flair, they needed to dig deeper to beat Wales. A strong physical display followed, with a vital win on the way to potentially their first Six Nations title since 2010. Shaun Edwards has truly revolutionised this French side, with their defence on another level to the other sides in this tournament. Will a Grand Slam follow? It remains to be seen.
Wales performed well, demonstrating their character and physical edge which has served them well in recent years. Dan Biggar steered the ship well and the return of Josh Navidi is a positive going forward. Wales dominated territory and possession in the second half, with 67% and 59% respectively. They just struggled to turn chances into scores, but they are clearly building. This tournament has not been a complete disaster for Wales, despite the horror show in Dublin and tight losses to England and France.
Charris of Fire – but issues for Scotland
Chris Harris is a baller, say no more. In all seriousness, Harris finished off two slick counter attacks for Scotland in a decent, if uninspiring, performance in Rome. Scotland started sluggishly, but kicked into action after an early scare. The Scotland counterattack was the most encouraging aspect of this performance. Ali Price, Stuart Hogg and Harris quickly turned Italian possession into Scotland scores, storming down the pitch with tenacity and pace. Scotland’s clinical attack was the point of difference in their win over England in their opening match of the tournament and this game was no different (despite it being against Italy).
Despite these positives, there were negatives for Scotland. Allowing the impotent Italy to score three tries is a blemish against this side. Their defence has faltered this tournament, conceding 11 tries already this tournament, and they have not played their bogey team Ireland yet who they have not beaten since 2017. They have also given away the most penalties in the tournament at 46. Scotland were a ferocious defensive outfit last season and looked to be continuing this form when they faced England, but they have regressed in recent weeks. With Ireland on the horizon, Scotland need a rethink and a reset. Finn Russell’s performances this tournament have rightfully been called into question. Most concerningly, his work rate has been an issue. Viral clips of him jogging against France, and similar instances against Italy, will do him no favours as he struggles for form. For Scotland to really tick, they need the mercurial Russell to be on song. Without him, they will struggle.
The score line flattered Italy
I hate criticising Italy. I often feel nothing but sympathy for the Azzurri, as I believe they are dealt harsh hands and lack the same support as the other Nations. Regardless, the score line in this fixture was kind to Italy. They started well, as always, but faded, as always. Italy scored three tries, but two of them were largely down to Scottish defensive lapses. The talented Paolo Garbisi squandered opportunities from the boot, with a mere 50% kick success. The main thing I took from this performance was just how passive Italy were, in both attack and defence. Their carrying was weak, only beating 29 defenders to Scotland’s 40. Their tackling was rarely dominant, with Scotland cutting through with relative ease at times.
To improve, Italy must work on their power game and fitness. Their various positive performances over the years have often come from quick starts or springing surprises on their opposition (i.e. Ruckgate at Twickenham in 2017). However, the side falter and do not maintain their early leads or positive performances. To maintain such positive aspects, they need to become much more dominant in the collision, in both attack and defence. Further, Italy often collapse due to fitness issues. England’s road to the final in the 2019 World Cup was aided by their exemplary fitness, whilst New Zealand’s successes over the years were contributed to by their strong fitness. It might sound basic, but Italy need to get their players up to the physical condition required for Test match rugby. This would go a long way in building towards any form of success. To keep the baying dogs of relegation and promotion from the door, Italy need to improve quickly. With their u20s recording a solid win over Scotland, the roots could be there for Italian rugby. They just need to capitalise on their young players. Some nations get lucky with a strong crop of young players coming through at once, building relationships in the age groups and creating a backbone of the team from a young age. Italy may have this on their hands – they need to be careful not to squander the opportunity.
England much more than plucky losers but Ewels is Ewels
When Charlie Ewels was red carded in the second minute against Ireland, the whole of Twickenham and pubs up and down England groaned. Predictions of a cricket score and a record England loss were not to be scoffed at if posited by fans, especially when James Lowe scampered to the line with apparent ease. The panic etched across all England fans’ faces when the first scrum was called swiftly evaporated when Ellis Genge began a vintage performance. Genge and the rest of the forward pack monstered Ireland in the scrum and provided the physical challenge which Eddie Jones cheekily alluded to in the build-up. Maro Itoje was truly colossal, while Jamie George reminded Jones why he should not have omitted him in the Autumn. The ‘will they, won’t they’ of England potentially winning this game made for box office entertainment, with the team defying the odds until they ran out of steam until the end. The old adage that coaches learn more in losses than victories was evidenced in this game – England showed bravery, hunger and desire we have not seen from this team in some time. It would have been nice to see the dominance converted into points, but Ireland were good value for their man advantage in defence. England should have turned Ireland’s shortcomings into points, particularly with Ireland conceding a whopping 17 turnovers to England’s six, and Ireland conceding 15 penalties to eight. England’s stunted attack was not helped by the red card, but it desperately needs fixing if this side want to kick on. I do not want to go into England’s attacking impotence for the forth week in a row, but it needs resolving. Despite staring down the barrel of a second straight fifth place finish in the Championship, England will presumably not see it as a disaster, depending on how the game against France pans out. This game should not paper over the cracks, but it must be seen as a positive for this side and one they can take forward.
Also, a quick word on the “red cards ruin games” brigade. This game just proved that this statement is nonsense. This was a classic, from start to finish. Despite the loss, no England fan could really be annoyed by what occurred after Ewels’ brainless act in the first two minutes. This game was a modern classic, in spite of the red card, not because of it. Jack Nowell’s performance in the back row (which Jones had promised in a tongue in cheek fashion years ago), England’s brave defence and the sheer desperation of the affair would not have happened without the red card. Further, if anyone complains about Ewels’ red card, then they clearly have not been watching the game. The tackle was not just a red card after the recent increased scrutiny on head injuries, this tackle was a red card years ago. Upright, head on head, no mitigation and no attempt to lower his body position – stonewall. Sadly for Ewels, I would not be surprised to see that be the last we see of him in an England shirt. England players have been frozen out by Eddie Jones for far less, particularly those who failed to perform against Japan at Twickenham in 2018 and were never seen again in the white shirt.
Ireland kept their heads
Jonny Sexton said after this game that a couple of years ago, Ireland would have lost this game. A man up against a team with momentum, away from home and being dominated at scrum time, teams with a lesser mentality may have succumbed to the pressure. Ireland, however, did not capitulate. They stood tall and kept their heads, despite conceding over twice the number of penalties and turnovers that England did. They bided their time, firmly finishing England off when they had truly run out of energy and momentum. Jamison Gibson-Park kept England on their toes, with his quick ball and composure maintaining Ireland’s calm demeanour. They seemed calm in the cauldron of Twickenham and did not force the point. Their experience shone through, with Sexton guiding the side to their victory. This poise was ultimately the difference and Ireland pounced on England’s fatigue with two late scores to take the game. Ireland’s new boys also stepped up, with Dan Sheehan providing physicality, while Finlay Bealham came on and scored. This has been a great tournament for Ireland thus far, with this victory presumably the highlight, save for if they win the tournament.
Spain qualify for the Rugby World Cup
Some news coming from the Rugby Europe Championship, with Spain’s win over Portugal confirming their place in 2023 World Cup in France. Spain have not been in Rugby World Cup since 1999. The growth of the game is in full swing with this qualification and hopefully a more diverse set of nations will continue to qualify. Spanish sports publication Marca had the Spanish national team on its front cover, so hopefully it will drum more attention on the sport in Spain. Unfortunately for Spain, they are in a group with South Africa, Ireland and Scotland. There was never going to be an easy group, but South Africa and Ireland will present a scary challenge. However, this Spanish side will relish the opportunity and I cannot wait to see them take to the field in France next year.
Predictions
As we approach the final weekend, Ireland and France are scrapping it for the title. France are chasing a Grand Slam and a first title since 2010, while Ireland will want to show their progress with a title under their belts. England will be looking to ruin France’s party and avoid another fifth placed finish, while Scotland will be looking to exorcise their Dublin demons. Another fascinating weekend lies ahead:
· Wales v Italy: Wales by 20. I think they will offer a sterner test for Italy, with players in this squad needing to prove a point to Wayne Pivac.
· Ireland v Scotland: Ireland by 15. Scotland’s defensive frailties could be badly exposed in Dublin, with Ireland possessing far more guile, nous and physicality.
· France v England: The most confusing fixture of the bunch. France have a history of collapsing when the pressure is on and Jones will have made it his priority to find a way of ruining France’s day. This could be close, but I think France will win by seven. Le Crunch should be anything but dull.
Thank you for joining me for another week of Six Nations action, tune in next week for our final instalment of Talking Points.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the pictures in this blog, nor do I claim to.