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Hi wombles222

would you mind if I put this up as an article please?

cheers kath

decent summation womble - thanks

Italy: Looked a different team with Masi at fullback, what a player he's been and what a shame he went off injured against Scotland. Even in a game and half has been one of the best fullbacks in the competition, behind perhaps Foden. Looking more threatening in the backs with Semenzato but sadly their lack of a recognised goal kicker cost them games against Ireland and Wales. Big step backwards in terms of their scrum, Castro appears to be sliding fast. Zanni and Parisse and their locks are quality though. England showed the best way to beat them, smash them hard in contact, then run them off their feet.

Scotland: They always flattered to deceive, and I had a feeling they'd fall flat on their faces in the Six Nations. Not scored a try in two years at Murrayfield says it all about their backline's ability to challenge defenses. They're capable of mugging teams every so often in the pouring rain but that's about it, and now their scrum has gone to pot. Gray is quality in open play though. Jackson at 10 looks a good prospect, they need to stick with him and find a decent inside centre capable of passing the ball. Still very limited, but at least they've tightehed up on their error count which was killing them.

Wales: Hopeless attack, take away Phillips' non-try and they scored the fewest tries in the competition, less than even SCotland and Italy which must be an embarrasment to Howley. Play an incredibly negative brand of rugby, relying on defense and kick chases. Dodgy man management from Gatland. Hook isn't a 10, he needs to stop being messed around and play in his natural position of 13 where his running lines can be put to best use. Wales have finally found a couple of backup props (thanks to injury) who whilst not brilliant, can at least do a job. Warburton is looking very good, and he was a huge loss against France but until they stop playing Phillips at 9, their backline will never look threatening.

France: Responded well to defeat against Italy (even though Lawrence bottled awarding them a match winning penalty in Rome), but still look a poor team. Seem to struggle to string multiple phases together and they lose all shape in attack when the going gets tough, relying on counter-attacking ball and their talented backs to run riot in open play. Excellent front row. Lievrement will stay as head coach until the world cup, which can only be a good thing for England and whoever else is likely to face them. They still have a quality game on their day and seem to like playing NZ....

Ireland: Some excellent individual talent in their team, but lack the confidence and mental strength to win games that actually matter, either in the Six NAtions or the world cup. Predictably up their game against England, as the only one that matters to most of them. Aggressive defense and world class back row ensures they'll always be contenders and they've finally found a decent tighthead to hold their scrum up (after the embarrassment of Hayes and Buckley), and in Bowe they have one of the best wingers in the world. Kidney's replacement policy is a head-scratcher, and nearly cost them the game against Scotland (if I remember correctly).

England: A mixed bag, deserved 6N champions but still a lot of work to do, but that's to be expected with such a young and inexperienced team that will only get better as the years go on. Good scrum, good lineout, good organised defense. Look their most threatening in attack when they bypass their centres. Half backs have lost form at an alarming rate, and it was men against boys at the breakdown in Dublin, Wells has his work cut out for him. Youngs will need to learn how to operate on the back foot. Good strength in depth with plenty of positives for the future. Ashton still a work in progress after all the ludicrous media hype. Big positives player wise: Cole, Palmer, Wood, Foden. On the other hand, Haskell, Ashton, Hartley, Youngs, Flood were encouraging in patches, but need to up their game. Mental toughness to go to Cardiff and win was a positive, the game in Dublin, a negative, looked nervous and exhausted. Seems this time is closer to the 99 vintage though so it could be a few more years before they become a world force. Will reach the QF's later this year, hopefully as top seeds and from there, France and Wales are certainly beatable, and who knows.....

Quote:

Kath.
Hi wombles222
would you mind if I put this up as an article please?

cheers kath

I'd be honoured Kath, thankyou

Quote:

A positive and dominant start, followed by a slow decline.

As the coaches sunk their claws in and got rid of all the good stuff they learn at club level.

done now wombles222 and thank you - hope you like it.

cheers Kath